Marking the start of 2008, the people of Baghdad are welcoming the New Year with singing, dancing, and drinking. People filled the ballrooms at two landmark hotels: the Palestine and the Sharaton.
A twenty-year old girl named Zahraa who declined to give out her last name said that the place is more secure. She explains that the Palestine hotel was the target of huge car bombs. Zahraa states: “Yes, we are still afraid, but we need to lighten our moods occasionally.”
At the Palestine, many of the guests danced to traditional music. A Western reporter was chastised at the door for carrying a can of beer. This was due to the fact that alcohol is forbidden at parties in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
A woman was singing at the party as well.
However, some of the crowded ballrooms ignored that rule.
The singer is named Fatina Wardi who is an actress for TV and theater. She did it to make extra money. However, Fatina said she sang party to defy rising Islamic conservatism in the country.
In the past years, the extremists have murdered hairdressers, barbers, alcohol sellers, and other people perceived to be symbols of Western life and culture.
“I lived through four wars,” Wardi explained. She added: “One either lives or dies – I choose to live and not fear death. If I die, I’ll die for my country, as a martyr for freedom.”
When midnight struck, gunfire streaked into the night sky. It is deemed rare as the United States military explain that violence in Baghdad has dropped by over eighty percent.
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