The humanitarian nightmare in Iraq continues

The violence is only part of the problem plaguing the Administration's efforts to stabilize Iraq.  Oil sharing, regional autonomy and border security are also bogging down the Iraqi government's ability to get a grip on things.  Another problem is the refugee crisis.

The blog Secrecy News reports on how bad the refugee situation really is, and cites new reports on Iraqi displacement:

"The humanitarian crisis many feared would take place in March 2003as a result of the war in Iraq appears to be unfolding," says a new report (pdf) from the Congressional Research Service.

"It is estimated that in total (including those displaced prior tothe war) there may be two million Iraqi refugees who have fled toJordan, Syria, and other neighboring states, and approximately twomillion Iraqis who have been displaced within Iraq itself." See "Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons: A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis?,"

Another Congressional Research Service report provides a detailedexamination of the pending defense supplemental appropriations bills,which include congressional direction on redeployment or withdrawal ofU.S. troops from Iraq. See "FY2007 Supplemental Appropriations for Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Other Purposes" (pdf)

Humanitarian organizations are calling on the United Nations to send more aide to these refugees.