Links

Iraq Maps from the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection

Who's who in post-Saddam Iraq from news.bbc.co.uk

Languages of Iraq from ethnologue.com

Soldier's Handbook

Republic of Iraq

This is a rough-draft html conversion of an Iraq Country Guide. It's complete now, but needs new pictures in some cases and the formatting needs to be finalized.

I will try and replace the 2-bit pictures with better pictures from various sources. They may not be exactly the same as the originals, but will have the same content, and be more readable.

Thanks James!

If anyone has country guides from any other conflicts, please get a copy to me, so that i can post it here.

Table of Contents

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find CSS to get rid of bullets in bulleted lists

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Section 1

Republic of Iraq

Key Statistics

Land Area: Total: 437,072 sq km; land: 432, 162 sq km; water: 4,910 sq km (slightly more than twice the size of Idaho).

Land Boundaries: Total: 3,361 km; border countries: Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 242 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 331km

Population: 24, 683,313 (July 2003 est.)

Largest Cities (2002 est.): Baghdad 5,605,000; Mosul 1,739,800; Basrah 1,337,600; Irbil 839,600; Kirkuk 728,800; As Sulaymaniyah 643,200; An Najaf 563,000; Karbala 549,700; An Nasiriyah 535,100.

Language: Arabic (by 81% of population), also Kurdish, Assyrian, Armenian.

Ethnic Divisions: Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian, or other 5%.

Religion: Muslim 97% (Shi'a 60∞-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 5%

Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write, total population: 40.4%, male: 55.9%, female: 24.4% (2003 est.).

Weekend: Friday

Time: +3 hrs GMT, +8 hrs EST.

Historical Overview

Iraq is a nation rich in history; many believe that the Garden of Eden was sited near Basrah, where the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers converge. Known for centuries as Messopotamia, Iraq was the home of the Sumerians, who were followed by the Babylonians, the Assyrians, and the Arabs. It became part of the Turkish Ottoman Empire in the 16th century until that empire disintegrated after WWI. In the peace settlement following the war, the Allies divided the Ottoman lands between them. Britain was given control of the territory that became Iraq. Britain retained control of the country until 1958, when a group of army officers killed the British imposed king and proclaimed a republic.

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In 1961, Kuwait, another British protectorate, gained its independence from Britain. Iraq immediately claimed sovereignty over it, largely because of Kuwait's oil wealth. However, Britain reacted very strongly to the threat to its ex-protectorate and dispatched a brigade to deter the Arab aggression. Iraw was forced to back down and in 1963 recognized the sovereignty and borders of Kuwait.

The Baath (Socialist) party came to power in a coup in 1968, and a former Prime Minister, hasan al-Bakr became President and Prime Minister. The Revolutionary Command Council (RCC) was put in place as the center of governmental power. Saddam Hussein was the key deputy to President al-Bakr, and he officially assumed power from al-Bakr in 1979. Hussein focefully asserted his authority by personally executing potential opposition in the RCC to his assumption of power.

Regionally, the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran brought to power a real threat to Iraq. The rise of a strong Shia government was great cause for concern to Hussein, as a Shia opposition movement was being felt in southwestern Iraq. In early 1980, Ayatollah Khomeini began calling for Arab Shia to rise up and overthrow the secular Arab government of Iraq. Saddam, therefore, resurrected an historical dispute over the Shatt al-Arab waterway and invaded Iran in September 1980. While the Iranian military was a shadow of its former self due to the purges and an arms embargo imposed on it by its former sponsor, the US, it remained strong enough to halt the Iraqi invasion. By 1982, Iran had reestablished its border and began advancing into Iraqi territory. By 1986, a complete stalemate had ensued with no end to the war in sight.

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From the outset of the war, the fear of fundamentalist Islam in Iran had caused the West and the conservative monarchies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to support Iraq. Both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia loaned vast sums of money to Iraw in support of its efforts; the economic strain on these economies was great. In an effort to hurt the Iranian ability to wage war, the Gulf Cooperation Council increased production of oil so the price of oil would drop (it did, from US$27 to US$15 per barrrel). The Iranians, dependent on oil revenues to finance their war effort, were critically hurt. The war ended in July 1988 with Khomeni accepting UN resolution 598, which called for a ceasefire.

The cost of war to Iraq and Iran was staggering. Iraq lost several hundred thousand killed and wounded and, in financial terms, approximately US$450 billion. Hussein stalled on the negotiations following the war to avoid having to admit starting the war. Also he wanted to claim victory. Inconclusive negotiations continued until August 1990, when Iraq invaded Kuwait. To keep Iran out of the war, Hussein offered Iran a generous settlement. The eight-year war had been fought for nothing.

Despite the massive debts accumulated during the war, Hussein began a large military expansion after the war. The lack of funds to provide for the Arab people after the hardship of the war remained a problem for Hussein. To divert their attention from their domestic hardship, and to possibly get his hands on his rich neighbor's oil and access to ports on the Persian Gulf, Iraq invaded Kuwait.

