Since the toppling of Saddam Husseins regime in 2003, Iraqi civilians have suffered through many tragedies; but perhaps none is so great as the poor state of their general services. Electricity supply in Baghdad, like many of the other major cities in Iraq is unreliable and comes at most a few hours a day; though this is not the most pressing issue for Iraqi's who have lived with similar electrical conditions for more than a decade. Medical supplies are few and far between even the most rudimentary kinds such a gauze and anesthetics. These supplies are in high demand due to the poor security situation and in short supply due to the unwillingness of international influences to brave the conditions and supply the Iraqi population with basic medical supplies.

Those who suffer from conditions such as diabetes and cancer are left with no hope for treatment even during emergencies; some aid groups have established channels for the transportation of basic medicaments for treating these illnesses but are unable to supply the huge demand; the budget of an NGO simply cannot fill the huge void left by the disorganization of the Iraqi Government and unwillingness of other governments to work on behalf of the Iraqi population. Even those who suffer from highly treatable conditions such asthma are left in shortage of supply; a death sentance for some in Iraq's dusty, hot and highly polluted conditions.

In a few days the new chief of staff at UK foreign ministry, David Miliband, will be giving his first major speech and has agreed to take questions and suggestions from the online international community via Avaaz.org; the suggestions and questions will be both put forward to him at his speech and also compiled into a book which will be kept on Mr Miliband's own desk for reference after the speech. I have taken this opportunity to pass my own suggestions to Mr Miliband; suggestions as to how he might change his Iraq policy to be focused towards stocking the shelves of libraries in Iraqi schools, stocking the medicament cabinets of Iraqi doctors and sending in electricians to local Iraqi neighbourhoods to help them set up their neighbourhood-run generator systems in a safe and reliable way for maximum efficiency. Perhaps you should consider putting in your own suggestions and questions also.