InfoAnda - Iraq's postmen put their lives in God's hands

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Vodafone says it will cost 500 million sterling to fix CWW | | 27 September 2012
Militants ambush Thai security forces in south | 2 July 2010
Russian punk band torches Putin portrait in video, Walesa weighs in | | 8 September 2012

Top editor leaves China's boldest news magazine | 9 November 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Iraq's postmen put their lives in God's hands

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Asia Pacific World Iraq's postmen put their lives in God's hands AFP - Friday, November 27 Send IM Story Print An Iraqi postal worker delivers mail to private P.O Boxes at the Haifa street post office in the Salhiyah neighbourhood of Baghdad. Between 2002 and 2008, the number of letters and packages delivered through the Iraqi postal services fell from 10 million to 5 million and the turnover decreased from 3 to 2 billion dinars ($1.7 mln). BAGHDAD (AFP) - – At 10:20 am on October 25, postman Mussa Sallus delivered letters to a bank at the ministry of justice in Baghdad. Five minutes after leaving the building, a shock wave blew him off his feet. "I thank God for saving my life," says Sallus, who was less than 300 metres (yards) from the building when a suicide truck bomber detonated his payload, killing dozens, many of them children at a nursery for ministry workers. A minute later, a second bomber drove an explosives-laden minibus into the entrance of Baghdad's municipal headquarters, located only 800 metres away, triggering a blast that raised the death toll to 153. The attacks were the worst to hit Iraq in more than two years, wounding hundreds of people and causing major damage to dozens of nearby buildings. When Sallus, who has been walking the Iraqi capital's streets for 27 years, reappeared at the post office his colleagues thought he was a ghost. "They told me to stay at home," the 56-year-old bachelor recalls. "But the next day I was at my station. In Iraq we are used to this kind of situation. It is no reason to stop work." Unlike in most countries and during the regime of ousted dictator Saddam Hussein, Iraq's postal delivery workers do not wear a distinctive uniform, although a proposal for standard attire is being considered. The post office in Salhiyah district, in central Baghdad, has 46 employees, among them six postmen, one of whom was almost killed in similar coordinated attacks on August 19. "I had just finished a delivery of registered letters to the ministry of foreign affairs, when it arrived," says Abdul Hussein Tuma, describing the suicide truck bomb that left dozens of ministry employees and locals dead. Tuma, also aged 56, was about to enter the Green Zone, seen as the safest area of Baghdad and home to diplomats and international workers, which is part of his sector, but ran in shock toward the capital's Republican Bridge. "People were horrified when they looked at me and so I stopped and saw that I was covered in blood," says the 30-year postal veteran. The August attacks at the finance and foreign ministries killed 95 people and left about 600 wounded. It frightened Tuma, but did not deter him from doing his rounds the following day. "Of course I returned to work," he says. "What else can one do? It's routine. It is up to God to decide when I die. I survived because he wanted me to." Violence has fallen markedly in the past 18 months. Even so, insurgents loyal to Saddam and to Al-Qaeda -- blamed by the government for the ministry attacks -- clearly retain a potent capability. Despite security improvements and a better business environment, the postal service is not thriving. The number of letters and parcels delivered nationwide has halved -- from 10 million to five million between 2002 and 2008, the latest available statistics show. Revenues have slipped from 2.5 billion dollars (1.7 billion euros) to 1.7 billion dollars. Paradoxically, though, the number of postal workers has risen from 1,600 to 2,864. That is a trend repeated throughout Iraq's dominant public sector, which is used, amid international criticism, to minimise