[Burkeman1]

This is to be expected. The criminal elements of any totalitarian society newly freed are the first to flex their muscles and lash out. It will calm down once the shooting stops and a semblance of order is established. I wouldn't worry about Iraqi criminals too much. Worry about Iranian Shites sturring up trouble in the future.

[Caipirabob]

Russia's first export following the fall of Communism was the Russian mafia. It still remains their chief export...

[Bob Mc]

Maybe not criminals. Maybe victims of Saddam's brutal regime which beat them, killed them, and owned everything. The hospital belongs to Saddam. Everything belongs to Saddam. They are likely not stealing and looting from each other's property, they are looting the evil regime's stashes.