The crisis begain in late July 1990 when 100,000 Iraqi Army troops begain to mass on the Kuwaiti border following a series of trumped up disagreements with Kuwait over the ownership of oil reserves that straddled the Iraq-Kuwait border and what Baghdad claimed was a Kuwaiti-led oil pricing conspiracy designed to limit oil revenues. On 2 August 1990, 350 Iraqi Republican Guards' tanks rolled into Kuwait, securing the country in three days, and provoking international and military reprisals. In a bid to consolidate its gains, Iraq formally annexed Kuwait on 8 August 1990 (incorporating it as the 19th province) and ordered all foreign ministries and government functions to be relocated to Baghdad. This prompted the exiled Sabah family to call for a stronger international response. United Nations and Arab League condemnation was swift and plans were laid to assemble a mulit-national force to isolate and ultimately remove Iraq from Kuwait. The passage of United Nations resolution 661 (6 August 1990) leveled economic sanctions and a trade embargo on Iraq. on 29 August 1990, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 678, permitting member states to use all necessary means, authorizing military action against the Iraqi forces occupying Kuwait, and demanded a complete withdrawal by 15th of January 1991.

Operation Desert Storm ensued on the 17 january 1991 (3a.m. Iraq time) when Saddam hussein failed to comply with this demand. The war, which proved disastrous for Iraq, lasted only six weeks. As many as 100,000 soldiers and tens of thousands of civilians were killed. Allied air raids destroyed roads, bridges, factories, and oil industry

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facilities (shutting down the national refining and distribution systems) and disrupted electric, telephone, and water service. Diseases spread through contaminated drinking water because water puficication and sewage treatment facilities could not operate without electricity. The US announced a cease-fire on 28th February 1991. Iraq agreed to UN terms for a permanent cease-fire on11 April 1991 and strict conditions were imposed, demanding the disclosure and destruction of all stockpiles of weapons.

A few days after the war ended, popular insurrections broke out in southern Iraq and in Kurdistan in the north, where rebels took control of most of the region's towns. The United States (President George Bush) again fell short of its commitments in protecting the uprising and left the insurgents exposed. republican Guard units that had survived the conflict acted with extreme brutality and gained the upper hand in the Basrah, An Najaf, and Karbala regions. In the southern cities, rebels killed the Baathist officials, members of the security service and other supporters of the regime. A southern no-fly zone was implemented to protect the Shia Muslim rebels from air attacks. The zone extends from the 33rd parallel to the border of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, in Kurdistan, Iraqi helicopters and troops regained control of the cities the rebels had taken and there was a mass exodus of Kurds, fearing a repeat of the 1988 chemical attacks, to the Turkish and Iranian borders. By the end of April there were 2.5 million Kurd and other refugees in the more remote, mountainous northern regions of the Iraq-Turkey border. in response, the United Nations further ensured the safety of the Kurds by establishing a no-fly zone in the north of Iraq, denying Arab forces the use of fixed wing or rotary aircraft.

Saddam Hussein rejected the no-fly zones in late 1992.

Following the Gulf War and the abortive uprisings in Kurdistan and southern Iraq, Saddam Hussein moved quickly to consolidate his control over the military by executing, purging, and reassigning several corps and divisional commanders as well as a large number of senior and middle ranking officers. This eliminated potential opponents and disloyal elements and allowed individuals killed during the war to be replaced. Saddam's relatives, family members, and other Sunni Arabs from Tikrit, Saddam's hometown, were featured prominently as replacements. Following Kuwait's liberation, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and longe-range missles and to allow UN verification inspections. The suspicion that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction resulted in the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and the ouster of the Saddam Hussein regime. Today, Coalition forces remain in Iraq, helping to restore degraded infrastructure and facilitating the establishment of a freely elected government.

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Government

Hussein's Past: Iraq was an authoritarian military regime headed by President Saddam Hussein. The Constitution was notionally the basis of government, but under President Hussein, the focus of power had become the presidency itself.

Today: The government is currently in transition as a result of the defeat of the Saddam Hussein regime in April 2003 by US-led coalition forces. The U.S. and the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), and the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC) are in charge of the government.

Country Name: The conventional long form is the Republic of Iraq. The conventional short form is Iraq. The local long form is Al Jumhuriyah al Iraqiyah. The local short form is Al Iraq.

Capital: Baghdad.

Administrative Divisions: There are 18 govem orates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, Arbil, As Sulaymaniyah, Ar Ta'mim, Babil, Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbela', maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit.

Independence: The 3rd of October 1932 from League of Nations mandate under British administration.

CONSTITUTION

Political parties and leaders:

During the reorganization phase the Iraqi Governing Council appointed by the US Administrator will control Iraq. The council is composed of 13 Shiite Muslims, five Sunni Muslims, five Kurds, and Assyrian Christian, and one Turkmen. They represent the major ethnic groups in Iraq and its seven main political parties.

Seven main political parties represented by the new governing council: Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Iraqi National Congress, Kurdistan Democratic Party, Islamic Al-Da'wah Party, Iraq Democratic Party, Iraqi National Coalition, and the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution.

Iraq's 25-member Governing Council elected a nine-member rotating presidency, with each member serving a one-month term. Overall authority in Iraq, however, will remain with U.S. civilian administrator L. Paul Bremer until an elected government takes power in Iraq.

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Iraq's Governing Council has named a 25-member cabinet. Ministerial positions within the cabinet are also divided among the country's various ethnic and religious communities and mirror the makeup of the Governing Council itself. Thirteen ministries are going to Shi'a Muslims, five to Sunnis, five to Kurds, one to a Turkmen, and one to an Assyrian Christian. The new cabinet will report to the Iraqi Governing Council.

Mr. Bremer is responsible for overseeing reconstruction efforts and the political transformation of the country. He has said that his priorities are to restore law and order and to stimulate the economy. Presently, there is no clear timetable for a handover to Iraqi rule.

