InfoAnda - Iraqis open arms to romance as violence fades

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Freed Pussy Riot member says protests must be more cunning | | 13 October 2012
Yahoo! News | 20 August 2009
Amazon, eBay wage costly battle for shoppers | | 23 April 2011

Nearly 2 million evacuated as Typhoon Haikui hits China | | 8 August 2012

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Iraqis open arms to romance as violence fades | International |

My Profile Top News Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day. Subscribe You are here: Home > News > International > Article Home Business & Finance News U.S. Politics International Technology Entertainment Sports Lifestyle Oddly Enough Environment Health Science Special Coverage Video Pictures Your View The Great Debate Blogs Weather Reader Feedback Do More With Reuters RSS Widgets Mobile Podcasts Newsletters Your View Make Reuters My Homepage Partner Services CareerBuilder Affiliate Network Professional Products Support (Customer Zone) Reuters Media Financial Products About Thomson Reuters Iraqis open arms to romance as violence fades Sat Feb 14, 2009 8:37am EST Email | Print | Share | Reprints | Single Page [-] Text [+] By Missy Ryan and Aseel Kami BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Romance is in the air in Baghdad as war-weary Iraqis celebrate Valentine's Day after a sharp drop in violence, allowing lovers to cautiously hold hands in parks and to buy gifts for their sweethearts. Public courtship and more daring clothing for women are increasing after years of growing intolerance, perhaps signaling the Islamic dogma and conservatism that accompanied Iraq's slide into sectarian slaughter may be losing their grip. "You cannot imagine how happy I am today," said Usama Abdul-Wahab Khatab, a recent university graduate nestled beside his girlfriend at a riverside Baghdad park. A year earlier, the park shook to the sounds of artillery fire that rained on the U.S. diplomatic and military Green Zone complex across the river, launched by religious militias whose reign also kept unmarried men and women apart. Although Iraq is predominantly Muslim, celebration of an originally Western day for lovers became popular after the ouster of Saddam Hussein in the U.S.-led invasion of 2003. But many Iraqis also fled the violence unleashed by the U.S.-led invasion. When Khatab went to Syria several years ago, he left behind not just his studies and friends, but Nada Issam, the soft-spoken woman who now sits beside him with manicured nails and a delicate sequined headscarf. Khatab returned a year ago and the couple has been venturing out to places where they can spend time alone -- in green areas by the Tigris or along the shores of a nearby a lake. Even there they must fend off or bribe police who hassle them for being too close or for holding hands. Like other Iraqis, they are caught between a desire for greater freedom and romantic expression, and a conservative Islamic culture brought to the fore in six years of war. When religious militias and insurgents controlled swathes of Baghdad, men found with women before marriage were whipped, and the woman taken to her parents, Abbas Jawad said. "My son is spending Valentine's Day with his girlfriend. He's 16. I would never have allowed that before," he said. Technology out of reach or not yet in existence under Saddam has enabled many Iraqis to discreetly widen their social circles or flirt. Bluetooth radio signals on most modern phones allow people to subtly send messages to strangers sitting nearby. CHANGING STYLES Even secular Iraqis once dressed conservatively to avoid militant ire, but clothes are now tighter and shorter, shrinking in line with militia power following government crackdowns. Global trends are beamed into Iraq by satellite television. Continued... View article on single page Share: Del.icio.us Digg Mixx My Web Facebook LinkedIn Next Article: Soviet vets, 20 years on, warn Obama on Afghanistan Also On Reuters U.S. mortgage rescue plan cheers some, angers others Video Video: Blogging tips for Downturn 2.0 Allen Stanford, flamboyant Texan, faces media glare More International News U.S. missile strike kills 25 militants in Pakistan British diplomats to visit detainee at Guantanamo Australian firefighters close to containing blazes | Video Israel rules out Gaza truce unless soldier freed New Zimbabwe PM says Mugabe no longer main problem More International News... Video Iraq suicide bomb kills pilgrims Play Video More Video... Related News FACTBOX - Security developments in Iraq 8:24am EST Editor's Choice Slideshow A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow Most Popular on Reuters Articles Video Chris Brown's father says singer "remorseful" Congress sends $787 billion stimulus to Obama | Video Obama vows to act fast on economic stimulus U.S. missile strike kills 25 militants in Pakistan Funds boost gold ETFs to record Nude Madonna photo sells for $37,500 at auction U.S. links Moscow help on Iran to missile shield U.S. mortgage rescue plan cheers some, angers others Israel hits gunmen in Gaza, kills youth in West Bank Taliban is in "huge" amounts of Pakistan - Zardari Most Popular Articles RSS Feed Video Can love conquer a recession? Obama's rocky week Security tight for Kerbala festival Plane crushes home; dozens dead Tamil Tiger rebels in retreat Roman Holiday for Geithner? Clinton heads to Asia Russia welcomes U.S. diplomacy Piggy-back ride for your Valentine Business Update: Worst week of '09 Most Popular Videos RSS Feed Reuters Deals The global destination for corporate leaders, deal-makers and innovators Knowledge to Act Reuters.com: Help and Contact Us | Advertise With Us | Mobile | Newsletters | RSS | Interactive TV | Labs | Reuters in Second Life | Archive | Site Index | Video Index Thomson Reuters Corporate: Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy | Professional Products | Professional Products Support | About Thomson Reuters | Careers International Editions: Africa | Arabic | Argentina | Brazil | Canada | China | France | Germany | India | Italy | Japan | Latin America | Mexico | Russia | Spain | United Kingdom | United States Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests. NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.

