InfoAnda - As violence ebbs, Baghdad revives a watery romance

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

Ben Affleck stresses importance of male bonds | 11 September 2010
Canadian Parliament to resume fall session on Monday | 19 September 2011
New York attorney general files antitrust suit against Intel | 5 November 2009

AOL renews search deal with Google | 3 September 2010

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : As violence ebbs, Baghdad revives a watery romance

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: As violence ebbs, Baghdad revives a watery romance By HAMZA HENDAWI,Associated Press Writer AP - Thursday, September 10 BAGHDAD - Men in shorts splash in its murky brown waters or hop onto pleasure boats that blare sexy Iraqi pop songs. Lovers meet by its banks or take a short nighttime cruise, some even defying the rules of conservative Baghdad to steal a quick kiss in the dark. ADVERTISEMENT During the sectarian violence of 2006-2007, the Tigris River that cuts through the capital was a virtual front line between Sunnis on the west bank and Shiites on the east. It was here, in a river whose name has traditionally evoked poetry and love, that death squads dumped their victims. Nowadays, as the violence has eased, increasing numbers of Baghdadis are casting aside bad memories and embracing the river like a long-lost friend. But with bombings still claiming lives, some visitors to the river are circumspect. "Come on, don't be scared," Nasser, who goes by only one name and operates a pleasure boat in the northern district of Azamiyah, told a family wondering whether it was safe to take a cruise. "There are bombs and explosions on the streets. Enjoy the day, who knows what will happen tomorrow?" "Beautiful girl, what brings you to Azamiyah?" crooned the voice in a song playing at top volume from Nasser's cell phone. Riverside parks are packed with families late into the evenings. Young men dance and sing to the beat of drums, eyeing the women nearby. The fishermen are back too, three years after their business was hurt by an unfounded rumor that clerics had banned consumption of Tigris fish because they supposedly fed on human flesh. "We were horrified during those times," recalled Fuad Shaker, 65, a photographer who has spent much of his adult life taking black-and-white pictures of the river. "Every time I look at the Tigris, I think of the fishermen and my own childhood, but also the suffering we have all endured through the years," said Shaker, who is exhibiting his work this month in a show called "Memories of a City and a River." Tigris is the name known to the West, from ancient Persian and Greek. Iraqis call it Dijlah. In the Old Testament it's the Hiddekel. The Tigris is said to have inspired a Muslim ruler 1,200 years ago to build Baghdad on its banks as the capital of his young empire. And it was the river, legend has it, that bore the marks of the 13th century Mongol invasion. The Mongols, eager to remove all traces of the Abbasid dynasty, reputedly turned the waters red with blood and black with the ink of books. Today the health of the 1,900-kilometer (1,180-mile) Tigris and the Euphrates, the other great biblical river that crosses Iraq, ties into the country's own economic health. Dams in Turkey and Syria reduced the flow in the 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) of Tigris that passes through Iraq, and now drought is adding to the shortfall and forcing the country to import food that it used to grow for itself. The reduced flow is evident in the muddy islands along the 11-mile stretch, up to 200 meters (yards) wide, that snakes through Baghdad. The war, and the international sanctions that preceded it during Saddam Hussein's rule, have added pollution to the Tigris' woes. Sewage and industrial waste pour into its waters untreated because the urban drainage and cleaning system is damaged and neglected. The river provides Baghdad with its entire supply of potable water. Although it goes through purifiers, many Baghdadis boil tap water or stick to the bottled stuff. George Friedoun, 64, used to fix air conditioners and now spends his retirement fishing in the Tigris. On a fiercely hot day, soda cans, food trays and water bottles floated past him. On shore were bits of a black rubber