Flag: Adopted 31 July 1963, three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with three green five pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band; the phrase ALLAHU AKBAR (God is Great) in green Arabic script - Allahu to the right of the middle star and Akbar to the left of the middle star - was added in january 1991 during the Persian Gulf crisis; similar to the flag of Syria which has two stars but no script and the flag of Yemen which has a plain white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt which has a symbolic eagle centered in the white band.

Money: Iraqi Dinar. One Iraqi dinar is equal to 20 dirhams, which is the equivalent to 1,000 fils. The rates for Wednesday, 9 October 2002: 1 USD = 3,265.3 IQD // 1 IQD = 0.0003 USD. Iraq will have a new currency with no Hussein picture during the next months.

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Transportation

Roads

A major network of roads was constructed throughout Iraq t ofacilitate the movement of troops and supplies during the Iran-Iraq war. Tarmac roads connect most main towns, with the network tending to spread from Baghdad, at the center of the country. The most important roads go from Baghdad to Iraq's various borders. The government recently completed International Express Highway 1, a six-lane 1,264 km highway linking Sftwan on the Iraq-Kuwait border to points north with the Syrian and Turkish borders. All these roads take in the major towns along their routes. There is a total of 36,438 km of paved roads in Iraq.

Railroads

The metre-guage line runs from Baghdad, through Khanaqin and Kirkuk, to Arbil. The standard guage line covers the length of the country, from Rabia on the Syrian border, via Mosul, to Baghdad (534 km), and from Baghdad to Basra and Umm Qasr (608 km), on the Gulf. A 404-km standard-guage line links Baghdad to Husaibah, near the Iraq-Syrian frontier, a 638-km line runs from Baghdad, via al-Qaim (on the Syrian border) to Akashai and a 252-km line links Kirkuk to Haditha via Baiji.

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Major Highways

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Arabic Road Signs (Part 1)

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Arabic Road Signs (Part 2)

Culture

Population

The majority of Iraqis are Arabs, though there is a sizable Kurdish minority that comprises 20% of the population.

Kurds: Form a majority in the north and northwest of the country where they were forced to settle due to economic constraints and border crossing restrictions. Most are herdsmen and farmers, though many have moved to the cities, particularly the internationally guaranteed enclave in northern Iraq of Dohuk, Irbil, and As Salaimanya. Due to seperatist feelings and a

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desire for a Kurdish nation, the Hussein government was suspicious of the Kurdish population and sought to control it. The 1970s saw forced changes in settlement patterns and mass relocation of Kurds. Many were held in detention camps in the desert during the Iran-Iraq war. Additionally, after having given their support to Iran in the war against Iraq, the Kurds were made to feel Saddam Hussein's terrible revenge. Among other incidents, 5,000 inhabitants were killed by chemical warfare when Saddam's forces attacked the Kurdish town of Halabja in March 1998. Ethnically, the Kurds are most closely related in culture and language to the Iranians in Iran; the Tajiks and Pashtuns of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan; and the Baluchis in Northern Pakistan. Kurds are the second largest ethnic group in Iraq. The Kurds were US allies throughout the recent war.

Arabs: Represent 80% of the population and are split between the Shia majority (60%-65%) in the south, and the Sunni (32%-37%) who live mostly in the central part of the country around Baghdad. Two Arab groups that have not been assimilated into the population are the "Marsh" Arabs who inhabit the lower Tigris and Euphrates river delta and a small Bedouin population who wander the desert regions.

Seventy-five percent of the population lives in the flood plains that make up only 25% of the total land of the country. Thus, the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers have determined the population's distribution, as their waters irrigate the land. Nearly 70% of the population is urbanized, with Baghdad being the largest city.

Religion

Islam is the major religion, and about 97% of the population belongs to the two main sects, Shia and Sunni. There is a 3% Christian minority. Islam is based upon the premise that Allah has made His final revelation to mankind by sending the Archangel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammend. This revelation dictated by the Archangel Gabriel to Muhammend is the Koran and is the foundation of Islam.

Iraq is the only Arab country where Shia form the majority of the population. The Shia are farmers and have historically been politically and economically disadvantaged. The better-educated Sunni have traditionally dominated the government. Since 1958, virtually all members of the government have been Sunni. The Kurds are also Sunni, but their religious practices differ from those of the Arabs.

Sunni: Comes from ahl al-sunnah wa-l-jamaa [Arab = the people of the custom of the Prophet and community], is the largest division of Islam. Sunni Islam is the heir to the early central Islamic state, in its acknowledgement of the legitemacy of the order of succession of the first four caliphs in contrast to the Shia rejection of the first three as usurpers. Caliphate were the reluership of Islam; caliph [kal'if'], was the spiritual head and temporal ruler of the Islamic

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state. In principle, Islam is theocratic: when Muhammed the Prophet died, a caliph [Arabic = successor] was chosen to rule in his place. The caliph had temporal and spiritual authority but was not permitted prophetic power; this was reserved for Muhammed. The caliph could not, therefore, exercise authority in matters of religious doctrine. The first caliph was Abu Bakr. Umar, Uthman, and Ali succeeded him. Sunni Muslims recognize these first four, or Rashidun (the rightly guided), caliphs. Shia, however, recognize Ali as the first caliph.

