Although he was just just trying to contact a friend, his words were heard around the world.

When an anonymous Iraqi, using the pseudonym Salam Pax, started a blog in February 2003, he was trying to let his best friend know how he was doing as his country faced imminent War.

Coined "Dear Raed", the blog became an instant must read for a large international audience eager to bypass the filter of the media and learn more about what the people of Iraq were experiencing. Written in perfect English, it's a fascinating account of smart and sometimes funny perspectives on everyday life in Iraq.

His postings were later serialized in the Guardian, where he continues to publish his writings. He also writes for Newsnight and has even contributed to several films. And Pax did finally reach Raed, who also now contributes to the blog.

P.S. Another notable blog - Healing Iraq - is written by Zeyad (whose surname is not offered for privacy reasons), a dentist living and working in Iraq. His blog also offers links to other Iraq-related weblogs.