Criminals, militias, and insurgents : organized crime in Iraq /

The author identifies the roots of organized crime in Ba'athist Iraq and reports on major criminal activities including the theft, diversion, and smuggling of oil, the kidnapping of both Iraqis and foreigners, extortion, car theft, and the theft and smuggling of antiquities. The author also reports on how al-Qaeda in Iraq, Jaish-al-Mahdi, and the Sunni tribes used criminal activities to fund their campaigns of political violence."June 2009."Includes bibliographical references.Introduction -- The rise of organized crime in Iraq -- The theft, diversion, and smuggling of oil -- Kidnapping in Iraq -- Extortion and other criminal activities -- Corruption and organized crime in Iraq -- Criminals, insurgents, terrorists, and militias -- Conclusions.The author identifies the roots of organized crime in Ba'athist Iraq and reports on major criminal activities including the theft, diversion, and smuggling of oil, the kidnapping of both Iraqis and foreigners, extortion, car theft, and the theft and smuggling of antiquities. The author also reports on how al-Qaeda in Iraq, Jaish-al-Mahdi, and the Sunni tribes used criminal activities to fund their campaigns of political violence.Mode of access: Internet