Shia: The Shia have been traditionally persecuted by the Sunni. Because of the battle of Karbala and the assassination of Ali they celebrate the status of Martyrdom and visit shrines of notable martyrs. Ashura is the anniversary of Ali's death and is the main Shia holiday marked with self-inflicted whipping and lamentation. Shias make a pilgrimage to Karbala to mark the massacre of Ali's followers. The Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala are centers of religious learning. In Karbala, Shiite Muslims staged an unsuccessful rebellion against the government in 1991. Najaf is home to the mosque where Imam Ali, the founder of Shiite Islam is buried. The Shia are led by Ayatollahs which represent the bloodline of the prophet Mohammed. The Supreme Ayatollah in Iran is Mohammed's representative on Earth until the Third Caliph returns to his rightful place. A good analogy would be if the Roman Catholic Pope were ruling a theocracy in Western Europe until the return of Christ.

Ethno Religious Distribution

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Tribal Structure

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Customs and Courteies

Arab families are often large and play an important role in the life of an individual. They are a basic unit of society and are very strong and close knit. The father is the head of the family (a patriarchal system). Although the mother's activities may be limited to housework and taking care of the children, she may exercise considerable influence in the home.

There are certain common gestures used in the Arab world that differ from ones found in America. Always use your right hand when gesturing to avoid inferring unseemliness. "No" can be signalled in many ways: the tilting of the head slightly back and raising the eyebrows; moving the head back and the chin upward; moving the head back and make a clicking sound with the tongue, and the use of the open palm moved from right to left towards the person. After shaking hands, the gesture of placing the right hand to the heart is a greeting with respect or sincerity. (For women, placing the right hand over the heart after serving food is a sign of offering with sincerity.) To kiss the forehead, nose, or the right hand of a person who is being greeted is extreme respect. Patting the heart a few times may indicate, "That's enough, thank you." "Excellent" is expressed with open palms towards the person. Touching the outer edge of the eyes with fingertips may show "OK". Never use the "A-ok" and "thumbs-up" gesture, for they have obscene connotations in the Arab world.

"Honor" in the Arab world is one of the most important and least understood concepts. It is cherished and protected above anything else, sometimes even circumventing even the need for survival. Criticism, even constructive criticism, can threaten or damage and Arab's honor; it will be taken as a personal insult. The Arab must, above all else, protect himself and his honor from this critical onslought. Therefore, when an Arab is confronted by criticism, you can expect him to react by:

Arabs, by American standards, are reluctant to accept responsibility. They will accept shared responsibility but are not eager to accept total responsibility. If responsibility is accepted for general purposes and something goes wrong, then the Arab will be blamed - and dishonored.

The following guidance applies mostly to men.

Greetings

Do:

DO NOT:

Conversation

Do:

DO NOT:

Gestures

It may prove useful to know what Arab gestures mean. Here are a few of them.

Showing friendship and respect:

Expressing Thanks:

Other:

Avoid:

Hospitality

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Arab host-guest rules apply not only within the home, but also to chance meetings in restaurants and casual invitations to lunch. The inviter is always the host and usually pays the bill. "Splitting the bill" is contrary to Arab custom.

As a Guest, Do:

AS A GUEST, DO NOT:

As a Host Do:

AS A HOST, DO NOT:

Religion

Iraq, being a part of the Arab world, is governed by the religious beliefs of the Islamic religion. Although Iraq is an orthodox Islamic state, it is not so puritanical as other Arab countries, such

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as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. To deface any religious object or defame any portion of the Islamic religion is a grevious offense.

Do:

DO NOT:

Food and Drink

Do:

DO NOT:

Taking Pictures

Do:

DO NOT:

Women

Arab women have a protected role. Many women wear the abbayah (full length black dress), headscarf, and or the veil. Arab women traditionally lead a secluded life. Modern education and increasing job opportuniites mean that slowly more women are entering the world of business and commerce. Their participation in everyday public life is expanding. Muslims believe open social relations between the sexes results in the breakdown of family life. Contact between men and women is rigidly controlled. If you are a male guest in an Arab's home, you are not likely to see any female members of the family. With rare exception, women do not interact with men outside the family.

As a Male, Do:

AS A MALE, DO NOT:

If You are a Woman, Do:

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IF YOU ARE A WOMAN, DO NOT:

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Holidays and Events for 1425/2004 CE

Event NamesCalendar Date
Islamic New YearFeb. 22, 2004
AshuraMar. 2, 2004
Milad al-NabiMay 2, 2004
Isra and MirajSept. 11, 2004
First day of RamadhanOct. 16, 2004
Eid al FitrNov. 14, 2004
Eid al AdhaJan. 21, 2005
Nuzulul Qur'anNov. 15, 2005
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Iraq's new governing council abolished old holidays: February 8 - Baath Party briefly takes power for the first time (1963). April 7 - Foundation of Saddam's Baath Party (1947). April 17 - Commemoration of Iraqi military victory in battle for port of Faw during Iran-Iraq war (1987). April 28 - Saddam's birthday. July 17 - Baath Party stages coup, returns to power (1968). August 8 - End of Iran-Iraq war (1988). A new holiday April 9 commemorates the fall of Baghdad, and the end of Saddam's rule.

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Geography

Iraq is bordered to the north by Turkey (331 km), to the east by Iran (1,458 km), to the south by Kuwait (240 km) and the Persian Gulf (58 km), and to the east by Saudi Arabia (686 km), Jordan (134 km), and Syria (605 km). Iraq is dominated by the two rivers, the Euphrates and the Tigris, which flow through Iraq from Syria and Turkey to the Gulf. Slightly smaller than California, Iraq consists of four major physiographic regions.

