Iraq Press Roundup

In its editorial titled "Basra is the bloody face of Iraq," Shebab Al Iraq newspaper commented on the latest developments in the security situation in Basra after clashes between Iraqi forces, backed by the U.S. forces, and the Mahdi Army.

It said Basra lies atop a river of black gold because of its oil and gas fields.

It said though Basra is a rich city, Saddam Hussein's government bloodied its face, and the governments that came after it are copies of the tyranny of Saddam.

"Life is paralyzed in Basra," it said. "Streets are full of tanks as if the government is fighting an enemy and people have been neglected and suppressed for many years under the rule of Saddam Hussein."

It said because of the latest clashes in Basra, the city has become a ghost town.

"If people are not gunned down, they get ill or run out of food and can't go to the hospital," it said.

It said Basra residents support the Mahdi Army because of the humiliation and segregation they face from Iraqi forces who beat and insult those who complain about the deteriorating situation.

It criticized the Iraqi forces that, after more than a month, are unable to control many of the areas in Basra because of the attacks by the Mahdi Army.

Kul Al Iraq Newspaper had an editorial with the headline "God help you, Iraq."

It highlights the optimism Iraqis display when they talk about building the state of Iraq.

It also said the power of these militias is incapable of building a state of law because they focus on achieving personal interests while they control and destroy the ordinary people of Iraq.

"What kind of interest do the Iraqi people have in bloodshed and oppression?" it asked, referring to the Iraqi government's campaign in Basra and Sadr city.

It also said the Iraqi people acknowledge that government promises are no more than lies.

It also said the Iraqi government is responsible for building the country but it blames their failures on other sides. It said all parties and groups in Iraq call for everybody to consider the "interests of the country," while doing the opposite.

"Five years have faded and Iraq is moving backward as there is no security," it said.