Google Launches Iraqi, Tunisian Domains

Citizens of Iraq and Tunisia who are lucky enough to have Internet connections may now find it easier to conduct Web searches. Today, Google announced the launch of the local search domains google.iq and google.tn for the two countries.

This is in many ways an interesting development. For starters, it’s almost impossible not to think about the political and military turmoil in both countries (and in Tunisia in particular) and what effects Google’s move might have.

Perhaps the company’s trying to show its commitment to the free flow of information, hoping it can help locals make better decisions. Or the timing could be coincidental, part of Google’s regularly scheduled efforts to reach more potential users.