Iraq 2007-2008

Police with billy clubs and riot helmets charge into a crowd of men waiting to apply for jobs as police officers in Kirkuk, Iraq. Officials sought to fill 1,300 slots for the next training class, but were overwhelmed when more than 4,000 applicants showed up. More than half were turned away, and hundreds of others waited for hours, but never got a chance to submit their papers. The event was shut down after a U.S. advisor observed an Iraqi recruiting officer take a bribe from an applicant....
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Police with billy clubs and riot helmets charge into a crowd of men waiting to apply for jobs as police officers in Kirkuk, Iraq. Officials sought to fill 1,300 slots for the next training class, but were overwhelmed when more than 4,000 applicants showed up. More than half were turned away, and hundreds of others waited for hours, but never got a chance to submit their papers. The event was shut down after a U.S. advisor observed an Iraqi recruiting officer take a bribe from an applicant. Desperate job seekers were ordered to disperse, but many refused, so police resorted to violence to force them from the grounds. Dec. 6, 2007. DREW BROWN/STARS AND STRIPES
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