Baghdad diary: Technology at war

BBC war correspondent Andrew North from Baghdad on "technology at war".

"... Ordinary Iraqis now have to day-to-day communication devices like mobiles and the internet. Some use it as part of their fight, others to survive.

Millions of Iraqis own mobiles. Despite the violence, the phone companies have gradually expanded coverage - although their security budgets are astronomical.

Even in places like Falluja, you get good reception.

... The camera-equipped mobile phone has a central place in Iraqi history now, thanks to the notorious video of Saddam Hussein's execution.

But for Ali, a doctor, it was also the only way he could show his parents and relatives his newborn son. It is just too dangerous for him to travel across town to where his parents live.

Insurgent groups have long used the internet and mobiles to get their message out, distributing clips of attacks on the Americans - long before any US version of events is available.

Wealthier families use internet phones to keep in touch with loved ones across the city and abroad."

emily | 10:02 AM | How people and businesses are using videophones |
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