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Jason P. Howe / Photographer

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90 images Created 19 Apr 2007

Iraq Expanded

Iraq 2003-2006
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  • 28 November 2004. Yusufiya, Iraq. Operation 'Plymouth Rock' /Amphibious landing.....US Marines and Iraqi National Guard executed the largest ever amphibious landing to take place in Iraq thus far in the area of Yusufiya as part of operation 'Plymouth Rock' aimed at targeting insurgent and criminal groups. After a dawn insertion by gunboat the combined forces made a sweep through palm groves, orchards and farmland searching for hidden weapons.Photographed on assignment for the New York Times.
    IRQ-041128-JPH-PS001.jpg
  • 28 November 2004. Yusufiya, Iraq. Operation 'Plymouth Rock' /Amphibious landing.<br />
US Marines and Iraqi National Guard executed the largest ever amphibious landing to take place in Iraq thus far in the area of Yusufiya as part of operation 'Plymouth Rock' aimed at targeting insurgent and criminal groups. After a dawn insertion in gunboats the combined forces made a sweep through palm groves, orchards and farmland searching for hidden weapons. Photographed on assignment for The New York Times.
    RISC019.jpg
  • 20th Jan 2004.Baghdad, Iraq.Iraqis protest on the streets of central Baghdad, many are carring posters of the firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
    IRQ-040120-JPH-PS008.jpg
  • Members of Moqtada al-Sadr's Mehdi Army display their weapons and some equipment captured from US forces in Kufa, Iraq on the 7th May 2004.
    IRQ-040507-JPH-PS013.jpg
  • US Marines raid homes of suspected insurgents. After a tip off from an Iraqi informant US Marines staged a night time raid against suspected insurgents in the town of Mahmudiyah a hotbed of anti-occupation activity. The targets were suspected of being involved at a high level with the planning and executing of IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attacks against coalition forces. Photographed on assignment for the NY Times. 2 December 2004. Mahmudiyah, Iraq.
    Iraq-2.jpeg
  • 27 May 2004..Najaf, Iraq...Deal in Najaf...For the first time in weeks the main road between Kufa and Najaf is virtually void of Mehdi army foot soldiers. ..Moqtada al-Sadr the firebrand cleric with popular support in Najf, Kufa and Sadr city, a poor and violent suburb of Baghdad, has agreed in a deal with US forces to stand down his private militia who have been exchanging fire on the edges of the city for many weeks. al-Sadr says his force will disarm on the understanding that US forces do not enter the holy city...On the streets around Najaf's mosque Mehdi army fighters made a final parade but in the background some fighters retained their weapons and the militia are still maintaining some of their firing positions in the expectation that the US forces will not honour the deal.
    Iraq-1.jpg
  • 24 December 2004.Mosul, Iraq..Memorial service for the dead in mess hall attack...A suspected suicide bomb attack on the food hall at Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul on the 21 December claimed the lives of 22 US forces, Iraqis and civillian contractors. Today 24 December the 133 Engineer Battalion held a memorial service for two of its fallen comrades; Sgt Lynn Poulin aged 47 and Specialist Thomas Dostie aged 20.
    RISC021.jpg
  • 28 November 2004...Yusufiya, Iraq...Operation 'Plymouth Rock' /Amphibious landing.....US Marines and Iraqi National Guard executed the largest ever amphibious landing to take place in Iraq today 28 November in the area of Yusufiya as part of operation 'Plymouth Rock' aimed at targeting insurgent and criminal groups. After a dawn insertion in gunboats the combined forces made a sweep through palm groves, orchards and farmland searching for hidden weapons.
    IRQ-041128-JPH-PS010.jpg
  • 28 DECEMBER 2004.Mosul, Iraq.EOD Robots...In Mosul, Northern Iraq on 28 December US Forces demonstrate their high tech weapons in the form of robots use to examine and destroy Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) which continue to cause the highest level of casualties throughout the country..The US EOD (Explosive Ordanance Disposal) personnel work in two man teams and have variety of remote control equipment which they can deploy from a distance againt a suspected device. The robots are fitted with cameras and lights or night vision. They can be used to move ordanance or place a charge that will trigger the explosives...Robot shown is a 'TALON' made by Boston Miller Inc...EOD team member is SSG Prather of the 705 EOD unit based at Forward Operating Base (FOB) 'Marez' in Mosul.
    IRQ-041228-JPH-PS001.jpg
  • 20 Feb 2004....Qandil Mountains, Kurdistan/Iraq.....PKK Camp...The PKK reached a peak of notoriety during the decade from mid 80s-mid 90's. During this period they were involved a series of high profile bomb attacks and kidnappings.....The Leader and President of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan is currently imprisoned on a small island off the Turkish mainland.....His followers believe that he can lead the Kurds to freedom and independence. In the light of this it is unlikely that the Turkish Government will ever allow him to be released.....The PKK winter camps are high in the snow covered Qandil mountains. The mountain range falls within what is international recognised as Iraq. The Kurds call the area Southern Kurdistan.....Most of the PKK fighters living in the camps are from Turkey. Many of them have lived in the mountains for more than half their lives.....The Turkish Government did offer a programe of repatriation to the PKK but few of the fighters felt it avantageous...They chose instead to remain living in the harsh mountian enviroment prepared to fight for their people.....The PKK is at this time in what they describe as a 'Position of Legitimate Defense'. They claim not to be involved in any military action but will defend them selves if attacked.....Photo: Life in the PKK camps incorporates many aspects of normal daily life. Leisure activities are organised for the guerrillas. Wintertime and the resulting snowfall restricts the playing of some sports. After clearing the makeshift court of snow two teams compete in a game of volleyball surrounded by the beautiful mountain landscape.
    IRQ-040220-JPH-PS068.jpg
  • 1st December 2004. Yusufiyah, Iraq. <br />
US Marines patrol Yusufiyah. In an effort to crush the insurgent groups operating in North Babel province US Marines have set up Forward Operating Bases in the heart of enemy territory. From these bases they are able to patrol the surrounding towns and countryside. Great efforts are being made to interact with the local Iraqi's. As the area is a hotbed of anti-US activity great vigilance is required when entering buildings, they must be searched from top to bottom at gunpoint after which the soldiers must  remain on guard against snipers hiding in nearby houses or palm groves. <br />
Photographed on assignment for The New York Times.
