Despite risk, Iraqis keep helping U.S.

New York Times / St Paul Pioneer Press ^ | 7/8/03 | SHAILA K. DEWAN

[Valin]

BAGHDAD, Iraq — On the way to and from work, the pass that identifies Zainab Mohamed Mohyialdeen as a translator for an American Army brigade is stashed in her purse. To the cabdrivers who drop her at the palace gates, she denies she is on the military payroll. If the neighbors ask, her mother tells them her daughter, 28, is visiting relatives for the day.

"There are some people who look for those who are working with the Americans," says Mohyialdeen, a smiling woman wearing shimmering makeup and a head scarf. "If they know, those people, I'm sure, I will be killed."

Mohyialdeen does not exaggerate. In recent days, it has become all too clear that coalition soldiers are not the only targets of grenade attacks, sniper fire and ambushes. Anyone who works for or with the coalition forces is in jeopardy. Iraqi translators have been the victims of sniper attacks, the homes of professors helping to restore the university system have come under fire, and, two days ago, a bomb exploded in Ramadi, northwest of Baghdad, killing seven young Iraqi police recruits.

(snip) This report includes information from the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post.