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 At least 181 Shiite Iraqis and Iranians were killed on the holiest day of the Shiite calendar, March 2, in multiple explosions in the Iraqi cities of Karbala and Baghdad. The bombings were particularly deadly as they targeted sacred Shiite shrines as thousand of people celebrated Ashura Day. The attacks may widen the existing chasm between Iraqi Shiite and Sunni Muslims. Shiites form the majority of Iraq’s population while Sunnis held most of the positions of power under the former regime.
Despite increased tension, World Vision continues work in northern and western Iraq. Projects include rehabilitating schools and health clinics, providing medical equipment and supplies to hospitals, helping communities develop clean water systems, and providing relief supplies to Iraqis who have been displaced from their homes by the war and its effects.
As the work continues, security is a priority. Keeping a low profile, World Vision retains minimal expatriate staff in the communities in which it works. Instead, the organization hires local Iraqi experts for much of its relief work, not only protecting staff members, but also creating employment, boosting the local economy, and allowing community members to take charge of their own development.
"World Vision's concern is to work with the people of Iraq to ensure basics such as access to clean water and appropriate medicines, and getting children back to school,” said Andrew Lanyon, a World Vision relief worker in Amman, Jordan. “The safety of our staff and the people we serve must be our priority if we are to continue our work.”
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