    IRQ-041201-JPH-PS005.jpg
  • 28 November 2004...Yusufiya, Iraq...Operation 'Plymouth Rock' /Amphibious landing.....US Marines and Iraqi National Guard executed the largest ever amphibious landing to take place in Iraq today 28 November in the area of Yusufiya as part of operation 'Plymouth Rock' aimed at targeting insurgent and criminal groups. After a dawn insertion in gunboats the combined forces made a sweep through palm groves, orchards and farmland searching for hidden weapons.
    IRQ-041128-JPH-PS002.jpg
  • 28 November 2004...Yusufiya, Iraq...Operation 'Plymouth Rock' /Amphibious landing.....US Marines and Iraqi National Guard executed the largest ever amphibious landing to take place in Iraq today 28 November in the area of Yusufiya as part of operation 'Plymouth Rock' aimed at targeting insurgent and criminal groups. After a dawn insertion in gunboats the combined forces made a sweep through palm groves, orchards and farmland searching for hidden weapons. The Marines used metal dectors and shovels to unearth buried assault rifles and ammunition.
    IRQ-041128-JPH-PS005.jpg
  • 21 Feb 2004....Qandil Mountains, Kurdistan/Iraq.....PKK Camp...The PKK reached a peak of notoriety during the decade from mid 80s-mid 90's. During this period they were involved a series of high profile bomb attacks and kidnappings.....The Leader and President of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan is currently imprisoned on a small island off the Turkish mainland.....His followers believe that he can lead the Kurds to freedom and independence. In the light of this it is unlikely that the Turkish Government will ever allow him to be released.....The PKK winter camps are high in the snow covered Qandil mountains. The mountain range falls within what is international recognised as Iraq. The Kurds call the area Southern Kurdistan.....Most of the PKK fighters living in the camps are from Turkey. Many of them have lived in the mountains for more than half their lives.....The Turkish Government did offer a programe of repatriation to the PKK but few of the fighters felt it avantageous...They chose instead to remain living in the harsh mountian enviroment prepared to fight for their people.....The PKK is at this time in what they describe as a 'Position of Legitimate Defense'. They claim not to be involved in any military action but will defend them selves if attacked.....Photos: The mountains are the natural terrain for the guerrilla fighters. Their training includes different ways of moving over rugged ground to avoid ambushes or mines and to approach an enemy undetected.
    IRQ-040221-JPH-PS025.jpg
  • 4 December 2004..Mahmudiya, Iraq. Detainees in US custody. US Marines launched a night time raid (4 December) from a Forward Operating Base in the North Babel province of Iraq against the homes of suspected insurgents. The homes are searched for evidence and the detainees are transported to the Marine base, there blindfolded and with hands secured by strips of plastic (flexi-cuffs) they join detainees from previous raids. The prisoners are given blankets to fight the bitter cold and one at a time are led into a cubicle to be fingerprinted and photographed prior to further questioning.
    IRQ-041204-JPH-PS004.jpg
  • 28 June 2004.Baqouba, Iraq.US troops on streets of Baqouba.In the early hours of June 28 before the suprise anouncment that the handover of Soveriegnty from the US led coalition to an Iraqi Government would tke place two days early US troops in Baqouba are on the streets conducting searches of suspicious buildings and 'flash TCP's' or suprise traffic control points. Having been involved in heavy combat in the area in recent times they are aware of the presence of anti-coalition insugents and have first hand experience of their firepower. Their missions within this area of operation will continue as before the handover. This will include stopping and seaching vehicles and entering building they suspect of housing rebel fighters or their weapons.
    IRQ-040627-JPH-PS002.jpg
  • 28 Jan 2005.Ramadi, Iraq.Iraqi National Guard/assassination victims...At dawn on the 28 Jan 2005 a US Army patrol in Ramadi, Iraq discovered the bodies of four Iraqi males killed by gunshot wounds to the head. The bodies are believed to be those of four Iraqi National Guardsmen who were kidnapped in the city on Thursday. Local witnesses report that the men were brought to the rubbish dump alive in the trunk of a car, forced into the open and then gunned down. Amoungst the bodies was found a note from the 'Death squad' responsible for the assassinations confirming that the reason for the mens death was their employment as part of Iraq's security forces. With elections only days away the insurgents campaign of terror against potential voters and the officials and security personnel shows no sign of weakening.
    IRQ-050128-JPH-PS002.jpg
  • 6 December 2004.Yusifiyah, Iraq.Fox Company/Yusifiyah..US Marines of 'Fox Company' patrol the streets of Yusifiyah in North Babel provine Iraq on the 6th December. Both the buildings and the population of the town bear scars from the ongoing battle for control of this area. The Marines are experiencing a lull in attacks against them but predict that the anti-coalition insurgents are biding their time. Meanwhile the US Forces maintain a presence on the streets where they experience a mixed welcome.
    IRQ-041206-JPH-PS001.jpg
  • 1 December 2004. South Central Iraq. US Marines in South Central Iraq. In an effort to crush the insurgent groups operating in North Babel province US Marines have set up Forward |Operating Bases in the heart of enemy territory. At 22 Alpha a small base on a central highway Marines pass the time not consumed by operations by playing poker.
    RISC035.jpg
  • A member of Moqtada al Sadr's Mehdi army holding an RPG in Najaf on the 15th April 2004.
    IRQ-040415-JPH-PS006.jpg
  • 4 December 2004..Mahmudiya, Iraq..Detainees in US custody.......US Marines launched a nightime raid (4 December) from a Forward Operating Base in the North Babel province of Iraq against the homes of suspected insurgents. The homes are searched for evidence and the detainees are transported to the Marine base, there blindfolded and with hands secured by strips of plastic (flexi-cuffs) they join detainees from previous raids. The prisoners are given blankets to fight the bitter cold and one at a time are led into a cubicle to be fingerprinted and photographed prior to further questioning.
    IRQ-041204-JPH-PS007.jpg
  • 7 December 2004. Jawan, Iraq. US Marines raid suspected insurgent homes. US Marines based in Yusufiyah, Iraq continued on 7 December ongoing raids against suspected insurgents within the units area of operation. The Marines have made repeated visits to the family homes of known insurgents thought to have been involved in the recent fighting in Fallujah.
