Most of what we learn about people and countries in conflict come to us through the mainstream news media. The stories selected, the words used and the images displayed are carefully chosen. But they rarely give a full and complete account of events, nor capture what it's really like on the ground and in the streets.

Dispatches attempts to provide a closer look by presenting personal accounts of reporters, photojournalists, or everyday people caught up in conflict.

SUBMISSIONS: We welcome submissions from anyone who feels they have something of value to share with concerned people around the world.To submit your dispatch, contact the editor at, editor-at-flashpoints.info

Iraq: Amman Airport, Christmas Eve 2005
by Jason P. Howe
December 2005

Iraq: To Die at Your Children's Wedding
by Marco Di Lauro
December 2005

Bolivia: Bolivia
by Spencer Platt
July 2005

Iraq: The Battle for Falluja
by Shawn Baldwin
December 2004

Iraq: The Woman Who Shot Saddam
by Karen Ballard
August 2004

Iraq: Sadr City
by J.B. Russell
May 2004

Venezuela: The Angry Streets Caracas, Venezuela
by William B. Plowman
January 2003