EXHAUSTION AND DESPAIR IN BAGHDAD

Andrew North of the BBC writes an important article dated April 20, 2007, on the exhaustion and despair that has gripped Baghdad in the realization that the Bush Surge is not working.

"An average of 80-90 Americans die each month. And US personnel have just had their tours extended by another three months.

"But, as it has always been since the 2003 invasion, it is the Iraqis who suffer most. No one knows the exact figures, but at the end of another week of unspeakable, random carnage, hundreds more Iraqi families are grieving.

"Exhaustion and despair hang over the country.

"And there are no signs of change."