Iraq Loses Veteran Journalist

Sadly, he is just one more casualty resulting from America's disastrous invasion of Iraq. His death, however, stands for the loss of much more -- journalistic freedom.

Shihab al-Tamimi, the head of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, died from injuries he sustained in an assassination attempt last Saturday. He was a vocal critic of the American invasion. Since 2003, he served ad the head of the Iraqi journalists' union.

He often received direct threats against his life. Once, he went into hiding for a month in 2005. Journalists, artists, and intellectuals have been primary targets for different factions. The perpetrators of his murder are unknown.

CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said, "His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face daily in Iraq as the press continues to be targeted by various groups."

The CPJ reports that at least 126 journalists and 50 media support workers have been killed since the U.S.-led war began in March 2003. In such conflicts, too many have a stake in erasing those who report what's going on. This is a tragic loss for Iraq, and those watching it from the outside.