Purges in new Iraq recall purges of old Iraq

Regime change has always produced purges in Iraq. "In the coups and takeovers that followed through the ’60s and ’70s, there was purge after purge, in which not only the opposition but hundreds of leading party men and their families died. Like Josef Stalin in the Soviet Union, Saddam was the purge-master."

The regime change of 2003 was no different. The new purge started last May, as Baathists and Saddam loyalists were singled out.

But it failed, however, failed to wipe out all Baathists, loyalists, and the various new groups of power seekers. Insurgents quickly gained the upper hand.

Now, 208 Iraqis are dying every week, as the great purge continues.