The plight of Iraqi refugees is grave but is the tip of the iceberg of Iraq’s gathering humanitarian crisis. The (grossly under-reported) plight of those still in Iraq is even more worrying. Despite the insecure environment and numerous constraints, humanitarian intervention in Iraq is ongoing, possible and greatly needed.

Appalling daily casualties that would be considered unacceptable elsewhere have become routine. The country is confronted with a grave failure to ensure respect and protection for the lives and dignity of millions of civilians not taking part in the ongoing violence.

This problem is adapted from an article entitled "Responding to Iraq’s Ever-Deepening Violence," originally published by the Forced Migration Review, in their special Iraq issue, August 2007.

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The general ignorance of American people about the culture and long abiding fundamentalist religious views of the area has created this situation. I agree with your basic suggestion that we pull out of Iraq and let the culture and the people find its own way. We should not be recreating another "British Empire" through our arrogance and ignorance. We need to free ourselves of our dependence on oil or be honest about it and take over the oil fields

Sectarian violence continues between Sunnis and Shiites, as do attacks on U.S. forces and Iraqi military and police forces. (The Brookings Institution's Iraq Index)

Over 4 million Iraqis have been displaced since the U.S. led invasion. (MSNBC)

In Baghdad, there is still only an average of 7 hours of electricity available each day. (The Brookings Institution's Iraq Index)