hose, empty cigarette packets, iron rods and an empty liquor bottle. Teen brothers Hussein and Sajid Hassan were in the water, diving repeatedly to surface with handfuls of filthy sand. "What are the people thinking?" Friedoun said. "If we are eating and drinking from the river, why are we Iraqis throwing trash in it?" "The Tigris is a sorry sight these days," said Manal Mahmoud, a 42-year-old schoolteacher picnicking with her husband and four children in a riverside park. "Still, many people come here to reminisce about their childhood," she said. Qassim al-Sabti, a painter who grew up in Azamiyah, said the riverbanks until recently had fruit trees and huts made of palm branches for shade. "The Tigris has always been the lungs of the city," al-Sabti said. Even the loss of several friends to drowning during his teens never dulled his love for the river, he said. A cruise passes long stretches of 6-foot-tall reeds that dull the city's noise and create the illusion of being in the countryside. An occasional cool breeze feels like a small miracle in the blistering heat. But the memories of floating bodies, some mutilated, some with a bullet in the head, are never far. Fisherman Majeed Hamza says he would come across four or five bodies a day during the worst of the sectarian violence. "Still, I never stopped working in the river. Being in the water is addictive." ___ Associated Press writer Sameer N. Yacoub contributed to this report. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: World Obama tries to build momentum for health overhaulAP - Thursday, September 10 Venezuela's Chavez wants 'union' with ally BelarusAFP - Thursday, September 10 Hurricane Fred grows at sea, but no threat to landAP - Thursday, September 10 1st details emerge in probe of Berlusconi scandalAP - Thursday, September 10 Spain's crusading judge appears before Supreme CourtAFP - Thursday, September 10 Most Popular – World Viewed Giant statues reveal red hat secrets: study Anti-piracy equipment dazzles defence fair Hershey considers rival Cadbury bid: report Greenspan says further financial crisis 'inevitable' New Alzheimer's gene link discovered View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Thursday, 10 September 2009
As violence ebbs, Baghdad revives a watery romance
Home power plants project unveiled in Germany
Hitler AIDS ad pulled from YouTube
OPEC ministers reach 'consensus' to hold output: Kuwait
Mexican hijack over, passengers safe | International |
X-rated movies household phenomena in France
Venezuela's Chavez wants 'union' with ally Belarus
Greenspan says further financial crisis 'inevitable'
US manned space program 'too expensive'
Rare medieval Hebrew prayer book to go on display
Facebook blocked for Indonesia city employees: official
Chavez visits Russia to discuss arms, energy deals | International |
Berlin's electronics fair pushes greener future
Iraqi officials cleared of British troop murders
Iran's Mousavi urges calm despite arrests: website | International |
EU cracks down on 'cheating' electronics e-traders
Nokia to skip operator tailoring for Linux phones
Seven killed in Iraq car bomb blunder: police
Beatles re-mastered CDs, videogame launched
Iran presents proposals as West ups nuclear pressure
Nokia to skip operator tailoring for Linux phones
80 killed in Sierra Leone boat wreck: police | International |
Iran delivers nuclear proposals to world powers
Ally of Iran's Mousavi detained, websites say
Recent kidnappings of foreigners in Afghanistan
Thai police chief resigns after forced transfer
Thin-looking Steve Jobs returns to Apple stage | Technology |
Can Beatles revive video game industry? | Technology |
Myanmar says Chinese tip-off led to border clash
China couples flock to marry on auspicious 09/09/09
Obama near choosing cyber security chief: source | Technology |
Asian governments pledge shift to greener industry
Chinese media say 13 killed in gold mine fire
Nation's oldest nuclear plant showing its age
N.Korea intentionally caused flood: Seoul minister
NYT reporter freed in raid; Afghan translator dies
Federal judge says wolf hunts OK in Idaho, Montana
Convicted ex-priest challenges repressed memories
Cambodia PM ratchets up tirade against tribunal
Garrison Keillor hospitalized after minor stroke
WHO warns of winter swine flu surge in Asia
