Sahar is one of a group of female Iraqi journalists collectively honoured by the International Women's Media Foundation with the 2007 Courage in Journalism award.

She talked to the BBC about her life and work:

George Arney: You must face particular dangers as a functioning journalist. What kind of pressures are you actually under?

my neighbours, my extended family... they have no notion of what it is I do Sahar

Sahar: The kinds of pressure that no-one would really expect. I have to stay anonymous. As soon as my face becomes known as a reporter I would be targeted. So much that is underhanded is now in Iraq, so many things are being done that are not right. To have a reporter on the scene is the last thing the people want - and when I say the people, I mean any power centres whether inside the government or outside the government, whether international or regional. You just don't know who doesn't want you to be there at that moment.

George Arney: When you say you stay anonymous, you mean that you don't let anyone know that you are a journalist, or you don't let anyone know that you are working for an American news organisation?

Sahar: Both actually. My neighbours, my family - my extended family of course - they have no notion of what it is I do.

George Arney: It must be very difficult to hide though. How do you explain your disappearances, your going off to cover a story? How do you keep that secret from friends and neighbours?

But the story has to be told and sacrifices have to be made Sahar

Sahar: This is part of the social structure falling apart. Before people used to be very connected, we are a very family oriented society. But since the war, we hardly see family members sometimes from one year to the other. If a person is smart enough and good enough to reach the McClatchy's site and access my name, he would first have to read what I have written. I depend upon and I hope that I am right in this... after he reads what I have written he will instead send me a bunch on roses.

George Arney: So you are relying on people's intelligence and goodwill, and that they should be affected by the words that you are writing. That seems a very delicate threat to hang your on survival on.

Sahar: Yes it is very difficult and the threat is very, very real. But the story has to be told and sacrifices have to be made.