As war rages in the north, southern Iraq makes a bid for autonomy
In this Sept. 27, 2014 photo,Basra residents chant slogans supporting the creation of Basra region, in front of the Basra provincial headquarters during a demonstration. (Nabil al-Jurani/AP)
BASRA, Iraq — The historic canals that earned this city its nickname of the Venice of the Middle East are clogged with trash. In some neighborhoods, the garbage is piled so high it blocks streets.
As War Rages in the North, Southern Iraq Makes a Bid for Autonomy by Thavam Ratna