Climate

The extremely hot, dry, nearly cloudless summer months last from May through October, and produce maximum daytime temperatures that reach 40°C (100°), usually varying between 31°C (88°F) and 34°C (93°F). Cooler temperatures are experienced in the northeastern highlands. The summer months also produce strong winds and sandstorms. For example, Baghdad averages five dust storms per month during July. During the winter, the mean daily maximum temperature is 17°C (64°F); however, colder temperatures are experienced in the northeastern highlands. Roughly 90% of the annual rainfall occurs between November and April, and most

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of that occurs between December and March. The remaining six monlhs, particularly June - August, are dry. Precipitation is highest in the northeastern highlands, which receive 760 to 1,000mm (30 to 40in) of rain annually and snow up to 3 months per year in some places. Mean annual rainfall ranges between 100-170mm elsewhere in the country. Two types of wind mark the summer months. The southerly and southeasterly Sharqi is a dry, dusty wind with occasional gusts of 80 km/hr that occurs from April 10 early June and again from late September through November. From mid-June to mid-September the prevailing wind is called the Shamal, and it blows from the north and northeast. It is a steady wind, abscent only occasionally during this period. The very dry air brought by the Shamal winds permits intensive heating of the land surface by the sun, but the constant breeze has some cooling effect.

TEMPERATURE SCALES

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BAGHDAD

Temperature: Mean Daily Maximum/Minimum (°F)
MONTH J F M A M J J A S O N D
Maximum °F 59 63 70 84 97 104 109 109 104 91 77 59
Minimum °F 37 41 46 55 66 72 75 75 70 61 50 37
Precipitation: Mean Total (inches)
MONTH J F M A M J J A S O N D
Mean (in.) 1 1 1 1/8 1/2 1/8 0 0 0 0 1/8 3/4 1

Debilitating environmental health risks exist throughout Iraq. Iraq's infrastructure, damaged during the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War, fails to meet basic sanitation and environmental health needs. More than one-half the population obtains water from polluted sources. Housing shortages and many internally displaced persons (lDPs) cause overcrowding in slums in most cities. Extreme heat, intense sunlight, blowing dust, scarce water, and large quantities of unexploded ordnance (UXO) littering the desert present significant environmental risks. Summer temperatures exceeding 43°C (109°F) contribute to heat stress in unacclimated individuals. Except in the mountainous northeast, dust storms occur throughout the country. Severe cold and low barometric pressure in the northeast mountains present cold injury and mountain sickness risks. Air, water, and soil pollution from industrial and domestic sources also presents environmental risks.

Water Supplies

About one-half of Iraq's population obtains water directly from surface sources such as rivers, reservoirs, irrigation canals, drainage ditches, and open wells. The remaining one-half depends on piped and boiled water. War-damaged urban water systems resulted in interrupted services; although hasty repairs were made during and after the Persian Gulf War. Permanent repairs to many systems await the lifting of the UN economic embargo. All water in Iraq is now considered contaminated. Prior to the Persian Gulf conflict, municipal waler systems provided treated water to 95% of the urban population, Reliable sources of safe water remain one of Iraq's most pressing problems. Chemical plants producing alum, chlorine, and sulphate needed to treat water were damaged during the war, and their production capacity remained limited by the economic embargo up to and throughout the war. Presently, US and Coalition partners are working to restore water supplies throughout the country.

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Desert Operations

Effect on Personnel

There is no reason to fear the desert environment, and it should not adversely affect your morale if you prepare for it. Precautions must be taken to protect yourself and your equipment. Acclimation to the excessive heat is necessary to permit your body to reach and maintain efficiency in its cooling process. Acclimation requires a two-week period, with progressive degrees of heat exposure and physical exertion. Acclimation will strengthen your resistance to heat, but there is no such thing as total protection against the debilitating effects of heat. During initial Desert Shield deployments, units started their day early, took a break from 1100-1500, and resumed working/training late afternoon and early evening.

The sun's rays, either direct or bounced off the ground, affect your skin and can also produce eyestrain and temporarily impair vision. Overexposure to the sun will cause sunburn. In all operational conditions, you should be fully clothed in loose garments. This will also reduce sweat loss. The hot, dry air found in this region causes high perspiration rates, but the skin usually appears dry, allowing evaporation to go unnoticed. Being fully clothed helps you retain the cooling moisture on your skin. Remember: the sun is as dangerous on cloudy days as it is on sunny days; sunscreen is not designed to give complete protection against excessive exposure; climatic stress is a function of air temperature, humidity, air movement, and radiant heat. Sunglasses should be worn, as well as lightweight, loose fitting clothes. Developing a suntan gradually (five minutes per day) will help prevent burning.

Wind seems to be a constant factor in desert environments. The combination of wind and dust or sand can cause extreme irritation to the mucuous membranes, chapping the lips and other exposed skin surfaces. Eye irritation is a frequent complaint of vehicle crews, even when wearing goggles. Fast, wind blown sand can be extremely painful on bare skin, another reason one should remain fully clothed. Bandannas should be worn to cover the mouth and nose.

Potable water is the most basic need in the desert. Approximately 75% of the human body is fluid. A loss of two quarts decreases efficiency by 25% and a loss of fluid equal to 15% of body weight is usually fatal. Approximately nine quarts of water per man per day is needed in desert terrain. It is important to separate drinking and non-drinking water. Drinking any water from an untested source is dangerous, and will likely make you sick. In very hot conditions, it is better to drink smaller amounts of water more often than to take large amounts occasionally. As activity increases, you should drink more water. Alcohol and smoking cause dehaydration and should be avoided. One cannot be trained to adjust permanently to a reduced water intake. An acclimated person will need as much water because he likely sweats more readily than a new arrival. If the water ration is not sufficient, physical activity must be reduced, or strenuous activity should be restricted to cooler parts of the day.

