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A Shia cleric in the central Iraqi holy city of Najaf has been assassinated, a spokesman for the London-based al-Khoei foundation has said.

Dr Milani said that he believed Mr al-Khoei's association with the coalition forces had provoked the attack, saying "certain people did not want him in that role". </blockqoute>

BBC / BBC / April 10, 2003

The humanitarian impact of the war in Iraq could go on for many years after the fighting stops, the International Committee of the Red Cross has warned.
The full extent of the humanitarian crisis will only start to be tackled once all of Iraq is secure and aid workers can move freely, charities believe. </blockqoute>
BBC / BBC / April 10, 2003

Ordinary Iraqis around Basra claim they have only four days worth of food left and are calling for coalition forces to pull out of their war-torn country.
"Now they have got rid of Saddam, they have no reason to fight against the Iraqi people," said Moaed Abd Alih, a 23-year-old student, amid a crowd of cheering locals.
At a British aid distribution point in Zabiyr he spoke for 300 men, women and children who constantly shouted at him to get their points across.
"We have nothing," he summed up. "We have no power, no work and no lives.
"There is not enough to eat or drink and our money is worthless."
Despite recent food hand-outs by the British and the delivery of more than 100,000 litres of water to his town for free yesterday, he insisted: "No-one does anything to help us. The British make things worse.
"The water is not clean. It will make the children ill. What use is that?"</blockqoute>
BBC / BBC / April 10, 2003

British troops gained a cheering welcome on the dusty streets of Basra, with children and adults alike waving them on their way.
The service personnel appeared to be given the status of the liberators the politicians insist they are.
Hundreds of children raced to their side, grinning, cheering and straying dangerously near to the tank tracks with their shoeless toes on the rough rocky roadside.
While adults watched expressionless from the piles of rubble that pass for houses, the children waved and called out for water, food - and dollars.

"They do it not because they love Saddam but because there is nothing left here for them if he is killed," said one elderly Iraqi bystander, who had hid in his cellar throughout the recent fighting.
"They have bled our souls dry and now it's over for us - and them!" </blockqoute>
BBC / BBC / April 10, 2003

[quote]US-backed Kurdish forces have occupied the centre of the northern city of Kirkuk, a day after the regime of Saddam Hussein collapsed in Baghdad.
A BBC correspondent travelling with the troops, Dumeetha Luthra, said "I am surrounded by crowds of people. They're celebrating what appears to be the fall of Kirkuk."
Neighbouring Turkey - hostile to any Kurdish independence moves - has voiced concern, saying it is sending military observers to Kirkuk.

The Kurdish capture of Iraq's fourth-largest city could have major ramifications as different groups position themselves for power in post-war Iraq. </blockqoute>
BBC / BBC / April 10, 2003