Romance blooms in Baghdad

Baghdad: Iraq's capital is embracing Valentine's Day this year with a huge public display of affection in what its residents say is the nation's most amorous celebration of the holiday ever. Street corners across Baghdad are blanketed with the synthetic red fur of teddy bears while silken nighties and lip-shaped satin pillows hang in store fronts.

It's a vivid counterpoint to a place that's still a far cry from warm and fuzzy — with bombings remaining a fact of life since the withdrawal of US forces two months ago.

"Valentine's Day is for everybody — not only for lovers," Lina, a school administrator who would only identify herself by her first name, said. She was among the throngs browsing through an array of plush kittens, scented candles, red lamps and heart-shaped purses outside a store this weekend in the Baghdad downtown shopping district of Karradah.

"It's for you and I, for me and my brother, even for someone on the street. It's not just about me and my fiance," Lina said. "Iraqis need happy moments to make them forget what they have been through — we have had enough sadness."

Decades of war

After decades of war and dictator rule, and with improving security, Iraqis say they are able to relax and enjoy Valentine's this year. Others believe the recent burst of text messages, mobile phones and use of the internet among Iraqi youth has helped foster romance like never before.

Some Iraqis are using the day to proclaim that love conquers all — including studying.

At the Technology Institute in Baghdad's southeastern Zafaraniyah area, students will hold a months-delayed meet-and-greet for university freshmen tomorrow. Usually the gathering is held in December when the semester began, but Muataz Mohammad, 21, said scheduling it for Valentine's Day might more easily stoke friendships.

"It is a very special day," Mohammad, who plans to wear a red shirt and carry red roses to the party, said. Women students are planning to wear red shirts and headscarves.

From his Karradah storefront, Abdul Wahab Abdul Rahman has watched toddler-sized red teddy bears and plush hearts in high demand this year.