Using Culture As A Weapon Against The Murderers In Iraq

In September 2007, amid the wreckage of an earlier suicide bombing in Baghdad's Karraba district, Ghada Hussein Al-Almy (center) directed the Al Mada street theater troupe’s opening-night performance of “A Day in our Homeland.” Courtesy of RAND Corporation

In Iraq, A Different Kind Of Drama Stages A Message Of Reconciliation -- Christian Science Monitor

A brave band of Iraqi women are defying insurgent threats and taking back their streets.

Baghdad - The actor stands on a makeshift stage at a bombed-out, dusty intersection in Baghdad. It's an unusually cool evening in September, and a crowd that looks like most of the neighborhood has assembled to enjoy the rare entertainment.

"Sunni! Shiite!" he yells. "Whatever ethnic group – I don't care! Spurn each other's hand no longer. Long life and success – to both of you!" This is the message of reconciliation carried by the Al Mada street theater troupe, led by one of Iraq's rising female stars, Ghada Hussein Al-Almy.

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My Comment: Using culture as a weapon .... that is the key line in this story.