Six years of violence and instability have left their mark on the lives of nearly all Iraqis. And while the war has abated considerably of late,life remains difficult for the many millions caught up in the strife that followed the American invasion in 2003.

In Iraq, there is an easy way to how well a family is doing -- check to see if they have an air-conditioner. Or else, check the brand.

Saad has an air-conditioner,though not the most expensive model, and he owns this loft. That makes him part of Iraq's middle-class.

Saad used to be a soldier. He participated in the Iraq-Iran War,and left the army after being wounded.

Then he bought a lorry, earning money by transporting freight.

But his business deteriorated after US troops seized Baghdad.

Now,he has no business at all.

Saad has a son and a daughter. His daughter is married,but often comes to visit with her child. His son has been looking without success for work.

Saad's wife does not work either,and Saad and his son have been unable to find jobs for a long time. Family expenses run to 200 US dollar a month,a huge sum for them.

All he has to rely on are occasional part-time jobs, and his meager savings.

What upsets him most, however, is the public security situation, which remains tenuous despite recent progress. And the soaring prices.

Saad said, "Goods in the market are expensive. Prices are much higher than before. For example, a kilo of beef cost eight and a half US dollar a few months ago. Now it costs 11 US dollar.Prices are going up too fast."

Saad said, "People participate in politics more than they did before. Iraq has many different political parties. We can talk about politics freely. But as to living conditions,it's much worse. People cannot find work. I just wish our lives would improve."

For Iraqis, the most realistic option now is to keep moving forward. But electricity cuts are a continuing fact of life, and people are compelled to eat everything they buy right away, because refrigeration is not possible given the regular 16-hours blackouts.

For Saad, public security is a paramount concern. And getting a job is all he dreams of.

(CCTV August 25, 2009)