Reply #2: You know what qualifies as news for me?

[Rose Siding]

The fact that chaos ISN'T more rampant. Considering the unforgivably stupid things that were done in deconstructing Iraq's social structure, it's amazing that mere armored convoys offer any protection at all.

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It has not helped that when Saddam Hussein fell, almost all ordinary governmental activities—such as registering cars and issuing drivers' licenses— ceased, and thousands of vehicles flooded the market in Iraq from other countries. Traffic lights rarely work since electric power is still sporadic; the only control comes from a few street cops who have been recently posted at key intersections to direct the relentless crush of vehicles. To make matters worse, after several attacks or bombings, the US military or the Iraqi government will often simply prop up a sign in the center of a main artery saying: "HAIFA STREET IS CODE RED! DON'T USE!" Moreover, as the city has become ever more violent and chaotic, people have begun blocking off streets on their own to create safety zones. Since there has been little law enforcement, there is no one to stop this private appropriation of public space.