Iraq, once one of the most tightly controlled Middle Eastern countries, has been plagued by violence and anarchy since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003 overthrew former President Saddam Hussein. Violent crime, terrorism, insurgent attacks and the presence of rival militias threaten the safety of Iraqis and foreigners alike. Insurgents target military troops, Iraqi security personnel and foreign civilians on a daily basis, claiming a handful of lives and causing dozens of injuries every day. The only relatively secure area is the Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Iraq.
The government of Iraq does not control large parts of the country. In southern Iraq, Shia' militia groups have great control over much of the area and run their own security apparatuses. Despite the U.S. military offensives in Western Iraq, many of the cities and much of the countryside is outside the control of coalition forces. The cities of Fallujah and Ramdi remain dominated by hard-line Sunni groups. In North central Iraq, Sunni insurgents control most locations. The city of Mosul has a large presence of foreign Islamic militants and is at the center of recent insurgency operations. The use of local guides is strongly advised when traveling to these areas.
A large number of foreign civilians have been kidnapped since April 2004; though some were released unharmed, many were executed by their captors. Kidnappings have taken place primarily in central and southern Iraq and have targeted Westerners, Asians and Middle Easterners alike. Kidnapping is a significant threat to any individual in Iraq.
Terrorism poses a serious threat to foreigners in Iraq, particularly those who are clearly Westerners. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly monitor the comings and goings of guests in upscale hotels and have attacked nearly every Baghdad hotel inhabited by Westerners with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and car bombs. Most upscale hotels have implemented security measures including blast barriers, searching vehicles at checkpoints before they approach the hotel, installing metal detectors and employing armed guards. Nonetheless, guests are extremely vulnerable as they enter and exit secure premises, and very little prevents gunmen from simply shooting security guards and storming hotels. Iraq is awash with small arms and explosives, and insurgents regularly launch attacks on targets of opportunity. Westerners should attempt to blend with locals to prevent gunmen from identifying them as foreigners and opening fire outside secured premises, even while riding in vehicles. Dark-haired males are advised to grow facial hair and buy local clothing in earth tones to blend in. Fair-haired males should consider wearing a local headdress to avoid standing out. Women should cover their hair and wear local clothing, especially an abaya (the black cloak worn by most Iraqi women). Bright colored clothing, baseball caps, sunglasses, safari vests and cargo pants are rarely worn by locals and will thus quickly identify visitors as foreigners.
Iraq's crime rate is very high as police do not have the manpower or time to focus on crimes. Violent crimes such as murder, rape, assault, home invasions and armed carjackings are common. Cars left unattended are likely to be stolen and unguarded homes or businesses looted. Walking anywhere alone or at night should be absolutely avoided. Visitors should assume that all assailants are armed. Victims of crime have little recourse, as authorities are occupied with more pressing duties.
The use of public transportation in Iraq is not advisable. Only travel in rented cars, taxis or with trusted drivers.
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