"Civil war is inevitable. But if it will happen in the next six months, I don't know", confides one US soldier. Adel's brother, Adnan, was killed whilst on duty. Despite his mother's pleas, Adel refuses to leave the force. "We will all die anyway so I might as well die for my country", he reasons. At Kirkuk's interrogation centre, 30 suspected terrorists are being detained. The guard is too scared to accompany us into the cell, in case suspects identify him. Araz Namiq, the officer in charge, needs protection at all times. "Not only have I lost my freedom but my family have lost theirs", he laments. "My children lock themselves in and don't go out."