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Baghdad âblocks city exodusâ
Edited for length.The Iraqi authorities are reported to be trying to deter residents of the capital, Baghdad, from leaving the city ahead of possible war. The reports come mainly from Iraqi expatriates who recently visited Iraq. They say those who defy the ban will have their homes confiscated. People travelling out of Baghdad with a large amount of luggage are said to have been turned back. It has not been possible to confirm these reports - Iraqis inside the country do not speak openly for fear of reprisals. Although it is difficult to see how the authorities can enforce such a ban on a city the size of Baghdad, with nearly five million inhabitants,... Checkpoints on the roads. Doesn't look dificult to me. ...these reports, if true, would show the regime's determination to use its own people as human shields in the event of war. As expected. The United States has accused Iraq of building hospitals and schools near military targets with the aim of using the civilian population as human shields. The whole country is one man's shield. Posted by: Bulldog 2003-02-25 |
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