Iraq

A short AP dispatch provides an update on the number of internally displaced Iraqis, which had heretofore most often been reported as about 2.2 million.

Aid groups including U.N. agencies say nearly 2.8 million Iraqis are now uprooted within their country. Iraqi authorities, the Red Cross and U.N. agencies working in Iraq say they have recorded an increase of 300,000 displaced people so far this year largely due to better methods for registering displacement. The International Organization for Migration says more than 1 million displaced Iraqis lack adequate food and shelter. A similar number are without regular income or employment. In addition to those displaced within Iraq, more than 2 million Iraqis have fled the country and are living as refugees abroad.

It bears reminding that it is the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq that has led the efforts to care for -- and return to their homes, when possible -- these almost 5 million displaced Iraqis. This is a pretty impressive feat for a mission currently operating with just a tiny staff; the UN refugee agency only recently increased its personnel in Baghdad from two to five.

A short AP dispatch provides an update on the number of internally displaced Iraqis, which had heretofore most often been reported as about 2.2 million.

Aid groups including U.N. agencies say nearly 2.8 million Iraqis are now uprooted within their country. Iraqi authorities, the Red Cross and U.N. agencies working in Iraq say they have recorded an increase of 300,000 displaced people so far this year largely due to better methods for registering displacement. The International Organization for Migration says more than 1 million displaced Iraqis lack adequate food and shelter. A similar number are without regular income or employment. In addition to those displaced within Iraq, more than 2 million Iraqis have fled the country and are living as refugees abroad.

It bears reminding that it is the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq that has led the efforts to care for -- and return to their homes, when possible -- these almost 5 million displaced Iraqis. This is a pretty impressive feat for a mission currently operating with just a tiny staff; the UN refugee agency only recently increased its personnel in Baghdad from two to five.

March 20, 2008, is Day One of the sixth year of the War in Iraq. Regardless of your views on how sound the reasoning was for going to war, it's hard to deny that we have a long way to go toward a stable Iraq and restoration of America's image in the world. January 20, 2009, is the first day of the next presidency, the first chance for the next president to chart a new course for America in Iraq and right our standing in the world. Reason suggests that neither "stay the course" nor "immediate withdrawal" is best for America and the rest of the world. Our sister site, OnDayOne.org is asking you what that agenda should be. For the next 10 days, we will be compiling the most recent suggestions (tagged with "Iraq") in our Delegates' Lounge (top of the right column). Please submit your ideas at OnDayOne.org.