Iraq Death Toll Increases

By Katie Jewison

It has been reported that 434 people have been killed in Iraq since the United States has evacuated the country. This number is one of the highest causalities the country has seen in the last few years. Many of these attacks were aimed at the Shiites which is making many people wonder if the insurgent group Al Qaeda is starting to gain footing since the United States have now pulled out. This group has decreased significantly over the years of the US invasion. Al Qaeda had released a statement saying that they are focusing on targeting the Shiites in an attempt to push back Iran’s influences on Iraq. Although the average number of deaths per day is now at eleven compared to this time last year when it was nine, the Iraqi security officials are claiming that the fight against the insurgents is increasing its success. They have also claimed that it is now easier to fight off the attacks with the United States gone.

I do not understand how the security officials can possibly say that it is now easier to fight off the Al Qaeda. As you can see the number of deaths everyday has greatly increased, showing that the United States involvement was decreasing Al Qaeda's power! I believe that the United States involvement was a large part in eliminating the attacks. Also I believe that these attacks on the Shiites is only going to continue until the insurgents either get what they want or others get involved once again. They seem to be trying to undermine the Shiite-led government's confidence in protecting their people. With all the violence that has increased since the U.S. pull out I believe that Iraq is on the verge of a civil war.

Here is a link to article on the recent attacks in Iraq: New York Times.