heavy unemployment. There are 330 postmen nationwide -- compared to 150 seven years ago -- post office planning and administration director Hannah Ali told AFP. Of them, 130 work in Baghdad. Three postmen have been killed in explosions since the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam six years ago. Three others died in sectarian attacks, Ali said, and one was shot dead in a crime for which the motive remains unclear. Abdul Razak Talib, 43, the chief postman in Salhiyah, recalls an incident on Haifa Street, the capital's most dangerous at the height of the insurgency in 2006. "I was riding on a moped with my colleague to hand over telephone bills when insurgents told us to turn back as they were about to start fighting," he says. "They knew our faces but, for them, we were not part of the conflict." The ministry attacks have shown that the postmen still face a precarious working environment and memories of the daily explosions that pulverised the city in the years after the invasion are still raw. An attack on Shawaf Street, a busy thoroughfare full of restaurants, remains vivid in Talib's mind. "I feared for my life," he says. "I crossed the street and the suicide bomber wearing an explosives-filled belt exploded a few seconds later." The attack on June 19, 2005, killed 23 people, including six policemen, close to the Green Zone. "It is a miracle that so many explosions did not kill more members of my profession," Talib says, with a smile on his face. "God must think we are on a humanitarian mission." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Katey Sagal: Happy as the mom on 'Sons of Anarchy' AP - 1 hour 32 minutes ago Paris faces museum shutdown after Pompidou strike AFP - Saturday, November 28 Swiss will not release Polanski before Monday Reuters - Saturday, November 28 Paris celebrates Ballets Russes, still young at 100 AFP - Friday, November 27 Bob Dylan brings Christmas cheer to those without homes Reuters - Friday, November 27 News Search Top Stories Dubai panic pushes world stocks down for second day Polanski to spend one more weekend in jail Thyssenkrupp to axe 20,000 jobs Sarkozy hails US, Chinese climate proposals Spain's Repsol to invest $1.5 million in Bolivian gas More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Dubai debt fears hit world stock markets Couple crashed White House state dinner Dubai debt move 'carefully planned': top official Dubai panic pushes world stocks down for second day Berlusconi estranged wife eyes $65 mln a year More Most Viewed » Alcohol helps cut heart disease risk for men: study Mankind using Earth's resources at alarming rate More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Friday, 27 November 2009
Berlusconi estranged wife eyes $65 mln a year
Iraqi PM: Election dispute poses risks to security
Second Sony Ericsson phone has software problem
Dubai debt fears hit world stock markets
French national kidnapped in Mali: officials
IAEA chief: Iran investigation at 'dead end'
Two million Muslims prepare to stone devil at haj
Dubai debt default fears spill into world markets
New spy charge against jailed Iranian-American
Israel awaits response to settlement offer
Greek ship Ariana's owners deny pirate release | International |
IAEA to vote on demand Iran freeze new nuclear site
ElBaradei slams Iran at his last IAEA meeting
Deal near on Iraq vote law, 2nd veto less likely
Second Sony Ericsson phone has software problem
Second Sony Ericsson phone has software problem | Technology |
Philippines prepares to charge suspect in massacre
Soldiers in Afghanistan enjoy turkeys they raised
Americans come together on holiday to give thanks
Thai PM cancels trip to north amid fears of unrest
Seniors suffer in troubled California subdivision
Philippine massacre suspect to face murder charges
Obama telephones thanks to 10 US service members
Immigration reform activists diversifying ranks
AP NewsAlert
Philippines seeks release of fishermen in Myanmar
Palin spends Thanksgiving with family in Richland
Contractor's helicopter missing in Afghanistan
Project promotes talking, not shopping, on Friday
Indian court warns Pakistani suspect's lawyer
