Iraq is a country of contrasts. It is at once a modern emerging Middle Eastern nation and at times a throw back to the Middle Ages. Take the booming business of Honor Killings in Basra. The local authorities say the have no control over these paid assassinations that often target young women.
For as little as $100 you can hire a killer to defend your family's honor by assassinating an unfaithful wife, or a disobedient daughter. So far this year, 81 women in the city have been murdered for allegedly bringing shame on their families. Only five people have been convicted. In some cases the police have even been reported to have congratulated the man hiring the killer!
The story is tragic and really shows the gulf between East and West. It should also give pause to anyone who believes they really understand the situation on the ground in Iraq. I seriously doubt anyone does.
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