November 1, 2006
VOTING WITH THEIR WOMBS:
Baby boom echoes in Iraq (James Palmer, November 1, 2006, Washington Times)
In the face of relentless violence, political chaos, economic uncertainty and nightly curfews, Iraq's maternity wards are experiencing an unlikely baby boom.
Despite the obstacles, the birthrate in Iraq actually has increased since the U.S.-led invasion 43 months ago, according to the country's Health Ministry. The rate of births in the country has jumped from 29 births per 1,000 people in 2003 to 37 per 1,000 last year, according to government figures.
In neighboring Iran, the birthrate is half that -- 21 per 1,000 population, while the average birthrate in the Middle East is 25, according to the World Bank. The birthrate in the United States is about 14 births per 1,000 people, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Imagine being confused by the idea that parents are eager to bring kids into a post-Saddam world? Posted by Orrin Judd at November 1, 2006 8:43 AM
Comments
Again, the positive stories coming from Iraq are a little earlier than I predicted.
Makes one wonder what sort of grand plan the Bush family consigliere and his commission will come up with to settle everyone's hash. Other than the neocons, right OJ?
Posted by: Brad S at November 1, 2006 4:10 PMWhen do they put the horse's head in Rich Lowry's bed, and who gets to do it?
Posted by: Jim in Chicago at November 1, 2006 4:24 PMRich Lowry? There's plenty of people who should be in line ahead of him for the horse-in-the-bed treatment.
Posted by: Mike Morley at November 1, 2006 4:45 PM