    IRQ-041207-JPH-PS003.jpg
  • 21st Feb 2004. Qandil Mountains, Kurdistan/Iraq. PKK Camp. The PKK reached a peak of notoriety during the decade from mid 80s-mid 90's. During this period they were involved a series of high profile bomb attacks and kidnappings. The Leader and President of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan is currently imprisoned on a small island off the Turkish mainland. His followers believe that he can lead the Kurds to freedom and independence. In the light of this it is unlikely that the Turkish Government will ever allow him to be released. The PKK winter camps are high in the snow covered Qandil mountains. The mountain range falls within what is international recognised as Iraq. The Kurds call the area Southern Kurdistan. Most of the PKK fighters living in the camps are from Turkey. Many of them have lived in the mountains for more than half their lives. The Turkish Government did offer a program  of repatriation to the PKK but few of the fighters felt it advantageous. They chose instead to remain living in the harsh mountain environment prepared to fight for their people. The PKK is at this time in what they describe as a 'Position of Legitimate Defence'. They claim not to be involved in any military action but will defend them selves if attacked.
    IRQ-040221-JPH-PS030.jpg
  • Baghdad, Iraq...Fruit and vegetable stalls are to be found on the streets throughout Baghdad, the quaility of the produce is high and they are a colourfull addtion to the drab, rundown city.
    IRQ-040311-JPH-PS033.jpg
  • 6 December 2004.Yusifiyah, Iraq.Fox Company/Yusifiyah..US Marines of 'Fox Company' patrol the streets of Yusifiyah in North Babel provine Iraq on the 6th December. Both the buildings and the population of the town bear scars from the ongoing battle for control of this area. The Marines are experiencing a lull in attacks against them but predict that the anti-coalition insurgents are biding their time. Meanwhile the US Forces maintain a presence on the streets where they experience a mixed welcome.
    IRQ-041206-JPH-PS003.jpg
  • 6 December 2004.Yusifiyah, Iraq.Fox Company/Yusifiyah..US Marines of 'Fox Company' patrol the streets of Yusifiyah in North Babel provine Iraq on the 6th December. Both the buildings and the population of the town bear scars from the ongoing battle for control of this area. The Marines are experiencing a lull in attacks against them but predict that the anti-coalition insurgents are biding their time. Meanwhile the US Forces maintain a presence on the streets where they experience a mixed welcome.
    IRQ-041206-JPH-PS006.jpg
  • 7 December 2004..Jawan, Iraq..US Marines raid suspected insurgent homes.....US Marines based in Yusufiyah, Iraq continued on 7 December ongoing raids against suspected insurgents within the untis area of operation...The Marines have made repeated visits to the family homes of known insurgents thought to have been involved in the recent fighting in Falluja.
    IRQ-041207-JPH-PS002.jpg
  • 6 December 2004.Yusifiyah, Iraq.Fox Company/Yusifiyah..US Marines of 'Fox Company' patrol the streets of Yusifiyah in North Babel provine Iraq on the 6th December. Both the buildings and the population of the town bear scars from the ongoing battle for control of this area. The Marines are experiencing a lull in attacks against them but predict that the anti-coalition insurgents are biding their time. Meanwhile the US Forces maintain a presence on the streets where they experience a mixed welcome.
    IRQ-041206-JPH-PS002.jpg
  • 7 December 2004..Jawan, Iraq..US Marines raid suspected insurgent homes.....US Marines based in Yusufiyah, Iraq continued on 7 December ongoing raids against suspected insurgents within the untis area of operation...The Marines have made repeated visits to the family homes of known insurgents thought to have been involved in the recent fighting in Falluja.
    IRQ-041207-JPH-PS004.jpg
  • 19 November 2004.Baghdad, Iraq..Car bomb targets police convoy...Iraqi security forces, US soldiers and rescue workers at the scene of a suicide car bomb, Friday 19th October in Baghdad, Iraq. The bombers target was a police convoy, the attack killed 5 wounding a futher 10 and damaging nearby houses. The casualties were rushed to hospital first then bodies were removed from destroyed vehicles.
    IRQ-041119-JPH-PS001.jpg
  • 4 December 2004..Mahmudiya, Iraq..Detainees in US custody.......US Marines launched a nightime raid (4 December) from a Forward Operating Base in the North Babel province of Iraq against the homes of suspected insurgents. The homes are searched for evidence and the detainees are transported to the Marine base, there blindfolded and with hands secured by strips of plastic (flexi-cuffs) they join detainees from previous raids. The prisoners are given blankets to fight the bitter cold and one at a time are led into a cubicle to be fingerprinted and photographed prior to further questioning.
    IRQ-041204-JPH-PS010.jpg
  • 17th December 2004. Baghdad, Iraq. Election campaign posters/Iraq. The streets of Baghdad, Iraq begin to brighten up as posters of political leaders are pasted up in the neighbourhoods where they have or seek support.
    IRQ-041217-JPH-PS001.jpg
  • 02 May 2004....Falluja, Iraq.....Aftermath of US attacks.....After being in a state of siege for almost a month and suffering devastating attacks by US aircraft and ground troops Falluja nows counts the human cost of those last few weeks.....Many homes have been completely destroyed and hundreds killed.......Many of the dead have been buried in trenches dug in the football pitch of a sports club. Friends and relatives come to pay their respects.
    IRQ-040502-JPH-PS003.jpg
  • 21 Feb 2004....Qandil Mountains, Kurdistan/Iraq.....PKK Camp...The PKK reached a peak of notoriety during the decade from mid 80s-mid 90's. During this period they were involved a series of high profile bomb attacks and kidnappings.....The Leader and President of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan is currently imprisoned on a small island off the Turkish mainland.....His followers believe that he can lead the Kurds to freedom and independence. In the light of this it is unlikely that the Turkish Government will ever allow him to be released.....The PKK winter camps are high in the snow covered Qandil mountains. The mountain range falls within what is international recognised as Iraq. The Kurds call the area Southern Kurdistan.....Most of the PKK fighters living in the camps are from Turkey. Many of them have lived in the mountains for more than half their lives.....The Turkish Government did offer a programe of repatriation to the PKK but few of the fighters felt it avantageous...They chose instead to remain living in the harsh mountian enviroment prepared to fight for their people.....The PKK is at this time in what they describe as a 'Position of Legitimate Defense'. They claim not to be involved in any military action but will defend them selves if attacked.....Photo: Whilst most of the PKK living in the camps come from Turkey some have returned from European countries and have given up many freedoms and luxuries to fight alongside their people. The girl at right has returned from Germany. She says her life there was good but her people are here.
    IRQ-040221-JPH-PS044.jpg
  • 27th JUne 2004.Baquoba, Iraq.A US soldier dismounts from a Bradley fighting vehicle after returning from a night patrol.
