Baghdad, the Worst City?

It is not a surprise that one survey ranks Baghdad as the worst city in this world (see here). It is now in its 12th year of turmoil since the American invasion in March 2003. Baghdad used to be the model city in the 1970s. It was one of the most significant cultural centres in Mesopotamia and the Ancient Near East for many centuries. It was a biblical city, near Ur, Abraham's hometown. It is an eschatological city as the river Euphrates flows through Iraq and will be the focus of end-time events as is mentioned by John in Revelation (the sixth trumpet and the sixth bowl, Rev 9, 16) [map from worldatlas.com]
What is happening in Iraq in general and in Baghdad in particular is a human tragedy as a result of human choices and decisions. As a theologian may argue for God's sovereignty over world events, it cannot be denied that the sufferings of the Iraqis are mainly due to the decision of the American government of President George W. Bush, supported by former Prime Minister of UK, Tony Blair. Human leaders are critical in deciding whether the war proceeded in Iraq. Now it is the human leaders (in the West and Iraq) who will determine whether Iraq will enjoy peace instead of almost daily bombings.