Baghdad, Iraq: Even as violence and sectarian hatred tear Iraq's mixed cities apart, a growing number of Iraqis are trying to bring them together. Some 5,000 organizations, including charities, human rights groups and medical assistance agencies are trying to provide Iraqi people with basic necessities.  Read article

Toronto, Canada: An aid group struggling with the kidnapping of its members in Iraq said volunteers are typically willing to take risks in the violent country because of strong beliefs on social justice.  Read article

Baghdad, Iraq: An American volunteer aid worker who helped civilians caught in the crossfire of war in Iraq has been killed by a suicide car bomber.  Read article

One woman's single-handed efforts to make the world a better place are an inspiration to many. Nahoko Takato became famous on the night of 8 April this year, when the Arab satellite broadcaster Al-Jazeera aired video footage of her and two other Japanese held blindfolded at gunpoint in Iraq.  Read article