For Immediate Release
April 21, 2004

Iraqis on the Internet
Iraq Fact of the Day

Iraqis are eager to connect with the world. Under Saddam Hussein's regime, few were allowed access to government-monitored Internet service. Today, Internet cafes are springing up across Baghdad. USA Today reports that there are about 30 Iraqi Web blogs in Baghdad, and one of these gets about 2,500 hits and 50 e-mails a day. Another site was launched for an Iraqi in Baghdad to communicate publicly with a friend in Amman, Jordan. Communications through the Internet is an important example of how Iraqis are embracing the freedom of expression and reaching out to the world.

Sources: Voice of America and USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2004-04-20-bloggers_x.htm