    IRQ-040627-JPH-PS005.jpg
  • 28 Jan 2005. Ramadi, Iraq. Iraqi National Guard/Assassination victims...At dawn on the 28 Jan 2005 a US Army patrol in Ramadi, Iraq discovered the bodies of four Iraqi males killed by gunshot wounds to the head. The bodies are believed to be those of four Iraqi National Guardsmen who were kidnapped in the city on Thursday. Local witnesses report that the men were brought to the rubbish dump alive in the trunk of a car, forced into the open and then gunned down. Amongst the bodies was found a note from the 'Death squad' responsible for the assassinations confirming that the reason for the mens death was their employment as part of Iraq's security forces. With elections only days away the insurgents campaign of terror against potential voters and the officials and security personnel shows no sign of weakening.
    IRQ-050128-JPH-PS006.jpg
  • 30 Jan 2005..Ramadi, Iraq..Election day/Ramadi....In Ramadi, Iraq on election day 30 Jan 2005 a heavy presence around polling stations of Iraqi Security Forces with an outer cordon of US Forces provided as secure an enviroment possible to allow locals to vote in safety. Despite this the polling stations outside of the main town center received only a handfull of civillian voters. The Iraqi forces who guarded the facility voted there as did a number of Iraqi police and tribal leaders. At the end of a long day the Iraq soldiers cleared away the razorwire and sandbags and awaited transport back to Camp Ramadi.
    IRQ-050131-JPH-PS001.jpg
  • 28th Jan 2005. Ramadi, Iraq. Iraqi National Guard/assassination victims. At dawn on the 28 Jan 2005 a US Army patrol in Ramadi, Iraq discovered the bodies of four Iraqi males killed by gunshot wounds to the head. The bodies are believed to be those of four Iraqi National Guardsmen who were kidnapped in the city on Thursday. Local witnesses report that the men were brought to the rubbish dump alive in the trunk of a car, forced into the open and then gunned down. Amongst the bodies was found a note from the 'Death squad' responsible for the assassinations confirming that the reason for the mens death was their employment as part of Iraq's security forces. With elections only days away the insurgents campaign of terror against potential voters and the officials and security personnel shows no sign of weakening.
    RISC022.jpg
  • 21 July 2004.Kirkuk, Iraq..Kurdish refugees in Kirkuk...Kirkuk is considered by the Kurds to be part of Kurdistan. They were forced from the area during the reign of Saddam who persecuted them and forced Arabs to move into the town to swing the balance of power. As well as believing Kirkuk to be part of their homeland this part of Iraq is rich in oil resourses that the Kurds seek a share of...Since Saddams fall from power a reversal is occuring. Kurds who previously fled or were forced from the town are retuning in droves. It is the Kurds turn to try and force out the Arabs and Turkomans who populate the urban zone...Tent cities are springing up as Kurds from more northern parts of Iraq start new lives in Kirkuk. Within days of arriving they begin work on digging foundations and laying the first breezeblocks of their new homes..The Kurdish community is strong in the business districts of Kirkuk, ever secular they combine their strong merchanting skills with National pride...
    IRQ-040722-JPH-PS005.jpg
  • 02 May 2004....Falluja, Iraq.....Aftermath of US attacks.....After being in a state of siege for almost a month and suffering devastating attacks by US aircraft and ground troops Falluja nows counts the human cost of those last few weeks.....Many homes have been completely destroyed and hundreds killed.
    IRQ-040502-JPH-PS012.jpg
  • 26 December 2004.Mosul, Iraq..Iraqi Regular Army/Mosul..Soldiers from the Iraqi Regular Army (IRA) operate a vehicle checkpoint on a road near to the Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, Iraq on the 26 December. The Iraqi soldiers still complain about poor equipment and living conditions and pay. The soldiers trained by US troops now conduct the stop ping and searching of vehicles and passengers and secure the surrounding area from sandbagged positions equipped with RPG 7's and from open backed un-armoured jeeps.
    IRQ-041226-JPH-PS001.jpg
  • 9th Feb 2004. Baghdad, Iraq. US/ICDC Raid. As part of the ongoing training process the US forces accompany ICDC troops on a weapon search in a suburb of Baghdad. ICDC have recruited female soldiers. On raids they are able to placate the womenfolk of each household who are often both scared and offended by the intrusive search by male troops. Whilst searching for weapons the troops find framed portraits of former dictator Saddam. They confiscate these along with other documents linked to the regime.
    IRQ-040209-JPH-PS022.jpg
  • 28 Jan 2004.Baghdad, Iraq..Bomb Attack on Baghdad Hotel..A suspected suicide bomber attacked the Shaheen Hotel in the early hours. .A team of South African security guards working for 'Erinys Iraq were amoung the casualties, at least two of their number were killed as a result of the explosion..A barefoot Iraqi gunman strides towards the hotel minutes after the blast...
    IRQ-040128-JPH-PS028.jpg
  • 1 Feb 2005.Ramadi, Iraq.Iraq Forces Award ceremony...In 'Camp Ramadi', Iraq on 1 Feb 2005 members of Iraqs new Army celebrate after being awarded ceremonial coins in recognition of their providing security at polling stations over the election period.
    IRQ-050201-JPH-PS002.jpg
  • 02 May 2004....Falluja, Iraq.....Aftermath of US attacks.....After being in a state of siege for almost a month and suffering devastating attacks by US aircraft and ground troops Falluja nows counts the human cost of those last few weeks.....Many homes have been completely destroyed and hundreds killed.......Many of the dead have been buried in trenches dug in the football pitch of a sports club. Friends and relatives come to pay their respects.
    IRQ-040502-JPH-PS008.jpg
  • 4 July 2004..Kirkuk, Iraq..Kirkuk....In one of the most mixed raced cities in Iraq tensions are rising as Arabs are being forced from their homes by returning Kurdish refugees. The population of the city is split bewteen the Turkomans, Arabs and Kurds, it is one of Iraq richest oil regions and evey group is keen to grab as big a share as possible.....Falah Salman, 25 and his mother Fakhriyed Sayyed Qassem live with his sisters in Kirkuk. They are Arabs and despite being stabbed 7 times by Kurdish Peshmerger fighters and having his sister wounded in a shooting the familiy refuse to leave their home .
    IRQ-040704-JPH-PS001.jpg
  • 30th Jan 2004.Tikrit, Iraq.Iraqi soldiers living in one of Saddams abandoned palaces.
