thinkprogress.org — Three years after the U.S. invasion, electricity levels in Baghdad are at an all-time low. Residents of Baghdad are receiving just 2.4 hours of electricity this month, compared to an average of 16-24 hours of electricity before the U.S. invasion. The lowest level prior to this month was 3.9 hours/day. [CHART]
Oct 18, 2006 View in Crawl 4
1111Oct 19, 2006
It is true that the power in Baghdad has decreased, however this is slighly misleading. The net power in Iraq as a whole has increased. Before the war, the majority of power was routed to a few cities, one of which was Baghdad. The electricity was routed to other cities and villages so that at least some electricity was available in more locations.<a class="user" href="http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Sep2004/n09072004_2004090706.html">http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Sep2004/n09072004_2004090706.html</a>
Closed AccountOct 19, 2006
you people suck. I hate you all
habemusOct 19, 2006
Hey dips**t, this is the right way to do it. In the Saddam era power was diverted from the Shi'ia areas to power the Sunni triangle where Saddam and his Sunni henchmen ran the show. The Shi'ia areas got even less electricity than they do now -- all so Saddam could pay off his friends and have them live in confort. Now power is routed to both Shi'ia and Sunni areas equally meaning that the Sunni Baghdad area gets less electricity than under Saddam. This is good. Unless you think Sunni are superior to Shi'ia. Everyone would have full electicity if the damned Sunnis would stop blowing up the power plants each time they are put back online.
habemusOct 19, 2006
No, it means that instead of diverting power from Shi'ia areas to keep Sunni Baghdad in power -- the available electricity is distributed equitably so that every region and city gets their fair share.
humanautOct 19, 2006
Can we trust these people with electricity? I mean, really.. I can't think of anything more "dual use" than the ability to cook, heat, and see in the dark.
jonforthewinOct 19, 2006
The occupation of Iraq is a huge success for him. Soon Iraq will be divided into three regions and civil war will be provoked and fueled to keep Iraq busy with itself while also serving a pretext for long-term/permanent military bases.
koosebaneOct 19, 2006
Um.....let's hear it for skipping all the details?