IRAQ. Baghdad. May 2, 2008.
The offensive launched by the Iraqi government militias on Sadr City had an unexpected effect. Too busy to resist by force of arms, the Shiite fundamentalist militants have released their grip on morals.
The Baghdadis exhausted by five years of war want to live. Ending the civil war and militia. While the fights ravage Sadr City, 15 kilometers away, residents of the capital are having small pleasures. The Baghdadis have tea again on CafŽ terraces, and the wedding ceremonies are back in Babylone Hotel. All these little things were inconceivable only a few months ago.
This apparent sweetness of life found, does not hide the harsh reality: attacks, kidnappings and assassinations are still part of daily life, and Iraqis are more than ever sick of the occupation of their country by U.S. troops and their allies.
The newly married, Oude• 32 and Zina 20, arrive at the BABYLONE hotel where are celebrated many wedding in Baghdad.