Methodology for AP poll on health care
Settlement sought for teen cleared in twin's death
Obama to make case for big U.S. healthcare changes
Move over, Rush: Ex-US Rep. Foley has radio show
NY Times: Reporter freed as situation worsened
Minn. town mourns toddler's baseball bat slaying
Lindsay Lohan named Ungaro fashion 'muse'
De Niro, Springsteen among 2009 Kennedy honorees
Ungaro hires Lindsay Lohan as fashion adviser
Bollywood embraces disability in quest for realism
Mitsubishi delays delivery of Japan's first passenger jet
Sweden's Koenigsegg teams up with China's BAIC to buy Saab
'Sick leave' strike grounds India's Jet Airways
Taiwan ministers culled after typhoon criticisms
List of CMA nominations
S.Korea, US sign $45m weather supercomputer deal
Beatlemania is back: fans grab remastered albums, video game
S.Korea firm to buy Inmet stake for $363 mln-paper
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
WRAPUP 2-S.Korea house loans raise stakes for central bank
De Niro, Springsteen among 2009 Kennedy honorees
S.Korea market sees hefty rate rise by year-end -analyst
Meet the teams on new season of 'The Amazing Race'
Ungaro hires Lindsay Lohan as fashion adviser | Entertainment |
Is Chevron scared of Crude the movie? | Entertainment |
Bobby and Jackie; a modern American Greek tragedy
Indonesia's Aceh to stone adulterers under Islamic law
Clooney, Fantastic Mr. Fox to open London festival
Brad Paisley nominated for six Country Music Awards | Entertainment |
Ungaro hires Lindsay Lohan as fashion adviser
De Niro, Springsteen among 2009 Kennedy honorees | Entertainment |
Marriott plans 21 new Asian hotels amid global downturn
Bollywood embraces disability in quest for realism
Bobby and Jackie; a modern American Greek tragedy | Entertainment |
Clooney, Fantastic Mr. Fox to open London festival | Entertainment |
Questions raised over Afghan raid to free journalist
El Salvador police hold 4 in journalist murder probe
US-TECH Summary
OPEC holds oil output unchanged: statement
17 dead in Iraq truck bomb attack: police
Polo Rugby line launches iPhone app for custom shirts
Stormy Iraq-Syria talks on militants issue
OPEC oil states meet on economy, climate
Truck bomb in northern Iraq kills 19 | International |
NATO chief defends 'progress' as Afghan criticism mounts
Google expects increasing video in search ads
Refurbished Hubble reveals cosmic wonder
Google defends book deal as competitive, helpful
Google developing payment platform for newspapers: Nieman
OPEC 'optimistic' worst of recession over: president
'I'm vertical. I'm back,' says Apple's Jobs
U.N. envoy Bill Clinton chides donors over Haiti aid | International |
Heaviest rains in 80 years kill 31 in Turkey
Netanyahu risks US anger by building settlements
US voices bomb fears as Iran submits nuclear proposals
Iran presents proposals as West ups nuclear pressure
Challengers say vote fraud will hurt Afghanistan
Sugar shortage makes Pakistani PM take sweets off menu | International |
Steve Jobs strides back onto Apple stage | Technology |
Frenchman makes history at NATO supreme command
Polo Rugby line launches iPhone app for custom shirts | Technology |
U.S. cuts off $11 million in aid to Honduras
NYT reporter freed; Afghan aide killed in rescue
Obama issues bold demand for health care action
Taiwan names ministers in post-typhoon reshuffle
Google defends book deal as competitive, helpful | Technology |
Analysis: Obama gambles on making nice, no vetoes
U.S. Democrats seek to build healthcare momentum
Karzai backs Afghan election commission
Obama credits McCain on health coverage plan
Tension as under-fire Thai police chief quits
Japan's next leaders form governing coalition
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 745
Google expects increasing video in search ads | Technology |
German general backs officer in Afghan airstrike
Individuals would have to carry health insurance
Severed hand, torso found in valley near LA
Texas couple pleads guilty in Afghanistan fraud
CBS renews "Big Brother"
S.Korea says in stake talks with copper miner Inmet
Economic jitters hit OPEC oil cartel at talks
Seoul shares rise; reaction to rate decision muted
Seoul shares gain; eyes on rate decision, comments
S.Korean bond futures up ahead of rate vote
Japan's Suntory eyes Orangina: report
