IRAQ: Shortage in food rations raises concern

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/1103bcab2f50ecb7fff784ab858205dd.htm

BAGHDAD, 25 July (IRIN) - A shortage of items in Iraq's monthly food rations is starting to worry government planners and the UN World Food Programme, particularly as most of the Iraqi population still depends on food aid.

"There is a shortage of oil, tea, sugar, rice and washing powder, across all governorates," said Ali Mazlon, deputy director of the state company for food stuff at the Ministry of Trade, which is responsible for the distribution of food items under the Public Distribution System .

The WFP reported significant commodity shortages earlier this month. "The July circle of the PDS is well underway," it said in mid-July. "However, there continue to be significant shortages in the supply of commodities in many governorates.

"This situation has been exacerbated by the continuing shortages in water and electricity, and now increasingly in fuel such as gas, kerosene and petrol."

[whistle]

1. Sounds like a black market in goods is coming or already....

....established in Iraq.

[WhiteTara]

2. sounds like a civil war is brewing

and the whole place could erupt into even more chaos (if that is possible). It is incredibly hot there and I remember the summer riots in Watts started because of the incredible heat. Expect more bloody days and nights, starving children and desperate parents and despondent young people. This is a recipe for disaster. Please Please IMPEACH BUSH AND SEND HIM TO THE HAGUE