CHAOS IN IRAQ: A criminal free-for-all

MAHMOUD Abbas is sorry about the killing of three British soldiers and the 24 people who died in the United Nations building. But most of all, he is sorry that American and British forces ever thought about coming to change the ways in his country.

The 43-year-old driver says: "This is their democracy. But so much freedom has been taken away."

Abbas's view is reflected in the growing unrest from ordinary Iraqis. The complaints that existed months ago - lack of electricity, water, petrol and unemployment on a vast scale remain - and worst of all, there are unimaginable levels of crime - the one growth industry to come out of the war.

More than 40 people are killed by gunshots each day, but kidnapping is the most popular game in town, with gangsters grabbing people who are known to have money and demanding up to pounds 20,000 for their release.

Rape, hold-ups and muggings are running out of control, and those who commit the crimes do so knowing that with a police force of just 5,000 - less than one-sixth of what is needed - they will almost certainly get away with it.

The vacuum of law and order in Baghdad has provided the perfect area for terrorists to take on the Americans - and anyone perceived to be their allies - in territory ideally suited to their sort of fight.

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