Mass communication in Iraq and firedom of press

Iraq is located on the plains of Mesopotamia, known as the cradle of many civilizations. Today, Iraq is considered among the most significant Gulf States for its strategically location rich oil sources. USA, that increased its influence in the Middle East after the cold war era, has a special political interest for Iraq. Communications systems in Iraq were first established during the Ottoman Era. First printing machine in Iraq was brought in 1869 by Mithat Pasha, the Ottoman Governor of Baghdad of the time. The first newspaper ?Zevra? began to be published immediately, both in Arabic and Turkish. It was a busy era for the Iraqi printed media. The press admonished the government, especially regarding the freedom of the press, contributed to the solution of several national issues and broadened the horizons of the people. Many publications have been abolished by the King and his followers during the early years of the monarchy. Many journalists have been detained, exiled or executed. During the Republican Era and the Baath regime, press activities have been maintained by the state monopoly and the ideas of the Baath party have been forcibly imposed to the people. In 1991, after the establishment of the ?safe haven? in the north of Iraq, communication activities have reached peak levels and printed materials have been freely published in four languages. Iraq experienced a communication revolution after the US invasion. Censorship was removed and the press began to enjoy unlimited freedom. About 2000 publications, 100 radio and TV channels and 1000 web sites became active. Despite the communication revolution, ethnic and sectarian diversity soon influenced the media and communication sectors. Hidden censorship stepped in and 300 domestic and foreign journalists, including the ICG chairman, have been murdered within five years. Therefore, the communication and media sector is defined as the most dangerous profession in Iraq. A press law is a vital imperative to stabilize the communication system in Iraq.Key Words:1. Masscommunication,2. Iraq,3. Firedom of Press,4. Iraq war.