" Life in the Iraqi capital is worse than anyone could have imagined when the US and Britain invaded in 2003, and has become unbearable when it comes to security. I was brought up in a refugee camp in Lebanon and lived in the country during the civil war. Since then, I have travelled through war zones from Somalia, Pakistan and Afghanistan to Kosovo and Bosnia, but nowhere matches the random menace of Iraq today. In conflict zones, journalists are prepared for the risk of being shot at or kidnapped if you do not approach the right groups or militias. In most such situations, some armed groups will take responsibility for your wellbeing and protect you from others who do not approve of you being in a particular area. But in Iraq today no one can guarantee your safety. Killings and kidnappings - including recently even of the interior minister's brother - are routine."