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Dehydration is very dangerous. Thirst is not an adequate warning of dehydration because the sensation may not be felt until there is a body deficiency of one to two quarts. Very dark urine is often a warning of dehydration. Leaders must be aware of water consumption of your men, especially during the acclimation period. Those who do not monitor their water intake may be subject to injuries from excessive loss of body fluid. Injuries include heat exhaustion (causes dizziness and confusion), salt deficiency (results in fatigue, nausea, and cramps), and heat stroke (where the body's cooling system breaks down and can lead to death).
The desert is not a pristine environment. Diseases commonly found in a desert environment include plague, typhus, malaria, dysentery, cholera, and typhoid. Vaccines can help prevent typhoid and cholera. Proper sanitation and cleanliness can prevent the spread of typhus and plague. Because of water shortages, sanitation and personal hygiene are often difficult in arid regions. If neglected, sanitation and hygiene problems may cripple entire units. Drinking impure water brings dysentery. Check minor cuts and scratches to prevent infections, As previously mentioned, heat illnesses are common in desert environments; insufficient water, dietary salt, or food (people often lose the desire for food in hot climates) make you more susceptible to heat illness.

From the psychological perspective, the monotony of the desert, its emptiness, and the fear of isolation can all affect personnel eventually. The relatively constant climatic conditions add to this monotony, and boredom lowers morale. Commanders in the Saudi desert indicated that the first weeks of the deployment were especially tough in this regard. Intensive training in preparation for hostilities is the best answer to reduce boredom and desert fatigue.

Effect on Equipment

The extreme conditions in an arid environment can damage military equipment and facilities. Temperature and dryness are major causes of equipment failure, and wind action lifts and spreads sand and dust, clogging and jamming anything that has moving parts. Vehicles, aircraft, sensors, and weapons are all affected. Rubber components such as gaskets and seals become brittle, and oil leaks are more frequent. The desert takes a particularly heavy toll on tires. Tires absorb the surface heat, their structure is weakened, and jagged rocks can cause punctures. Tire pressure must be constantly checked and adjusted. The large temperature variations between night and day can change the air density in the tire; tires deflate at night and expand in the day.

Vehicle engines are subject to greater strain because of overheating. Every ten degree rise in temperature (above 60°F) wiII cause a one percent loss in power, which can translate into a 6-7% loss in the heat of a summer day. Use lower gears frequently to negotiate the loose sandy soil, and this strains both engine's and transmission systems. Vehicle cooling systems and lubrication syslems are interdependent, and a malfunclion by one will rapidly place the other under severe strain. Overheating engines lead to excessive wear, and then to leaking oil seals in

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power packs. Temperature guages will read between 10-20 degrees hotter than normal. Check oil levels constantly due to seal problems. Keep radiators and flow areas around engines clean and free of debris. Keep cooling system hoses tight to avoid cooling system failure.

The desert presents many serious challanges. Keep ammunition away from direct heat and sunlight. Ammunition is safe to fire if it can be held by bare hands. White phosphorus will liquefy at temperatures above 111°F, which will cause unstable flight unless stored in an upright position. Modern forces rely heavily on the electronics in computers, radios, sensors, and weapon systems. The intense desert heat adds to the inherent heat that electrical equipment generates. Even in temperate regions, air conditioning is often required for this equipment to operate properly. Radio transmission range degradation is a fact of life in extremely hot climates, and will most likely occur in the heat of the day. Heat must be considered with respect to weapon effectiveness as well. Automatic weapons and rapid firing tank and artillery guns overheat faster, increasing barrel wear and the potential for malfunctions.

Besides, heat, dust and sand are very serious impediments to efficient equipment functions in the desert. Dust adversely effects communications equipment, such as amplifiers and radio teletype sets. Check ventilation ports to ensure dust is not clogging the air path. Keep radios as clean as possible. The winds blow sand into engines, fuel, and weapons moving parts, which can reduce equipment life by up to 80%. Within jet engines, sand particles can actually melt into glass, deadlining the equipment. Carefully lubricate and monitor mechanical equipment and weapons and keeping exposed or semi-exposed moving parts to an absolute minimum. Sand mixed with oil can form an abrasive paste. Check lubrication fittings frequently. Check equipment frequently if it has an air filter. Time can damage insulated wire. The sandblasting also affects optical glass and windshields. Protective paints and camouflage become worn quickly.

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Section 2

Arabic Language Guide

Arabic is a Semitic language written from right to left, but numerals are written from left to right. There are 10 numerals (below). Arabic is considered to be the language of Allah. The Koran is written in Arabic, as is some of the world's finest poetry. It is Iraq's official language and is spoken by over 197 million persons worldwide. Occasional English is spoken in official and business in Iraq. Kurdish, Assyrian, and Armenian are also spoken.

I got the unicode letters here:
http://www.alanwood.net/unicode/arabic.html
٠ ١ ٢ ٣ ٤ ٥ ٦ ٧ ٨ ٩
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
The Arablc Numbers

Arabic Numbers

One
WA-hid
Two
ith-NAYN
Three
tha-LA-tha
Four
AR-ba'
Five
KHAM-sa
Six
SITT-ta
Seven
SAB-a
Eight
tha-MAN-ya
Nine
TIS-a'
Ten
A'SH-ra
Eleven
lHD-da a'sh-er
Twelve
ITH-na la-a'sh-er
Thirteen
tha-LA-tha ta·a'sh·er
Fourteen
A'R-ba ta-a'sh-er
page 33
fifteen
KHAM-sa ta-a'sh-er
Forty
Ar-ba'-EEN
Twenty
a'sh-REEN
Fifty
kham-SEEN
Thirty
tha-Iath-EEN
One Hundred
MEE-ya

Key Phrases

Arabs appreciate attempts to learn and use their language. Don't be afraid to try out some of the Arabic words and phrases in this section if you get the opponunity. Any effort to speak the language will go a long way towards establishing good will and good relationships.

