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Bloggers Reporting from Iraq

What's really going on in Baghdad right now? Check out these blogs posting from Iraq:

Christopher writes:

I'll be out in the thick of it for a while at least... Out with my photographer and seeing what goes on. Not sure if I'll be driving or walking. That will depend on my security guys. This is a free election? Insurgent pamphlets are being distributed that anyone walking to a polling center is a target. Several centers have already been blown up. The fear is thick enough to cut with a knife. The Iraqi security forces—with their American patrons—have tanks at the end of my street. Old Soviet T-55s, but tanks, nonetheless.

No one knows what's going to happen, whether it's the level of violence, the level of turnout or who will win. The Sistani-blessed United Iraqi Alliance (UIA) list is expected to do well, but I would be shocked if it got an absolute majority.

Yahoo has this page of updated photos from Iraq.

Baghdad Burning's last post was Thursday, and Raed in the Middle's was yesterday, but keep checking both.

Empire Notes is another good Iraqi blog, as is A Family in Baghdad.

Good links to news and blogs are available at Iraq Files.

Also blogging the elections but not from Iraq:

[Many thanks to Anna of Annatopia for helping compile this list]

< Rocket Hits U.S. Embassy | Iraqis Divided Over Elections >
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  • Re: Bloggers Reporting from Iraq (none / 0) (#1)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 29, 2005 at 01:16:48 PM EST
    For the sake of Iraq and her people, let us all hope that Iraqis are successful in peacefully electing a govt of their own. The gtreater this success the faster can our troops pull home. The entire middle east, home to tinpot dictators, autocrats and power hungry mullahs ought to explain to their suppressed populace why Iraq can govern itself democratically whilst they can't!

    Re: Bloggers Reporting from Iraq (none / 0) (#3)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 29, 2005 at 03:01:17 PM EST
    Christoper writes - "The Iraqi security forces—with their American patrons..." To use the word "patron" to describe the US forces helping with security, and the Iraqi people who are trying to help themselves provides a clear look into the bias of this person who would be a journalist. And it is just a flat out insulting, despeciable, comment. Shame on him.

    Re: Bloggers Reporting from Iraq (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 29, 2005 at 03:01:41 PM EST
    I'm the owner of Iraq Election Diatribes, and while I welcome a link, none of the contributors to IED are Iraqis. [Ed. Thanks, I moved you to another spot in the post and made it clear you are not posting from Iraq.]

    Re: Bloggers Reporting from Iraq (none / 0) (#4)
    by brian on Sat Jan 29, 2005 at 03:52:40 PM EST
    Poker Player should consider that Albritton is in Iraq, and has been since the shooting started, at great personal risk. Before hurling any insults, you may want to consider your own biases and your independent observations.

    Re: Bloggers Reporting from Iraq (none / 0) (#5)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 29, 2005 at 04:01:05 PM EST
    Websters defines patron as a protector, defender or a person with the granting of church benefice

    Re: Bloggers Reporting from Iraq (none / 0) (#6)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 29, 2005 at 04:23:46 PM EST
    GregZ - patron - "a master in ancient times who freed his slave but retained some rights over him" Brian - See the above definition of patron. I made no comment re his personal courage or character, both of which are most likely of the highest caliber. I merely think that his word selection indicates a bias, and is insulting

    Re: Bloggers Reporting from Iraq (none / 0) (#7)
    by soccerdad on Sat Jan 29, 2005 at 04:40:03 PM EST
    PPJ I can understand you being insulted given the definition you quote, but I think you have to allow that the word does have other definitions. Having read many of Chris' pieces I think GregZ's take on it is closer. Webster lists 7 definitions both your and GregZ's are in there.

    Re: Bloggers Reporting from Iraq (none / 0) (#8)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 29, 2005 at 05:03:28 PM EST
    I guess I was going with more commonly accepted meaning. Perhaps it is semantics Jim. I would not let a blogger trouble you, although you have every right to criticize his work. By the way Jim, others I read an article today that you may enjoy. David Foster Wallace "Tense Present: Democracy, English and the Wars Over Usage" Harpers April 2001 (sorry couldn’t find a link). Although I often disagree with Wallace, I found this article very interesting and timely considering this discussion.

    Re: Bloggers Reporting from Iraq (none / 0) (#9)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 29, 2005 at 05:17:19 PM EST
    GregZ - Perhaps if we knew his politics we might have a better understanding of his meaning. I would think "supporters" would have been a word that is clear, and carries no baggage. BTW - I tried to find the article, but found nothing. Thanks anyway.

    Re: Bloggers Reporting from Iraq (none / 0) (#10)
    by Ray Radlein on Sat Jan 29, 2005 at 07:04:35 PM EST
    I'm the owner of Iraq Election Diatribes, and while I welcome a link, none of the contributors to IED are Iraqis.
    I'm trying hard to figure out whether "IED" is a really terrible set of initials for an Iraqi Elections blog to have or not.

    Re: Bloggers Reporting from Iraq (none / 0) (#11)
    by Che's Lounge on Sun Jan 30, 2005 at 09:40:04 AM EST
    Jim, Why are you so sensitive as to Chris Albritton's politics? Just read his stuff. If you agree, fine. If not, I'm sure the data will back you up. Otherwise, there is no such thing as objective reporting.