ABC News: Iraq Q & A

Who says Americans don't get any real news? This ABC News Q & A with a reporter based in Iraq answers readers questions on the situation and clearly he isn't taking a US army press-release view of the conflict. That's the American ABC News by the way.

Like this question:

Steve in Johnston City writes: Is it all bad news in Iraq or is there actually some good news that you could tell us?

Sciutto: I'd like to tell you more good news. The trouble is the problems here are so widespread, so severe, and getting worse rather than better. More Iraqis are dying from terror attacks and action by the U.S. military. Most are still unemployed. Reconstruction has stopped almost completely because of the security situation. Iraqis constantly tell me how can I be happy when I'm worried I won't survive — or my kids won't survive — the day? That is what occupies Iraqis' minds the most.

There are bits of good news. The Shias, who make up the majority of Iraqis, are willing to participate in elections. The radical cleric Moqtada al-Saadr has told his formidable forces to participate as well. The Kurdish north is relatively peaceful and seeing some reconstruction. Arab countries are beginning to recognize the Iraqi government. These are small but hopeful steps. However, this country will not progress as long as the insurgency is so strong — and there are no signs it is truly weakening.

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