War-weary Iraqis say it with Valentine's Day flowers

[ECH1969]

Defying almost daily car bombs, shootings and kidnappings, some Baghdad lovers ventured out of their homes to say it with flowers on Valentine's Day.

"The security situation has affected all sides of life, but it did not stop us from coming to buy a flower to prove that life goes on in Iraq," said Saif, who went with his fiancee Bayan to a busy flower shop in central Baghdad to buy roses.

To lure amorous couples, the shop's owners carpeted the sidewalk outside the store with red petals and put up a banner that read: "We all celebrate Valentine's Day for all the world and for the Iraqis."

Bayan said celebrating Valentine's Day in Iraq was a way to defy violence. "Normal life has to continue. We are not doing anything wrong."

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/14022006/325/war-weary-iraqis-say-valentine-s-day-flowers.html

[Surya Gayatri]

1. This brought tears to my eyes--these brave

people just trying to keep some semblance of normality among the madness. Life is composed of such small pleasures. SG

[ECH1969]

2. I didn't even know Valentine's Day was celebrated in the Middle East

[Solly Mack]

3. What you said

and said well.