Other News on Saturday, 14 February 2009
U.S. offers Moscow concession on missile shield | International |
Zimbabwe opposition official charged with treason: MDC | International |
Developing world faces dire consequences from crisis | International |
Abducted U.N. official in Pakistan appears in video | International |
Court denies cable bid to turn back privacy rules | Technology |
U.S. Consumer Sentiment, Expectations Drop In February
Former North Carolina Hate Group Leader Dies At Age 64
DLA Piper Law Firm Cuts 5% Of Its U.S. Lawyers
First Hearing Set For Obama's Nominee For Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chief
Guns, Crates Of Ammunition Seized In Baltimore Area Pawn Shop Raid
Update: Reid Says Senate Likely To Vote Friday Evening On Stimulus
New Hampshire Governor Presents State Legislature With Budget Proposing Job Cuts, Court And Prison Closure, Tax And Fee Hikes
Despite Hike In Profits Sinclair Broadcasting Group Cutting 200 Jobs, Freezing Salaries
Biden To Swear In Blair, Romer As Nation's Spy Chief, Top Economist
Economic Stimulus Package Adds $13 Weekly On Take-Home Pay Of American Workers
Martin laughs off criticism of Pink Panther 2 | Entertainment |
Nude Madonna photo sells for $37,500 at auction | Entertainment |
Isla Fisher buys into comedy for Shopaholic | Entertainment |
Chicago museum reveals lively and grim Edvard Munch | Entertainment |
Amazon Bans Controversial Video Game Rapelay From Online Marketplace
US envoy pursues key Afghan talks
Hamas says long-term truce with Israel imminent
U.S. links Moscow help on Iran to missile shield | International |
Major attacks in Iraq against Shiite pilgrims
Australian firefighters close to containing blazes | International |
Confessions of a Shopaholic ( *1/2 )
Iraqi woman bomber kills 35 Shiite pilgrims in Iraq
U.S. missile strike kills 25 militants in Pakistan | International |
Friday the 13th ( * )
'Buy American' clause could lead to trade war: CEA
BA plane's undercarriage fails on landing, 4 hurt | International |
Iraqis find mass grave north of Baghdad
US Congress approves economic boost
Blast at U.N. human rights office in Nepal, no injuries | International |
Iranian reformer's campaign faces many obstacles
US Senate approves Obama stimulus package
Zimbabwe MDC official charged with treason: party | International |
US auto suppliers seek US$25.5-bln bailout
Hamas speaks of hitch in Gaza truce after new bloodshed
Plane crash-lands at London airport, two people injured
Female bomber kills 39 on Iraqi pilgrimage route
South Korean, Philippine sailors freed by Somali pirates | International |
Taliban is in huge amounts of Pakistan: Zardari | International |
Economic crisis picture wins World Press Photo award
Venezuela opposition complains of Chavez tactics | International |
Iraqi woman bomber kills 35 Shiite pilgrims in Iraq
Huge stimulus bill only the 'beginning': Obama
G7 finance chiefs gather amid recession storm
UN climate chief praises new US administration
Ice buildup reported on US plane before crash
California Polygamist Gets 7 Life Terms For Abusing Children, Wives
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 576
Michigan Governor Eyes $670M Budget Cut, Layoff Of 1,500 State Workers
Eighth Grader Arrested For Setting Off Soda Bottle Bomb In School
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,243
Eighth Grader Arrested For Setting Off Soda Bottle-Bomb In School
80 missing computers at nuke lab: watchdog
U.S. links Moscow help on Iran to missile shield
Clinton Offers N. Korea Peace Treaty, Normal Ties In Exchange For Nuke Disarmament
Iridium network patched after collision in space
U.S. Congress set to pass stimulus plan
Kidnappers Threaten To Kill American Hostage In Pakistan
Author's Guild 'studying' Kindle read-aloud feature
Feb 13 Highlights Of Low Points In The U.S. Economy
Google to offer paid smartphone apps in Apple challenge | Technology |
Twitter gets new funding, promises revenue
Wall Street Closes Lower As Mortgage Aid Remains Unclear
Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley Suspend Foreclosures Until Next Month
