January 14, 2006
Inter Press Service
Dahr Jamail and Arkan Hamed
BAGHDAD, Jan 14 (IPS) - What should have been a joyous four-day Islamic holiday for Eid al-Adha which Iraqis began to celebrate Jan. 10, has only highlighted the suffering under U.S. occupation.
The feast of sacrifice which begins on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja is celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for God.
Eid festivities in Baghdad used to be an occasion for family reunions, where everyone turned up in their best. But sky-rocketing fuel costs have driven up the price of food, clothing and everything else, and Eid could no longer be the same. The frightening lack of security did much to dampen the holiday mood.
"I hope that everybody finds happiness in these days, even our enemies," Salma, a 15-year-old student told IPS. "Because these are days we wish good to everybody, even though we are not free to go where we like due to the security situation or the obstacles that are put up to secure our city, as they say."
Salma, who did not want to give her last name added, "I wish for God to forgive their sins against these peaceful people. Eid is the day we meet our relatives, yet on this one we are missing so many of our friends and relatives."
U.S. Brig. Gen. Donald Alston estimates that at least 500 Iraqis have been killed since the Dec. 15 elections. Over this period, at least 54 U.S. soldiers have also been killed.
http://www.dahrjamailiraq.com/hard_news/archives/hard_news/000348.php#more
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