BAGHDAD

The number of Iraqis who have fled their homes in fear of sectarian violence has more than doubled since the beginning of the year despite the arrival of an additional 30,000 American troops since February, the Iraqi Red Crescent Society said. From 447,337 on January 1, the number of displaced Iraqis rose to 1.14 million on July 31. Although the troop “surge” has brought down violence in Baghdad, it has also led to increased clashes with militants. About two million Iraqis have sought refuge abroad, many in Syria and Jordan.

“Does this surge have anything to do with it? We don’t know,” Saeed Haqi, head of the society, said. “But they’re leaving because of the security situation in general.”

Shia Sunni and Kurdish leaders have signed an agreement that would ease curbs on former members of Saddam Hussein’s Baath party joining the civil service and military, one of the crucial US benchmarks for rebuilding Iraq. Consensus has also been reached on holding provincial elections and releasing many detainees held without charge across the country.(AP/Reuters)

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