Microsoft to open chain of retail stores
House Passes Stimulus Bill, Possible Senate Vote Tonight
Iridium network patched after collision in space | Technology |
Court denies cable bid to turn back privacy rules
European lawmaker expelled from Venezuela
Kenya, Turkey, Japan lead mobile money trend
UN extends Abkhazia mission until June
Russia, Turkey hail flourishing neighbourhood ties
Indian police hunt 'stone man' killer
Calif. court denies appeal in actors contract talks
Hit Taiwanese film finally opens in China
Oscar misses flight to Hollywood
Probe ordered after India train crash kills 12
Chris Brown's father says singer remorseful | Entertainment |
15 dead, 161 hurt in train derailment in India
Chinese province institutes lethal injection
Calif. court denies appeal in actors contract talks | Entertainment |
Suspected US missile kills 6 in Pakistan
Obama plans concert for Stevie Wonder
Martin laughs off criticism of Pink Panther 2 | Entertainment |
Suu Kyi's party calls on UN to take action
G7 finance ministers' crisis talks
'Isn't he lovely': Obama to honor Stevie Wonder
Military exercise sparks earthquake panic in China
Japan signs pact lending 100 billions dlrs to IMF
Peter Gabriel spurns Oscars over downsized set | Entertainment |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Sixteen dead in India train accident
Anger as major British train deal goes to Japan
Indie rockers unite for AIDS benefit album | Entertainment |
Indie rockers unite for AIDS benefit album
New Zealand sailing hat-trick downs Alinghi
Rihanna among topics at V-Day anti-violence lunch
Indian Railways eyes $20 bln revenue, cuts fares
Calif. court denies appeal in actors contract talks
Sony PSP game console sales tops 50 million units
Fallon breaking in the 'Late Night' chair
Chris Brown's father says singer "remorseful"
Peter Gabriel spurns Oscars over downsized set
Fashion Week opens with celebs, few concessions
Eighth Grader Arrested For Setting Off Soda Bottle Bomb In School
Bar Refaeli Celebrates Her Sports Illustrated Cover At LAX Nightclub
Arrest compromises Zimbabwe unity government: minister
Suspected US missile strike in Pakistan kills 27
Israel rules out Gaza truce unless soldier freed | International |
Mass rally in Lebanon to commemorate Hariri murder
Roses at a premium as Baghdadis look to better days
U.S. envoy meets Afghan president as ties strained | International |
G7 demands urgent reform of world finance
Iraqis open arms to romance as violence fades
Somali parliament endorses new prime minister | International |
Seductive chemicals hidden in sloppy kisses
Hamas accuses Israel of 'backtracking' on truce talks
Iraqis open arms to romance as violence fades | International |
Mass rally in Lebanon to mark Hariri murder
Soviet vets, 20 years on, warn Obama on Afghanistan | International |
Clinton vows to deepen US bonds with Asia
US Congress approves stimulus in major win for Obama
Prosecutors In Stevens Case Ruled In Contempt
Fortunoff Fine Jewelry Lays Off 300, Seeking Buyer
Police Officer Fataly Shot In Philadelphia
Four Wounded In Miami AK-47 Shooting
Ice May Have Been A Factor In Fatal Plane Crash
Russia says averted suicide attack on Ingush leaders
Ice Jams Flood Michigan Town, Residents Evacuated From 38 Homes By Boat
Chechen murder threatens torture case against Kadyrov
US envoy meets Afghan president
Sri Lanka military says rebels attack refugee bus
Australia fire survivors in emotional return to ruined town
London tale, Iran tragedy lead Berlin film charge | Entertainment |
6 arrested for protesting Valentine's Day in India
Philippine president grateful for US stimulus bill
Clinton vows to deepen US bonds with Asia
Moderate earthquake hits western China
Residents return to fire-destroyed Australian town
China to sell assets of scandal-hit milk company
7 Afghan police, official killed by roadside bombs
Mass Valentine's wedding on Mandela prison island
Iraq, Iran, London films lead pack for Berlin Golden Bear
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01