A comprehensive study by Sulafa Tariq al-Shaalan published in her book “Legal studies on Iraqi legislation” says several reasons led to this state of poverty and to the decline of agricultural production, which has been deteriorating since 2003 in these provinces.
The government lifted agriculture subsidies, and the Coalition Provisional Authority issued decisions restricting Iraqi agricultural production and significantly reducing economic agricultural returns, causing a sharp decline in employment. This triggered workers from outside the holy cities to come to Najaf, for instance, in search of jobs, no matter how arduous, to provide for their families.
The thefts reported by some security force members as well as the risks that these working children may face reveal a deeper problem. Will these children and workers be dragged into committing offenses and misdemeanors in light of not having their families around and not having having proper care from the state?
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