Touched by NC girl's death, Shaq pays for funeral
UN agency warns of amphetamine threat in Asia
Ex-soccer standout gets 33 years for killing dad
Lawyers: government misconduct in Blackwater case
Hollywood's mansion of magic celebrates 100 years
Euro business leaders urge yuan revaluation
Group: Chinese overinvestment could strain trade
Dollar hits 14-year low against yen
Japan's Kyodo forms tie-up with Mainichi newspaper
Bob Dylan brings Christmas cheer to those without homes | Entertainment |
A Minute With: Director Lee Daniels on his Precious | Entertainment |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Heavy drinkers 'exercise to burn off alcohol'
Hollywood's mansion of magic celebrates 100 years
ElBaradei slams Iran at his last IAEA meeting
Sarkozy hails US, Chinese climate proposals
Half of Euro online travel purchases legally unsafe: EU
Husband of Philippine massacre victim files candidacy | International |
Spain's Repsol to invest $1.5 million in Bolivian gas
Hong Kong police track Facebook suicide group: report
USSR meets YouTube in Russian web nostalgia project
German military chief quits over deadly Afghan strike
EU presses Turkey on trade pact linked to Cyprus
Dubai debt move 'carefully planned': top official
Honduras to vote for new president amid coup crisis | International |
Putin in France to further energy and military goals
US-TECH Summary
Euro slips
Israel soldier swap talks on hold till Tuesday: Palestinian
Cuba begins war games with U.S. invasion in mind | International |
Black Caribs honor endangered culture in Guatemala | International |
China executes 2 men for abducting, selling children | International |
ElBaradei says Iran blocking of atom plan disappointing
UN atomic watchdog chief 'disappointed' by Iran
France says 21 drowned trying to reach Mayotte | International |
China AIDS sufferers face widespread discrimination: U.N. | International |
Boat capsizes in Malaysia; woman dead, 11 missing
UNICEF staffer killed in southern Philippines
Australian opposition splits over climate bill
Cambodian ex-prison chief pleads for release
Khmer Rouge prison chief requests release
Some Calleja performances
AP NewsAlert
Acer says Windows 7 good for sales | Technology |
Man who died in Utah mishap was experienced caver
China mine blast kills 9 as coal carnage continues
Australia carbon cuts hit by opposition revolt
UFO-obsessed Briton loses bid to block US extradition
China to launch second lunar probe: state media
Turkey fryer catches fire, burning Ohio house
Failed Rescue Leads To Death Of Spelunker Trapped In Utah Cave
S.Korean man fined for racial slurs in key case
Philippine Pearl, World's Second Largest, In Gems Auction
Forest Service acquires scenic land in Calif.
Obama To Attend Copenhagen Climate Summit; China Unveils Emissions Target
Nev. teen accused in son's murder going to trial
Wikileaks Releases Half Million Text Messages Sent On 9/11
Colorado governor's lawn draped in toilet paper
Happy Thanksgiving Day To All
Amid Firestorm Of Criticism, Blog Removes Offensive Photo Of First Lady Michelle Obama
Car insurance scofflaws raise health mandate doubt
Macy's 83rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade Has New Route And 4 New Giant Balloons
INSIDE WASHINGTON: Stream of WH health care visits
Four Found Dead In Suburban Illinois
2 Million Cribs Recalled In U.S. And Canada
In First Thanksgiving Message, Obama Assures A Stronger Economy Next Holiday
S.Korea apartment prices resume months-long rally
Seoul shares hit lowest in more than 3 months
S.Korean bond futures soar on safety flight
Asia markets slide on Dubai debt fears
Taiwan fin shares slide after revealing Dubai link
Japan worries yen surge will hurt budding recovery
S.Korea to invest $259 mln in rare metals by 2018
4-month high for S.Korea's current account surplus
NZ household borrowing up in October
Korea Hot Stocks
Top French chefs take bluefin tuna off the menu
Argentine couple ready for region's first same-sex marriage
France regains top world wine producer spot
Japan seeks baby boom to defuse population timebomb
Australia opts not to quash gay 'marriages' in surprise move