    IRQ-040130-JPH-PS013.jpg
  • 20 Feb 2004....Qandil Mountains, Kurdistan/Iraq.....PKK Camp...The PKK reached a peak of notoriety during the decade from mid 80s-mid 90's. During this period they were involved a series of high profile bomb attacks and kidnappings.....The Leader and President of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan is currently imprisoned on a small island off the Turkish mainland.....His followers believe that he can lead the Kurds to freedom and independence. In the light of this it is unlikely that the Turkish Government will ever allow him to be released.....The PKK winter camps are high in the snow covered Qandil mountains. The mountain range falls within what is international recognised as Iraq. The Kurds call the area Southern Kurdistan.....Most of the PKK fighters living in the camps are from Turkey. Many of them have lived in the mountains for more than half their lives.....The Turkish Government did offer a programe of repatriation to the PKK but few of the fighters felt it avantageous...They chose instead to remain living in the harsh mountian enviroment prepared to fight for their people.....The PKK is at this time in what they describe as a 'Position of Legitimate Defense'. They claim not to be involved in any military action but will defend them selves if attacked.....Photo: Winter in the mountains is harsh. The fighters have come down from higher positions due to heavy snowfall.....In the evening they light a bonfire and dance to traditional Kurdish music played on a lute by a fellow fighter.
    IRQ-040220-JPH-PS006.jpg
  • 20th Jan 2004.Baghdad, Iraq.Iraqis protest on the streets of central Baghdad, many are carring posters of the firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
    IRQ-040120-JPH-PS001.jpg
  • .28 Jan 2004.Baghdad, Iraq..Bomb Attack on Baghdad Hotel..A suspected suicide bomber attacked the Shaheen Hotel in the early hours. .A team of South African security guards working for 'Erinys Iraq' were amoung the casualties, at least two of their number were killed as a result of the explosion..An Iraqi policeman carries a casualty from the building minutes after the blast.
    IRQ-040128-JPH-PS001.jpg
  • 20th Jan 2004.Baghdad, Iraq.Iraqis protest on the streets of central Baghdad, many are carring posters of the firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
    IRQ-040120-JPH-PS009.jpg
  • 21 Feb 2004....Qandil Mountains, Kurdistan/Iraq.....PKK Camp...The PKK reached a peak of notoriety during the decade from mid 80s-mid 90's. During this period they were involved a series of high profile bomb attacks and kidnappings.....The Leader and President of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan is currently imprisoned on a small island off the Turkish mainland.....His followers believe that he can lead the Kurds to freedom and independence. In the light of this it is unlikely that the Turkish Government will ever allow him to be released.....The PKK winter camps are high in the snow covered Qandil mountains. The mountain range falls within what is internationally recognised as Iraq. The Kurds call the area Southern Kurdistan.....Most of the PKK fighters living in the camps are from Turkey. Many of them have lived in the mountains for more than half their lives.....The Turkish Government did offer a program of repatriation to the PKK but few of the fighters felt it advantageous...They chose instead to remain living in the harsh mountain environment prepared to fight for their people.....The PKK is at this time in what they describe as a 'Position of Legitimate Defence'. They claim not to be involved in any military action but will defend them selves if attacked...
    IRQ-040219-JPH-PS008.jpg
  • 25th Jan 2004.Baghdad, Iraq.A large number of babies are being still born due the stress mothers are suffering due to the daily bombings, fighting and kidnappings. A funeral worker prepares the body of a baby for burial.
    RISC023.jpg
  • 19 March 2004.....Baghdad, Iraq.....A recent upsurge in sectarain violence between Shia and Sunni has resulted in several attacks on mosques in Baghdad.....Most mosques now have heavey security, this includes gunman inside and outside the perimeter, concrete barriers to prevent carbombers from getting close to the building and body searches for all entering the mosque.....This gunman stands guard at a Shia mosque under construction that was destroyed with TNT as it neared completion. One of the donors who funds were helping the constrution had an expolsive devise thrown into the garden of his house, the blast wounded two of his sons.
    IRQ-040318-JPH-PS002.jpg
  • December 23 2003....Rutba, Iraq.....Resistance fighters.....An Iraqi resistance fighter hold up a grenade during a secret meeting in a safehouse in Rutba near the Jordanian border...The underground movement is very active in the area and are responsible for many roadside attacks on US convoys...
    IRQ-031223-JPH-PS001.jpg
  • December 23rd 2003. Rutba, Iraq. <br />
Resistance fighters. An Iraqi resistance fighter holds a grenade and a copy of the Koran as he proclaims his willingness to die trying to end the occupation of Iraq by the US.
    IRQ-031223-JPH-PS005.jpg
  • Members of Moqtada al Sadr's Mehdi army on the streets of Najaf, Iraq on the 15th April 2004.
    IRQ-040415-JPH-PS005.jpg
  • Members of Moqtada al Sadr's Mehdi army in a stolen police truck on the streets of Najaf on the 15th April 2004.
    IRQ-040415-JPH-PS008.jpg
  • Moqtada al-Sadr leads Friday prayers in Kufa mosque, Kufa, Iraq on the 7th May 2004.
    IRQ-040507-JPH-PS009.jpg
  • Moqtada al-Sadr's Mehdi Army take control of the streets and battle US forces  in Najaf, Iraq on the 21st May 2004.
    IRQ-040521-JPH-PS029.jpg
  • 27 May 2004..Najaf, Iraq...Deal in Najaf...For the first time in weeks the main road between Kufa and Najaf is virtually void of Mehdi army foot soldiers. ..Moqtada al-Sadr the firebrand cleric with popular support in Najf, Kufa and Sadr city, a poor and violent suburb of Baghdad, has agreed in a deal with US forces to stand down his private militia who have been exchanging fire on the edges of the city for many weeks. al-Sadr says his force will disarm on the understanding that US forces do not enter the holy city...On the streets around Najaf's mosque Mehdi army fighters made a final parade but in the background some fighters retained their weapons and the militia are still maintaining some of their firing positions in the expectation that the US forces will not honour the deal.
    IRQ-040527-JPH-PS009.jpg
  • Moqtada al-Sadr's Mehdi Army take control of the streets and battle US forces  in Najaf, Iraq on the 21st May 2004.
    IRQ-040521-JPH-PS031.jpg
  • 30 May 2004..Baghdad, Iraq...Mehdi martyrs.......Raad Yasim aged 47 sits with his grandson Jaffar aged 4...Jaffar's father Uday Yasim aged 27 was killed on the 13th May during clashes between US Forces and Medhi army in Sadr city...Uday's family have always been supporters of the Sadr family, the Mehdi army are the private militia of Moqtada al-Sadr the firebrand cleric opposing the US occupation...The death of Uday has reinforced the families will to fight against coalition forces.
