CPTnet
28 February 2006

IRAQ UPDATE: 1-8 February 2006

Wednesday, 1 February 2006

After fully debriefing the Muslim Peacemaker Team (MPT)-Najaf meeting of
25-26 January, the team requested a follow-up meeting with the group to
learn more about their work with prisoners' rights and conditions in the
mid-Euphrates region.

Saturday, 4 February 2006

The team sent CPT Iraq's press release denouncing the inflammatory cartoon
depiction of the prophet Mohammed in European papers to the Arab media in
both English and Arabic. The team also posted a new letter from the team to
Harmeet Sooden, Jim Loney, Norman Kember and Tom Fox on the website.

Anita David reported that the shop of a team translator was damaged by an
electrical fire caused by the intense wind and rain storm that hit
overnight.

Monday 6 February 2006

David celebrated her 60th birthday with the team. Friends came over to help
prepare a birthday meal for her and another Iraqi friend.

A representative from "Voices of Freedom" translated the team's statement
denouncing the anti-Muslim cartoons and submitted the statement to various
newspapers.

Tuesday 7 February 2006

Peggy Gish made arrangements to accompany the family of a detainee
imprisoned for eighteen months without specific charge by the British in
Basrah. The team agreed to advocate for the prisoner.

Wednesday, 8 February 2006

David, Gish, Michele Naar and Allan Slater visited the human rights group,
"Al Amal." The group offers afternoon programs in relationship building and
nonviolent conflict resolution for Iraqi youth and educational programs for
women. Additionally, the group is active in educating women and youth about
Iraq's constitution.

Much of the meeting focused on the general chaos and lack of strong central
political leadership in Iraq.