Bob Dylan brings Christmas cheer to those without homes
A Minute With: Director Lee Daniels on his "Precious"
Taiwan social drama tipped to win Chinese-language 'Oscars'
'Superior Donuts' to fold up shop on Broadway
Philippine Pearl, World's Second Largest, In Gems Auction
Massive Ice Chunks Spotted Near New Zealand Coast; Global Warming To Blame
FL Owner Shocked After Dog Consumes More Than 100 Nails And Survives
City Closes Coffee Stand Drive-Thru Window Due To Complaints About Bikini Clad Baristas
Teen Dodges Scolding; Lives On Subway For 11 Days
Man Robs California Bank With Tears In His Eyes
Judge Ito Gives Up On Constantly Replacing Nameplate
Middle School Kids Suspended For 'Kicking Jews'
Canadian Food Manufacturers Blame Consumer Demand For Salt For Excess Sodium Content
Paralyzed Car Crash Victim Misdiagnosed As Fully Comatose For 23 Years
IAEA votes to censure Iran over nuclear cover-up | International |
Thyssenkrupp to axe 20,000 jobs
iPhone set for tough test in South Korea launch
Polanski to spend one more weekend in jail
UN atomic watchdog censures Iran: diplomats
Videogames find ways to help real CSI solve crimes
No Challenge To Roman Polanski's Bail Ruling
Iran 'seizes Ebadi's Nobel medal': colleague
Britney Spears' Equipment Bus Crashes In Australia
U.S. followed own timetable on Iraq war: UK envoy | International |
Rocker Ronnie James Dio Diagnosed With Cancer
Bomb kills Pakistan anti-Taliban leader: official
Pakistani forces kill 15 militants in Khyber region | International |
World Premiere Video Of Billy Ray Cyrus's New Song On Hallmark Channel
Israel targets Gaza militants in air strike | International |
Tyler Perry Sued For Alleged Copyright Infringement
Israel army says it foiled suspected bomb attack
India says troubled by China-Pakistan military ties | International |
John Mayer Beats Out Norah Jones, 50 Cent For #1 Debut On Billboard Albums Chart
Suicide attacks down, extortion up in Iraq's Mosul | International |
Swiss Court Agrees To Plea Deal Releasing Polanski On Bail
Khmer Rouge chief torturer seeks acquittal | International |
Roman Polanski Granted Bail By Swiss Court
Honduras to vote for new president amid coup crisis | International |
50 Cent And Taco Bell Reach Lawsuit Settlement
China, Japan plan first joint military exercise | International |
Candy Spelling Settles Ex-Maid Wrongful Termination Suit
Videogames find ways to help real CSI solve crimes | Technology |
Cambodia cancels $41.2 million loan from Thailand
Khmer Rouge jail chief in shock acquittal plea
4 relatives shot dead at Fla. Thanksgiving party
Key anti-Taliban figure assassinated in Pakistan
Yao Ming joins HIV campaign in China: UN
Russia, U.S. to sign nuclear arms pact this year
Khmer Rouge chief torturer seeks acquittal
Elderly Couple Dies In Staten Island Hit-And-Run
Off the mound, Pirates pitcher pursues farm policy
First Family Welcomes First White House Christmas Tree Friday
Sri Lankan helicopter crashes; 4 feared dead
Canadian Troops In Afghanistan To Focus On Rebuilding
Japan, China defense heads agree on more exchanges
The nation's weather
U.K. Won't Block Extradition Of Autistic Hacker To U.S. For Trial
Philippine army chiefs 'stand down' over massacre
Food banks go high-tech to feed the hungry
China to relocate 1,400 families in lead poisoning
NY apple growers leaving more fruit on trees
Secret Service: Crashers posed no danger to Obama
After 400 years, Va. snubs out smoking in eateries
Solemn Obama pays tribute to troops on Thanksgiving
Banks in firing line of Dubai debt rout
Japan's top banks exposed to Dubai World: reports
China shares fall on Dubai World fears
Japan's global auto production mixed in October
Swiss will not release Polanski before Monday | Entertainment |
Indonesia rejects Bali plan for turtle sacrifices
BASIS POINT-Standard Bank, ANZ arrange $421mln Cambodia M&A loan
Swiss will not release Polanski before Monday
Deflation, surging yen threaten Japan's recovery
Chinese learn the 'slow game' fast
S.Korea won sets biggest daily pct loss since July
Iraq's postmen put their lives in God's hands
Paris celebrates Ballets Russes, still young at 100
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01