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Red Cross cuts Iraq operations
EFL. Try not to step in the BBC spin.The International Committee of the Red Cross is cutting back its operations in Iraq after warnings that it could be targeted for attack. The number of foreign staff in Baghdad is being reduced to about 50 as the level of violence throughout the country has failed to abate and the organisation fears that US-led forces cannot ensure security. The Red Cross has suffered its own losses with the death of two workers. The organisation said it would be forced to cut services further if the threat to its staff remained. "Itâs a very difficult decision. Itâs a heartbreaking decision for us to reduce our staff," Nada Doumani of the ICRC told the BBC. "We believe these warnings are to be taken seriously... Itâs very depressing for the Iraqis to realise that after four months... they donât feel safe in their own country." The Red Cross tends to stay put when everyone else goes, so its decision to reduce staff is likely to be followed by other agencies, the BBCâs Susannah Price in Baghdad says. Different organisations are reviewing their operations, following Tuesdayâs bombing of the United Nations compound in Baghdad, in which more than 20 people died. [...M]edical personnel working for Spainâs Movement for Peace, Disarmament and Liberty returned from Iraq. "Baghdad is a lawless city," said Doctor Gabriel Espana on arrival in Madrid. Posted by: Bulldog 2003-08-25 |
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