Iraqis use Internet advice to stay alive

If you're an Iraqi in Baghdad who's just trying to stay alive—and you have access to a networked computer—where do you turn for advice? The Internet: Web sites are now offering up tips on how to not get killed. Here's a digest of some of the best recommendations: General advice Use Google Earth to map out escape ...

If you're an Iraqi in Baghdad who's just trying to stay alive—and you have access to a networked computer—where do you turn for advice? The Internet: Web sites are now offering up tips on how to not get killed. Here's a digest of some of the best recommendations:

If you're an Iraqi in Baghdad who's just trying to stay alive—and you have access to a networked computer—where do you turn for advice? The Internet: Web sites are now offering up tips on how to not get killed. Here's a digest of some of the best recommendations:

General advice

  • Use Google Earth to map out escape routes to use when cornered by hostile militia members.
  • Don't talk to strangers. "If they tell you we just have a few questions and you will be back in an hour, don't believe them. You will be dead in an hour or disappear for months."
  • Constantly change your routes.

Special advice for Sunnis

  • Get an ID with a non-Sunni name. The Sunni names Omar and Abu Bakr equal instant death.
  • Ditch long beards. They're associated with devout Sunnis.
  • Hang a picture of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, Iraq's senior Shiite cleric, in your home and shop.
Preeti Aroon was copy chief at Foreign Policy from 2009 to 2016 and was an FP assistant editor from 2007 to 2009. Twitter: @pjaroonFP

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