11th September, 2004. Bagdad, Iraq.
Overnight in Central Bagdad, the US forces and their Iraqi allies have had a very busy 10 hours. To log some of the bombs that I heard:
At 23.45 a large bomb exploded, not far from our appartment. Intermittent shooting was heard on and off; at 01.20 we were awoken by a huge bomb, which shook the building. We could hear in the background the US warplanes and Helicopters shelling, what we assume to be closer than Sadr City, because we haven't heard shelling of Sadr City - when we knew it was taking place.
We managed to sleep through until 06.40, when we were awoken by another huge bomb - this one brought people out onto their rooves and balconies, another smaller bomb followed this explosion. We could hear smaller explosions interspersed with gunfire. At exactly 08.00 we heard 4 well co-ordinated bombs explode, the sound came from 2 different directions. Between 08.10 and 08.50 we could hear a gun battle taking place, during this gun battle heavier machine guns and tank rounds could be heard. At 09.00 we went down off the roof, as our electric was due to come on.
George Bush did claim that major hostilities had ended, not for the first time he was mis-taken. Was any of the above regarded as newsworthy - no.

As for domestic life: We live in Kerrada, a better part of Bagdad. Helen pays to be connected to the street generator. This gives us extra electric, although it is limited. It cant be used to power the air con and it doesn't power the water pump. Most people in our street do without the extra electric. I mentioned the water pump because on Wednesday, they shut off the water. Today it is saturday and we still have no water. Even when the water is turned back on, there are problems with "Air Locks". You have to pump them out. Our water lasted longer because there are fewer of us in our block and we are blessed with large storage tanks.
However we have not had water from the taps for 2 1/2 days. We cant use the shower, wash up properly, adequately flush the toilet or clean work and toilet surfaces. We are washing using "Pure" bottled water. It is surprising just how hard it is to go without water. Add to this the heat - 50+ degrees Centigrade and it gives you some idea of the suffering.
In most parts of Iraq, this is the normal situation. We find it difficult and we are suffering a lot less.

So while the rest of the World's media concentrates on New York, spare a thought for the ordinary Iraqi. No accurate are kept of those who have died - if you die, then you are gone.
Unemployment still stands at 70% and incidentally employment agencies are taking the best workers abroad. Street crime is still totally out of control.
The military security situation is still worsening and as a result numerous parts of Bagdad are under curfew. Not only Sadr city, but also Zarfarania, Beladyat and Al Quanat. We report these because we know people that live there, there quite possibly are others.
To sum up: there is still no security, jobs, reliable electric and water, bombs and bullets still kill people and you may not be able to go out at night. To date, so much for liberation!

Kevin Williams
Living In Bagdad,
From Newport, South Wales.