Women a target in oil-rich Basra

BASRA, Iraq, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- At least 40 bodies have been found recently in Iraq's oil-rich city of Basra as women are increasingly targets of religious fundamentalists.

Fighting between political, religious and gang factions has been a constant since the 2003 invasion, despite a British presence there, but an increase in religious-based attacks on women highlight the degrading quality of life for Iraqis in arguably the country's most important city.

Around 80 percent of Iraq's proven reserves are located in or around Basra, in Iraq's southeast. Nearly all Iraq's oil exports -- which fund nearly the entire federal budget -- go to market from the city.

"Some women along with their children have been killed," said Abd Al Jalil Khalef, the Basra police commander, Asharq Al Awsat reports. "A woman with two children, oe who was six and the other was 11 years old, were killed."

He said families usually refrain from filing complaints out of fear of retribution. Such a sentiment suggests many more killings that never get reported.

Khalef said he's not sure exactly who is behind the killings, but the war has allowed in a rash of religious extremism, both from within and fed by extremists from countries like Iran.

Religious fundamentalism is turning what once was a cosmopolitan city into one where women are threatened for not dressing conservatively enough, if not being nearly covered altogether.

Recently warnings have been written in red on the walls of Basra streets: "We are warning women not to wear makeup and not to be uncovered. Whoever violates this will be punished. As god as my witness, I have informed you."

In Basra the Fadhila, Sadr and Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq parties have been waging a sometimes violent power struggle for control. All, especially ISCI and Sadr, have fundamentalist elements and leadership. ISCI itself is part of the ruling coalition in Baghdad, and its leader was recently welcomed by President Bush to Washington.