Operation Iraqi Freedom, Part V

From an "official assessment" published by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAid), quoted in The Guardian:

"In the social breakdown that has accompanied the defeat of Saddam Hussein's regime criminal elements within Iraqi society have had almost free rein," the document says. "In the absence of an effective police force capable of ensuring public safety, criminal elements flourish ... Baghdad is reportedly divided into zones controlled by organised criminal groups-clans."

The Guardian further reports:

The lawlessness has had an impact on basic freedoms, USAid argues, particularly in the south, where "social liberties have been curtailed dramatically by roving bands of self-appointed religious-moral police". USAid officials did not respond to calls seeking comment yesterday.

(entire article here, link via Jennifer's comment on this Hit and Run post)

Yep, freedom is on the march!