Iraqi human rights activist, Ali Hili, reveals that for most ordinary Iraqis, life is now worse than under Saddam Hussein's brutal misrule. Although many Iraqis are attempting to forge a peaceful, democratic future, much of the country is blighted by war, mob rule and sectarian violence. Most people live in a state of permanent insecurity and fear. Suicide bombings, assassinations and death squad killings are daily occurrences. Some of this indiscriminate violence is perpetrated by foreign al-Qaida terrorists and by Sunni insurgents, including loyalists to Saddam's now defunct Baathist regime. Saddam was evil. But even under his savage regime everyday life and personal relationships were never subjected to such extreme moral policing and violent repression. For women and gay people, and for Muslims who follow the “wrong” interpretation of Islam, the clock is being turned back to the Dark Ages. Ali Hili is director of Iraqi LGBT.
09.06.07