    IRQ-040530-JPH-PS002.jpg
  • Baghdad, Iraq, 2 Oct 2005. Running 'Route Irish'...Rangers Paul Muirwood (left) and Sam Benson sunbathing at the 'Liberty Pool'.....B Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, a tight-knit multi national fighting force make daily escorting runs along ?Route Irish?, the infamous Baghdad Airport road. The 46 man team are all British Army regulars but come from as far afield as Fiji, South Africa and Northern and Southern Ireland. Previous deployments in Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Northern Ireland have equipped them with the valuable skills needed to provide protection for British Forces and materials transiting the world?s most dangerous highway. Due to an increased presence of US forces along the route both in dug in positions and mobile patrols, attacks along the road have slackened, despite this a day rarely passed without an IED (improvised explosive device) being detonated or a small arms attack against coalition forces. ..The convoy attempts to maintain a seclusion ?bubble? around its vehicles for the duration of the journey. Any civilian vehicle that either strays into the bubble or refuses to keep their distance represents a threat and should they ignore the warning blasts on air horns carried in each vehicle the rules of engagement progress from warning shots to use of lethal force. The relative safety of the International Zone offers them an opportunity to decompress between missions. A duty driver ferries soldiers to the ?Liberty Pool?. Once only frequented by Iraq?s Ba?athist elite the luxury swimming pool and gym now fills with troops. Their body armour, helmets and weapons all within easy reach they either soak up the sun or compete with each other in diving competitions. After a daily briefing the troops have access to the ?Mosquito and Camel? bar where they watch TV or play pool and in accordance with the ?2 can rule? are allowed to drink 2 beers per night.
    IRQ-050930-JPH-PS012.jpg
  • US Ambassador to Iraq Paul Bremer is know by his staff simply as 'The Boss', others refer to him as 'The Machine' since they never see him stop working. During a helicopter flight from Baghdad to Tikrit every minuet was spent either working on his laptop, reading memos or learning Arabic using a series of cards.<br />
23rd April 2004. Tikrit, Iraq.
    IRQ-040423-JPH-PS043.jpg
  • Dec15th 2003.ad Dawr, Iraq..Saddams hideout..A US soldier examines the entrance to a small underground chamber in which Saddan was dicovered and captured at a small farm near Tilkrit...15th December 2003
    IRQ-031215-JPH-PS013.jpg
  • Dec15th 2003.ad Dawr, Iraq..Saddams hideout..A US soldier peers into the hole in which Saddan was discovered in the yard of a small farmhouse near Tikrit...15th December 2003
    IRQ-031215-JPH-PS016.jpg
  • 18th November 2005.Baghdad, Iraq.Hamra Bomb Attack..Two vehicles packed with explosives driven by suicide bombers attacked the Al-Hamra hotel complex at 0815 in Baghdad on the 18th November 2005. The houses of local residents where destroyed and at least 15 where killed and 40 wounded. The Al-Hamra hotel is used mainly by journalists and contractors. This attack comes just weeks after the Palestine hotel also home to the media and contractors was attacked in a similar manner.
    RISC025.jpg
  • Baghdad, Iraq, 2 Oct 2005. Running 'Route Irish'..LCPL Ryan McReady enjoys a KFC meal at a US military base at Baghdad airport...B Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, a tight-knit multi national fighting force make daily escorting runs along ?Route Irish?, the infamous Baghdad Airport road. The 46 man team are all British Army regulars but come from as far afield as Fiji, South Africa and Northern and Southern Ireland. Previous deployments in Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Northern Ireland have equipped them with the valuable skills needed to provide protection for British Forces and materials transiting the world?s most dangerous highway. Due to an increased presence of US forces along the route both in dug in positions and mobile patrols, attacks along the road have slackened, despite this a day rarely passed without an IED (improvised explosive device) being detonated or a small arms attack against coalition forces. .The convoy attempts to maintain a seclusion ?bubble? around its vehicles for the duration of the journey. Any civilian vehicle that either strays into the bubble or refuses to keep their distance represents a threat and should they ignore the warning blasts on air horns carried in each vehicle the rules of engagement progress from warning shots to use of lethal force. The relative safety of the International Zone offers them an opportunity to decompress between missions. A duty driver ferries soldiers to the ?Liberty Pool?. Once only frequented by Iraq?s Ba?athist elite the luxury swimming pool and gym now fills with troops. Their body armour, helmets and weapons all within easy reach they either soak up the sun or compete with each other in diving competitions. After a daily briefing the troops have access to the ?Mosquito and Camel? bar where they watch TV or play pool and in accordance with the ?2 can rule? are allowed to drink 2 beers per night.
    IRQ-051002-JPH-PS008.jpg
  • 25 April 2004....Baghdad, Iraq.....US Ambassador Paul Bremer.......After nearly one year in country acting as the US Ambassador to Iraq Paul Bremer has rarely been seen off duty. His work schedule is punishing, from his 630 am start thru to a late finish he constantly rushes from meeting to meeting. Meals are often taken at his desk whilst reading memos or emails.....Photo: Ambassador Bremer on the balcony of the Republican Palace, Baghdad, Iraq.
    IRQ-040425-JPH-PS113.jpg
  • 18th November 2005.Baghdad, Iraq.Hamra Bomb Attack..Two vehicles packed with explosives driven by suicide bombers attacked the Al-Hamra hotel complex at 0815 in Baghdad on the 18th November 2005. The houses of local residents where destroyed and at least 15 where killed and 40 wounded. The Al-Hamra hotel is used mainly by journalists and contractors. This attack comes just weeks after the Palestine hotel also home to the media and contractors was attacked in a similar manner.
    IRQ-051118-JPH-PS002.jpg
  • 22 April 2004. Baghdad, Iraq. US Ambassador to Iraq Paul Bremer has been in country for almost one year. His day starts early with briefings and is entirely taken up with meetings and press conferences. Even whilst being driven at great speed with a security detail that rivals the that of the US President Mr Bremer continues to work, reading incoming messages and discussing his schedule with aides. Meals are commonly eaten at his desk whilst still ploughing through an immense  workload.
    IRQ-040422-JPH-PS018.jpg
  • 18th November 2005.Baghdad, Iraq.Hamra Bomb Attack..Two vehicles packed with explosives driven by suicide bombers attacked the Al-Hamra hotel complex at 0815 in Baghdad on the 18th November 2005. The houses of local residents where destroyed and at least 15 where killed and 40 wounded. The Al-Hamra hotel is used mainly by journalists and contractors. This attack comes just weeks after the Palestine hotel also home to the media and contractors was attacked in a similar manner.
