Hugh in Iraq.
Hugh sends these words and these photographs of the people and places he visited in Baghdad for his report last night on the Awakening movement:
"Awakening movement checkpoint into the Fadhil district of Baghdad. Al Qaeda were once busy in Fadhil, until local people turned against them.
They didn't check him. Sadly, this is a serious point. There have been numerous BBIEDs, as the Americans call them - Bicycle Borne Improvised Exlposive Devices.
Fadhil is poor. And friendly.
Deputy leader of the Fadhil Awakening, Khaled al Qaisi (centre) and his opposite number from a neighbouring Shiite district, Faris Abdel Hassan (right).
Scars from al Qaeda fighting two years ago. There is now more damage from gunfire - some local fighters shot at Iraqi soldiers after they'd arrested the leader of the Fadhil Awakening on charges of murder, extortion, torture and operating a military wing of the now-illegal Ba'ath Party.
Fadhil's main square.
Market trolley boys.
Fresh fish.
Friendly greengrocer.
Generator maintenance class, for the unemployed - many of the 100 men here were once insurgents, until they joined the Awakening movement in Adamiyah - the Sunni centre of Baghdad.
Generator skills are in high demand - there still isn't a reliable electricity supply here.
The trainees make simple solar water heaters. Murky day, but even so:
from 15 to 60 degrees Centigrade in 20 minutes. I want one.
Sandbags and plastic flowers at a checkpoint on the way home."
And Hugh says you can read more on the Awakening troubles here.
Listen to PM
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~36~RS~)
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Thank you, Hugh, for illustrating yesterday's report - which, by the way, was engrossing.
These people are amazing. I hope you bought some fish for Mrs. Slocombe. Oh, and I want one of those solar panels, too. Perhaps this could be a good export market for Fadhil?
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Absolutely brilliant Hugh! Just took my breath away. What an insight into life in Fadhil. Loved the fishmonger and friendly greengrocer photos. Can nearly hear the sounds of the busy streets and smell exotic scents. Might sound odd but these pictures make me want to go there! Thank you for sending them - more please.
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Sandbags and plastic flowers - I like it.
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Just back from reading Hugh's link which, I have to say, has lowered my mood of optimism.
I suppose we have to remind ourselves that this is another case of two steps forward, one step back. But for you, Hugh, who has observed so much in the region over the years, I imagine it made your heart sink when you heard of the latest development.
Khahar Bozorg
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Horse: I suppose you'll be wanting plastic flowers in the stables now.
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Lady Sue: I've got an old Christmas wreath that might look nice on the stable door - What do you think?
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Thanks Hugh, we really appreciate the trouble you take to keep us in the picture!
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Hugh - may I say I though that was an excellent report as always, thank you. I look forward to your contributions, and Justin Webb's, more than anything else on PM because of your clarity, obvious enthusiasm and balance. Also like you photos.
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As always, Hugh, thanks for showing us though both the sound and the photos what real life is like for Iraqi citizens nowadays
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Fred: I can't help getting this mental image of you with your mouth zipped ;o)
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Don't worry, Big Sis, As soon as the mods have read through my posts, they'll be up here :-)
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(6) Big Sis: sweet of you but isn't it unlucky to have Chrissy decorations up after Twelfth Night?
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Ah, Lady Sue, but it isn't 'up'. And it would be reconsecrated as a horse decoration if used on TIH.
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Okay, I'll bite, how do you reconsecrate a christmas decoration to make it a horse decoration???
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Lady Sue and Big Sis - How very, very dare you!! Plastic flowers at my abode? I think NOT! Freshly cut flowers every day I would have you know.
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Horse, I'll have you know that the wreath is not plastic. However, that much said, the leaves are somewhat withered.
But then horses don't mind withers, do they?
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Big Sister - are you thinking of Bill Withers and his song ''Lovely Hay''?
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