October 1, 2008
Sea, Jetskis And Sun In... Iraq?
   For most of the last twenty years, Iraq has been synonymous with war, economic sanctions, bloody sectarian conflict and hopelessness. But there was a time, even amidst the brutality of the Saddam Hussein regime, where there were vacation resorts that attracted not only tourists but substantial investment money. One of those resorts on lake Habbaniye, in the heart of Iraq's Sunni heartland, is starting to inch its way back to life. The improved security situation means a few ordinary Iraqis are once again taking the time to relax with their families and friends by the water. Baghdad correspondent Arwa Damon sent me these pictures of a story she shot for Inside the Middle East. Arwa writes: "The Habbaniye Resort was once allegedly voted “best resort in the Middle East.” Sanction began its initial decline into decay, and after the 2003 US-led invasion, it deteriorated completely. Surprisingly, even though it is located between Ramadi and Falluja in what was Al Qaeda’s heartland, it was never over run by insurgents – the employees defended the place. Today, tour buses run from Baghdad, taking Iraqis on day trips to the lakeside; but it is a shadow of what it was." The sandy waterfront is littered with trash (picture 2) and the once chic reception area of the resort (picture 3) is still abandoned and damaged. Arwa says of the couple in the middle picture: "Ahmed and his wife – a young couple from Baghdad, making their first trip with 38 other family members. He married her after her father – his best friend – was gunned down. They do believe that Iraq will be a place where they can raise a family." Check out Arwa's story on the Habbaniye resort on this month's edition of Inside the Middle east. 5 Comments
Add a comment
Hello:
Why don't we get CNN International here in the USA? The show "Your World Today" doesn't appear on CNN anymore. It's all domestic matters. Americans are being kept constrained again, to thinking that the world ends at the borders of America. Ma Salama
I think its part from an Americanization process, that is common where the Americans pass, and even if we criticize them social life. We all adapt some of there habits.
@ 2:18 PM. Precisely, that is the whole idea..keep the American public "contained", living in a sheltered bubble. To expos the average (Joe) to programs..for example, like cnn's "Inside the Middle East"..may, just may sway them into better understanding the Middle East. Worse yet..liking the Arabs!..
Israel will be mortified.
@2:18:If you can get U-verse they carry CNN International. But it does seem to be censored by CNNUS as much as possible here.
And YWT is greatly missed. Hala and Jim were the best team of any news channel. I quit watching CNNUS when they took it off. Always enjoy Arwa. Keep up the excellent work. |
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Welcome to the Inside the Middle East blog. Our reporters, producers, cameramen and editors will regularly add to this with colorful behind-the-scene stories. This page is about how we put the show together -- from on-location shoots to the editing room -- as well as for anecdotes and stories that don't always make it into our finished on-air product.
SHOWTIMES
Inside the Middle East airs 1st full weekend of every month and the following Thursday.Saturday (1st Saturday of every month) 0730, 1330, 1830 (all regions) Sunday (1st Sunday of every month) 1130, 1730 (all regions) Thursday (1st Thursday of every month) 1330, 1730 (all regions) (All times GMT) I-Report
The region is a blend of cultures and landscapes that can be both harsh and beautiful. What is your Middle East like? Share your stories, photos. ARCHIVE
• November 2007• December 2007 • January 2008 • February 2008 • March 2008 • April 2008 • May 2008 • June 2008 • July 2008 • August 2008 • September 2008 • October 2008 |