CHRONOLOGY-S.Korea c.bank holds rates for 7th mth
NZ central bank holds key interest rate steady
NZ c.bank less inclined to cut rates, recovery fragile
RPT-SCENARIOS-NZ cen bank to hold rate, eyes on policy stance
Miami-set "Wartime" a bold comedy about forgiving
Source: DeGeneres is new 'American Idol' judge
Romero's new zombie picture is deathly fun
AP NewsAlert
Chevron taken to task in "Crude" documentary
Ungaro hires Lindsay Lohan for fashion "electro-shock
Hugh Hefner files for divorce from wife
Whitney Houston's comeback tops U.S. pop chart
Hugh Hefner files for divorce from wife | Entertainment |
Documentary to focus on Obama's mother
U.S. release planned for Linklater's Orson Welles | Entertainment |
CBS' `Big Brother' gaining in viewers
Ellen DeGeneres joins American Idol as 4th judge | Entertainment |
Is Chevron scared of Crude the movie? | Entertainment |
CBS renews Big Brother | Entertainment |
Whitney Houston's comeback tops U.S. pop chart | Entertainment |
Truck bomb in north Iraq Kurd village kills 20
Venezuela's Chavez in Russia for arms, energy talks
Taliban presence seen across almost all Afghanistan | International |
GM to sell Opel to Canada's Magna: Merkel
Google plans new mirror for cheaper solar power
Netanyahu draws fire in Israel over secret trip
Hong Kong named world's spam capital
Lebanon's Hariri abandons effort to form government | International |
Iraq market bombs kill four, wound 29
Iran commander says 36 died in vote unrest: report | International |
Backlash over journalist's rescue in Afghanistan
Victims of Cambodian forced evictions speak out | International |
No suspension of uranium enrichment: Iran
Fraud watchdog annuls votes in Afghan election | International |
Plot thickens over Israeli PM's secret trip
Iran official says 36 killed in post-vote unrest
Israel: anti-assimilation ads yanked over uproar
Netanyahu draws fire in Israel over secret trip | International |
NATO probe faults officer over Afghan raid: report
Venezuela's Chavez recognizes Georgian rebel regions | International |
Kazakh leader asked to stay for life | International |
Dozens more feared dead in Sierra Leone boat wreck | International |
Google plans new mirror for cheaper solar power | Technology |
Japan's death row conditions 'breed insanity'
Chinese woman spends $600,000 on dog: report
NKorea seeks 'fruitful' ties with Japan's next govt
Labor Department exposes goods made by child labor
North Korea eyes fruitful ties with next Japan PM
Report: Gov't agency waives rules for shippers
Challenges face Aquino son in bid for presidency
FACT CHECK: Obama uses iffy math on deficit pledge
Oil majors propping up Myanmar regime: rights group
Analysis: Obama willing to deep-six public option
Lawmakers denounce 'You lie' outburst at Obama
Japan must end Afghan mission: coalition party
Obama: Statistics show need for overhauling health
Japan town presses on with annual dolphin hunt
Samoans stranded with buses off roads
Commonwealth envoy barred from Fiji opposition meet
Museum scours world for new videos of 9/11 attacks
Trade, jobless claims figures show recession fades
Ellen DeGeneres named 4th 'American Idol' judge
Taiwan to resume trade talks with China 'soon'
MARKET SIGNALS-Taiwan equities set for bigger bounce
China's premier says too early to end stimulus
Bank of Korea keeps key rate at record low
China cool on idea of 'G2' with US: Beijing envoy
Pakistani forex reserves slip to $14.24 bln
Jackson concert line-up still unsure, brother says | Entertainment |
Seoul shares rise; KOSPI shrugs off BOK comments =2
Muslim women get pig-free cosmetics
TABLE-Foreign trading in Taiwan stocks 6th highest ever
Future, past useless at my age, says actor Sharif | Entertainment |
China shares fall on profit-taking
China action to control online music: state media
Asia rebound after crisis points to new order
Slovak first law sparks war of words with Hungary
In Venice, India's Mehra tackles outdated mindset
Indonesia warns Australia on war crimes probe
Aussie daredevils kite-surf notorious Bass Strait
Australia says no Indonesia rift over 'Balibo' probe
Ellen DeGeneres named new judge of 'Idol'
Prince Charles under fire over architecture campaign
CBS renews "Big Brother"
U.S. release planned for Linklater's "Orson Welles"
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		BlogMeter 1.01