Useful Words And Phrases

Insha Allah. This phrase, meaning "God Willing" or "if God wills it," is heard repeatedly in Arab conversations. Arabs use this phrase with anything concerning events that are to take place in the future - feeling that whatever happens in the future is the result of God's will, and they shouldn't presume to comment on any future action without adding the phrase "Insha Allah". So, expect to hear it often, and don't hesitale to use it yourself when conversing (in English). Phonetic pronunciation: IN-SHA-AL-LAH.

 

page 34

 

Helpful Phrases When Dealing with EPWs/Hostile Personnel

 

page 35

 

Other Words And Phrases You Might Use

 

Vocabulary

 

page 36

 

Military Vocabulary

 

page 37

Military Ranks

 

page 38

Working with International Non Governmental Organizations

(IOs/NGOs)

38.UN.gif

Don't give them information that will compromise our security yet, don't turn them into "enemies." Remember Operational Security (OPSEC)

38.unicef.gif

Talk to them

Use first names

38.man.gif

Link them up with the S5, G5, CMOC, or Civil Affairs personnel

Find out name of the IO/NGO (e.g. World Food Program, UN Children's Fund), it's charter/mission, assets available and a POC - pass this information to S5, G5, CMOC, and Civil Affairs personnel. Submit CA Spot Report.

Don't make promises you can't keep. Don't commit any US equipment/supplies until, and if, approved by higher HQ

Establish working relations with them as "partners" recognizing that their work is complementary of any US humanitarian assistance effort.

Focus on the big impact IOs/NGOs like United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), World Food Program (WFP), World Healther Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Ask them if they have ex-military in their organization - use them (they understand us and the IO/NGO)

World Food Programme UNDP UNHCR

 

page 39
Red Cross/Crescent

Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS)

is the government's designated representative to coordinate all external assistance coming from the NGO sector. The IRCS equates to the Red Cross.

Mission: The IRCS has an approved mission Statement and works closely with the ministries of health, education, foreign affairs, communication and industry. The IRCS's disaster preparedness plan is linked to the country's national disaster plan.

Constituency: The society has a network of 18 branches, one in each governorate of the country. The latest branch was created in Baghdad in April 1997. The first branches, Basrah and Mosul, were established in the 1950s, and the Kirkuk branch opened in 1965. The other branches were set up in 1991-1992 after the Gulf war. The branches are led by directors, most of whom are volunteers.

Human Resources: There are 86 staff and 9 volunteers working at headquarters. Branches have a total of 121 staff and 16 volunteers. In addition, a number of staff are employed at the society's medical establishments. Most branch directors are volunteers. Staff training has been carried out in relief distribution and warehousing, first aid, community-based first aId (CBFA), prevention of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, health, water and sanitation as well as development and rehabilitation. The overall membership is estimated at 5,000, including 1,000 paid members and 1,650 trained volunteers.Volunteers are highly valued and recruitment has been relatively easy due to high unemployment and the difficult economic situation in Iraq. Forty per cent of volunteers are women.

Material Resources: The society has its own headquarters building, a general hospital, a maternity hospital and several properties in Baghdad. Most branches receive office and warehouse space free of charge from various ministries or local enterprises. The IRCS has a high-frequency radio communication network between headquarters and branches.

Partnerships: The main cooperating partners are the International Federation and the ICRC. The IRCS collaborates with the ministries of health, education, communication, foreign affairs and industry. It follows up work done by CARE, Enfants du monde, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and several others. Other organizations with whom it collaborates include UN agencies (UNHCR, WHO, UNICEF and WFP) and national organizations such as the General Federation ofIraq Women and the Iraqi Youth Union.

page 40

Dislocated Civilian (DC) TTP-DC Response Element

Situation: Substantial DC's threaten to impede 1CD freedom of maneuver or are at risk of being injured due to hostility in the vicinity of 1CD forces or in 1CD controlled territory.

Trigger: Commander decides to react to DC presence on battlefield.

TTP: A combined ICD response team moves together to (or converges on) DC's. The DC response team is configured at various HQs based on METT_TC.

Priority of Activity: Upon linking up with DC population:

  1. Force protection and security, positive control of DCs
  2. Populace control
  3. Screening activities
  4. Providing emergency medical care (life or limb) - within means and capabilities
  5. All elements will enforce the "Stay Put" policy

DC Rules of Engagement (SJA)

Displaced Persons/Refugees are NOT EPW/CI

Do not engage civilians unless they commit a hostile act or demonstrate hostile intent

When attacking military forces or targets in populated areas, the anticipated loss of life and damage to property incidentals to the attack must not be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage to be gained.

DC's can be detained for their own safety or for force protection. Evacuate civilians suspected of belonging to a hostile force or of committing a war crime to a collection point. Report detention of civilians. Notify G5, DMAIN prior to releasing civilians suspected of violating host nation law to host nation officials.

Protected places (hospitals, churches, shrines, schools, museums, national monuments and other historical sites) may not be engaged unless they are being used for a military purpose and your mission requires their destruction.

Seize civilian property only with the approval of a company level commander, for articulated military purposes, and after providing the owner with a receipt describing the condition of the property.