    IRQ-051118-JPH-PS003.jpg
  • 21 Feb 2004....Qandil Mountains, Kurdistan/Iraq.....PKK Camp...The PKK reached a peak of notoriety during the decade from mid 80s-mid 90's. During this period they were involved a series of high profile bomb attacks and kidnappings.....The Leader and President of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan is currently imprisoned on a small island off the Turkish mainland.....His followers believe that he can lead the Kurds to freedom and independence. In the light of this it is unlikely that the Turkish Government will ever allow him to be released.....The PKK winter camps are high in the snow covered Qandil mountains. The mountain range falls within what is international recognised as Iraq. The Kurds call the area Southern Kurdistan.....Most of the PKK fighters living in the camps are from Turkey. Many of them have lived in the mountains for more than half their lives.....The Turkish Government did offer a programe of repatriation to the PKK but few of the fighters felt it avantageous...They chose instead to remain living in the harsh mountian enviroment prepared to fight for their people.....The PKK is at this time in what they describe as a 'Position of Legitimate Defense'. They claim not to be involved in any military action but will defend them selves if attacked...
    IRQ-040221-JPH-PS056.jpg
  • 12 October 2005.Basra, Iraq..'Eagle VCP'..On 12 October 2005 days before Iraq's Referendum, soldiers of A Company 1st Royal Irish Regiment perform 'Eagle VCP's' on rural roads in the Basra area. The team is transported by Sea King helicopter from base to the roadway where the set up a vehichle checkpoint. They check drivers documents and search vehicles for weapons and explosives in their ongoing efforts to disrupt insurgent activity in the area.
    IRQ-051012-JPH-PS005.jpg
  • 4 July 2004..Kirkuk, Iraq..Kirkuk....In one of the most mixed raced cities in Iraq tensions are rising as Arabs are being forced from their homes by returning Kurdish refugees. The population of the city is split bewteen the Turkomans, Arabs and Kurds, it is one of Iraq richest oil regions and evey group is keen to grab as big a share as possible.....Abdul Muttarib Jabbar,45 is a Kurd who along with his family have been living in Iran since 1975 when they fled persecution.  moving in. Today he and his family unload their possesions ready to start their lives over in Kirkuk.....Galala aged 17 has grown up in Iran she now has to contemplate a new life in what Kurds belive to be their land. As one of the most persecuted races on earth simply moving from one country to another has never solved the ongoing pressures faced by the Kurdish people.......
    IRQ-040704-JPH-PS011.jpg
  • 30th April 2006..Basra, Iraq..Iraq/Iran Border Enforcement..British soldiers from the 9/12 Lancers work alongside Iraqi Security Forces along the Iraq/Iran border. The task is to combat smuggling of people, weapons and fuel across the river...Members of B Squadron patrol the Shat al-Arab waterway with the Iraqi coastguard. The British troops observe and assist the Iraqis who are now sufficiently well trained to conduct operations without direction from coalition forces...
    IRQ-060329-JPH-PS006.jpg
  • 30th April 2006..Basra, Iraq..Iraq/Iran Border Enforcement..British soldiers from the 9/12 Lancers work alongside Iraqi Security Forces along the Iraq/Iran border. The task is to combat smuggling of people, weapons and fuel across the river...Two young 'Marsh Arabs' watch as a British patrol moves through their village on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab waterway which forms a border between Iraq and Iran...
    IRQ-060401-JPH-PS004.jpg
  • 30th April 2006..Basra, Iraq..Iraq/Iran Border Enforcement..British soldiers from the 9/12 Lancers work alongside Iraqi Security Forces along the Iraq/Iran border. The task is to combat smuggling of people, weapons and fuel across the river...An oil refinery in southern Iraq one of the stratigic sites within the 9/12 Lancers areas of operation...
    IRQ-060331-JPH-PS005.jpg
  • 12 October 2005.Basra, Iraq..'Eagle VCP'..On 12 October 2005 days before Iraq's Referendum, soldiers of A Company 1st Royal Irish Regiment perform 'Eagle VCP's' on rural roads in the Basra area. The team is transported by Sea King helicopter from base to the roadway where the set up a vehichle checkpoint. They check drivers documents and search vehicles for weapons and explosives in their ongoing efforts to disrupt insurgent activity in the area.
    IRQ-051012-JPH-PS010.jpg
  • 30th April 2006..Basra, Iraq..Iraq/Iran Border Enforcement....British soldiers from the 9/12 Lancers work alongside Iraqi Security Forces along the Iraq/Iran border. The task is to combat smuggling of people, weapons and fuel across the river...Members of B Troop board a ship on the Shatt al-Arab waterway between Iraq and Iran searching for smugglers...
    IRQ-060329-JPH-PS008.jpg
  • Baghdad, Iraq, 2 Oct 2005. Running 'Route Irish'...Troops at the 'Liberty Pool'...B Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, a tight-knit multi national fighting force make daily escorting runs along ?Route Irish?, the infamous Baghdad Airport road. The 46 man team are all British Army regulars but come from as far afield as Fiji, South Africa and Northern and Southern Ireland. Previous deployments in Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Northern Ireland have equipped them with the valuable skills needed to provide protection for British Forces and materials transiting the world?s most dangerous highway. Due to an increased presence of US forces along the route both in dug in positions and mobile patrols, attacks along the road have slackened, despite this a day rarely passed without an IED (improvised explosive device) being detonated or a small arms attack against coalition forces. ..The convoy attempts to maintain a seclusion ?bubble? around its vehicles for the duration of the journey. Any civilian vehicle that either strays into the bubble or refuses to keep their distance represents a threat and should they ignore the warning blasts on air horns carried in each vehicle the rules of engagement progress from warning shots to use of lethal force. The relative safety of the International Zone offers them an opportunity to decompress between missions. A duty driver ferries soldiers to the ?Liberty Pool?. Once only frequented by Iraq?s Ba?athist elite the luxury swimming pool and gym now fills with troops. Their body armour, helmets and weapons all within easy reach they either soak up the sun or compete with each other in diving competitions. After a daily briefing the troops have access to the ?Mosquito and Camel? bar where they watch TV or play pool and in accordance with the ?2 can rule? are allowed to drink 2 beers per night.
    IRQ-050930-JPH-PS011.jpg
  • 12 October 2005..Basra, Iraq...Public Order.....On 12 October 2005 days before Iraq's Referendum soldiers of C Company 1st Royal Regiment of Wales practice 'Public Order' techniques for dealing with crowds and rioting mobs.....The soldiers take in turn to act as the 'mob' and attack their collegues whilst they in turn try to hold their line and disperse the crowd.
