Iraqis Grapple With High Unemployment

Iraqi men fill out job applications at a weekend job fair in Baghdad's Zawara park, Saturday, July 7, 2007, where 4,000 people went to give their resumes to 25 Iraqi companies and several international businesses. Most of the companies work off contracts from the U.S. or the Iraqi government, highlighting the fact that such contracts, rather than private Iraqi investment, remain the strongest engine in Iraq's economy. (AP Photo/ Adil Al-Khazali) (Adil Al-khazali - AP)

The desperation of the jobseekers was evident. Many argued with guards trying to get the applicants to line up to get into the hall where the companies were waiting.

Ahmed Qassim Hussein recalled the days before the 2003 U.S. invasion, saying back then he made good money as a metalworker _ as much as $1,600 a month.

"We had a good life in Iraq _ good food, nice clothes, we enjoyed traveling. But that went out with the occupation," the 44-year-old Shiite father of three said, puffing a cigarette as he stood in line. "All this vanished when security situation started to deteriorate."

Now he sells sandwiches and tea at a gas station, and he and his family share a single room in an abandoned government building after Sunni militants forced him out of his home in Baghdad's northern Sabi al-Bor area.

The job fair was an opportunity for the jobless here, many of whom said they've tried going around government ministries and even an office for placement among contractors, looking in vain for work.

Iman Subaih Ahmed said she was desperate for money to ensure treatment for her mother, who is battling cancer.

"I'd like to work as a translator with any foreign company. I wouldn't be afraid to work for the U.S. army even," said the 25-year-old English graduate, who wore a beige headscarf. Iraqis working for the military are targeted by extremists.

"Danger is everywhere and I have to take this risk. I'm the only one who feeds my family, and I can't get work in government facilities," she said as she filled out an employment form.

Ali Ahmed joked that the only one who benefits from his engineering degree is the owner of the coffeeshop where he and his friends spend their days playing dominos and smoking waterpipes. He fixes the cafe's equipment free of charge.

If the job fair doesn't work out, he said half-seriously to the friends accompanying him, they've got an alternative _ set up their own street carnival game.

"We'll get a bunch of empty cans and an air rifle and let children play target practice," he said.