Submit CA Spot Report

page 41

Battlefield Media Encounter

page 42

Section 3

Environmental Health Risk Assessment

The country's infrastructure, damaged during the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War, fails to meet basic sanitation and environmental health needs. More than one-half the population obtains water from polluted sources. Housing shortages and many displaced persons cause overcrowding in slums in most cities. Except in the mountainous northeast, dust storms occur throughout the country. Severe cold and low barometric pressure in the northeast mountains present risks of cold injuries and mountain sickness.

Biggest Risks to US Personnel
How to Avoid Risks
INJURIES
Can kill or hurt you.
Safety first. Be alert and be cautious.
HEAT
Can knock you down without warning and may cause coma and death.
Drink fluids frequently. Take appropriate rest breaks when working in the heat. Keep an eye on your buddy.
MENTAL STRESS
Can affect you before, during, and long after the operation.
Talk openly with your buddy or unit leader about anything that troubles you. Don't be afraid to seek the help of a chaplain.
LOCAL WATER
Can cause serious illness and may contain parasites.
Do not drink or use untreated water or ice. Always wash your hands before eating and after using the head/latrine.
LOCAL FOOD
Can cause serious illness and may contain parasites.
Do not eat local fooods. Eat only US-military approved foods.
INSECTS
Transmit life-threatening diseases in this part of the world.
Use DEET repellent on exposed skin. Treat bed nets and clothing with permethrin spray. Sleep under a bed net.
ANIMALS
May transmit rabies and other life-threatening diseases to humans.
Avoid contact with all animals. If bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately.
RIVERS, LAKES, SWAMPS, CANALS
May contain parasites that penetrate uprotected skin and cause serious illness.
Do not swim or bathe in rivers, lakes, swamps, or canals. If you must wade in fresh water, avoid direct contact between your skin and the water, if possible.
MALARIA
Is a killer!
Take malaria pills as prescribed if you are going to one of the risk areas.
page 43

Infectious Diseases

During almost all military activities, including war, large numbers of soldiers and marines are affected by disease. Often, disease will cause more casualties than bullets because war and other disasters disrupt sanitation and displace large numbers of people.

Practice disease prevention by washing your hands prior to meals and after relieving yourself. Eat and drink only from army approved sources. Report to medical personnel immediately if you feel ill. The following are the diseases most likely to affect US personnel in SW Asia.

Malaria is a serious disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms may include fever and flu-like illness, including chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice. P. falciparum infections, if not promptly treated, may cause kidney failure, coma, and death.

Malaria is often prevented by using antimalarial drugs and by using measures to prevent mosquito bites. However, in spite of all protective measures, soldiers may still develop malaria. Malaria symptoms wiII occur at least 7 to 9 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fever in the first week of travel in a malaria-risk area is unlikely to be malaria; however, any fever should be promptly evaluated. Soldiers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness during operations in a malaria-risk area and up to 1 year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and should tell the physician their operational hislory.

Hazardous Animals and PIants

There are at least 5 venomous land snakes in Iraq. They populate habitats ranging from mountains to grasslands to desert, and are widely distributed.

Avoiding a snakebite is much simpler than treating it therefore, it is extremely important that personnel be informed of the presence of snakes, their habits, their likely habitats, and common-sense precautions for lessening the likelihood of being bitten if encounters do occur.

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Steps to be taken immediately after snakebite occurs include:

Packs of wild dogs are aggressive and should be avoided because of the risk of bites and rabies.

Invertabrates

Scorpions and black widow spiders occur in the SWA area of operations.

Prevention. Avoid venemous insects. Stings must be reported immediately to medical personnel because they can be rapidly fatal. Military personnel with a known allergy to bee stings should carry a bee sting kit. Personnel should not go barefoot, sleep directly on the ground, or put their hands or feet in crevices or holes. Shake out boots and clothing before you put them on. Keeping animals as pets, including spiders and scorpions, is prohibited. Water spigots should be protected or raised hight off the ground to prevent animals from licking the spouts.

back cover

Metric Conversion Chart

When You Know
Multiply by
To Find

 

Units of Length
Centimeters
0.39
Inches
Meters
3.28
Feet
Meters
1.09
Yards
Kilometers
0.62
Miles
Inches
2.54
Centimeters
Feet
30.48
Centimeters
Yards
0.91
Meters
Miles
1.61
Kilometers

 

Units of Area
Square Meters
1.20
Square Yards
Square Kilometers
0.39
Square Miles
Hectares
2.47
Acres
Square Inches
6.45
Square Centimeters
Square Feet
0.09
Square Meters
Square Yards
0.84
Square Meters
Square Miles
2.60
Square Kilometers
Acres
0.40
Hectares

 

Units of Mass and Weight
Kilograms
2.21
Pounds
Tons (IOOkg)
1.10
Shorts Tons
Pounds
0.45
Kilograms
Short Tons
2.12
Tons

 

Units of Volume
Liters
1.06
Quarts
Liters
0.26
Gallons
Cubic Meters
35.32
Cubic Feet
Cubic Meters
1.35
Cubic Yards
Quarts
0.95
Liters
Gallons
3.79
Liters
Cubic Feet
0.03
Cubic Meters
Cubic Yards
0.76
Cubic Meters

 

Units of Speed
Miles per Hour
1.61
Kilometers per Hour
Kilometers per Hour
0.62
Miles per Hour

 

Units of Temperature
Celsius
x (9/5) + 32
Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit
- 32 x (5/9) Remainder
Celsius