Violence empties schools in Iraq

Maher Al-Jasem, Aljazeera.net

...Ramadi is a city virtually under siege as it has been the battleground between armed groups and US forces. Fierce fighting has kept many of the streets closed to all traffic – in some districts the city looks deserted. Streets such as Al-Maarith, Muhafatha and Al-Iskan, on which many schools are located, have also been cordoned off by US forces, leaving families with no choice but to keep their children at home. Noor said: "When you want to pass these areas you have to carry a white banner, otherwise American snipers may deal with you as terrorists and shoot you without any hesitation … they are perched on the buildings over the streets."...

continua / continued