    IRQ-051012-JPH-PS021.jpg
  • 'Eagle VCP'. On 12th October 2005 days before Iraq's Referendum, soldiers of A Company 1st Royal Irish Regiment perform 'Eagle VCP's' on rural roads in the Basra area. The team is transported by Sea King helicopter from base to the roadway where the set up a vehicle checkpoint. They check drivers documents and search vehicles for weapons and explosives in their ongoing efforts to disrupt insurgent activity in the area.<br />
12th October 2005. Basra, Iraq.
    IRQ-051012-JPH-PS016.jpg
  • Baghdad, Iraq, 2 Oct 2005. Running 'Route Irish'...Ranger Rinikama falls asleep exhausted on arrival at Baghdad Airport.....B Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, a tight-knit multi national fighting force make daily escorting runs along ?Route Irish?, the infamous Baghdad Airport road. The 46 man team are all British Army regulars but come from as far afield as Fiji, South Africa and Northern and Southern Ireland. Previous deployments in Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Northern Ireland have equipped them with the valuable skills needed to provide protection for British Forces and materials transiting the world?s most dangerous highway. Due to an increased presence of US forces along the route both in dug in positions and mobile patrols, attacks along the road have slackened, despite this a day rarely passed without an IED (improvised explosive device) being detonated or a small arms attack against coalition forces. ..The convoy attempts to maintain a seclusion ?bubble? around its vehicles for the duration of the journey. Any civilian vehicle that either strays into the bubble or refuses to keep their distance represents a threat and should they ignore the warning blasts on air horns carried in each vehicle the rules of engagement progress from warning shots to use of lethal force. The relative safety of the International Zone offers them an opportunity to decompress between missions. A duty driver ferries soldiers to the ?Liberty Pool?. Once only frequented by Iraq?s Ba?athist elite the luxury swimming pool and gym now fills with troops. Their body armour, helmets and weapons all within easy reach they either soak up the sun or compete with each other in diving competitions. After a daily briefing the troops have access to the ?Mosquito and Camel? bar where they watch TV or play pool and in accordance with the ?2 can rule? are allowed to drink 2 beers per night.
    IRQ-050929-JPH-PS002.jpg
  • 21 Feb 2004....Qandil Mountains, Kurdistan/Iraq.....PKK Camp...The PKK reached a peak of notoriety during the decade from mid 80s-mid 90's. During this period they were involved a series of high profile bomb attacks and kidnappings.....The Leader and President of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan is currently imprisoned on a small island off the Turkish mainland.....His followers believe that he can lead the Kurds to freedom and independence. In the light of this it is unlikely that the Turkish Government will ever allow him to be released.....The PKK winter camps are high in the snow covered Qandil mountains. The mountain range falls within what is international recognised as Iraq. The Kurds call the area Southern Kurdistan.....Most of the PKK fighters living in the camps are from Turkey. Many of them have lived in the mountains for more than half their lives.....The Turkish Government did offer a programe of repatriation to the PKK but few of the fighters felt it avantageous...They chose instead to remain living in the harsh mountian enviroment prepared to fight for their people.....The PKK is at this time in what they describe as a 'Position of Legitimate Defense'. They claim not to be involved in any military action but will defend them selves if attacked...
    IRQ-040221-JPH-PS031.jpg
  • 21 Feb 2004..Qandil Mountains, Kurdistan/Iraq...PKK Camp..The PKK reached a peak of notoriety during the decade from mid 80s-mid 90's. During this period they were involved a series of high profile bomb attacks and kidnappings...The Leader and President of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan is currently imprisoned on a small island off the Turkish mainland...His followers believe that he can lead the Kurds to freedom and independence. In the light of this it is unlikely that the Turkish Government will ever allow him to be released...The PKK winter camps are high in the snow covered Qandil mountains. The mountain range falls within what is international recognised as Iraq. The Kurds call the area Southern Kurdistan...Most of the PKK fighters living in the camps are from Turkey. Many of them have lived in the mountains for more than half their lives...The Turkish Government did offer a programe of repatriation to the PKK but few of the fighters felt it avantageous..They chose instead to remain living in the harsh mountian enviroment prepared to fight for their people...The PKK is at this time in what they describe as a 'Position of Legitimate Defense'. They claim not to be involved in any military action but will defend them selves if attacked..
    IRQ-040221-JPH-PS021.jpg
  • 21 July 2004.Kirkuk, Iraq..Kurdish refugees in Kirkuk...Kirkuk is considered by the Kurds to be part of Kurdistan. They were forced from the area during the reign of Saddam who persecuted them and forced Arabs to move into the town to swing the balance of power. As well as believing Kirkuk to be part of their homeland this part of Iraq is rich in oil resourses that the Kurds seek a share of...Since Saddams fall from power a reversal is occuring. Kurds who previously fled or were forced from the town are retuning in droves. It is the Kurds turn to try and force out the Arabs and Turkomans who populate the urban zone...Tent cities are springing up as Kurds from more northern parts of Iraq start new lives in Kirkuk. Within days of arriving they begin work on digging foundations and laying the first breezeblocks of their new homes..The Kurdish community is strong in the business districts of Kirkuk, ever secular they combine their strong merchanting skills with National pride...
    IRQ-040721-JPH-PS004.jpg
  • 21 July 2004.Kirkuk, Iraq..Kurdish refugees in Kirkuk...Kirkuk is considered by the Kurds to be part of Kurdistan. They were forced from the area during the reign of Saddam who persecuted them and forced Arabs to move into the town to swing the balance of power. As well as believing Kirkuk to be part of their homeland this part of Iraq is rich in oil resourses that the Kurds seek a share of...Since Saddams fall from power a reversal is occuring. Kurds who previously fled or were forced from the town are retuning in droves. It is the Kurds turn to try and force out the Arabs and Turkomans who populate the urban zone...Tent cities are springing up as Kurds from more northern parts of Iraq start new lives in Kirkuk. Within days of arriving they begin work on digging foundations and laying the first breezeblocks of their new homes..The Kurdish community is strong in the business districts of Kirkuk, ever secular they combine their strong merchanting skills with National pride...
    IRQ-040721-JPH-PS007.jpg
  • 1 July 2004.Hallabja, Iraq..On the 16th March 1988 Saddams forces attacked the town of Hallabja by air with chemical weapons. More than 5000 townsfolk died in the attack. Many more were permanantly disabled after breathing in the gas. Birth defects are still common as a result of the attack..Hallabja now has a museum to commemorate the attack, it contains recreated scenes from the day of the attack as well as art work and photographs..
    IRQ-040701-JPH-PS010.jpg