Blog Post 1: Iraq February 4th through February 11th, 2011

Much has happened in Iraq in the past week, but some things stand out more than others.

A Turkish firm has made plans to construct a power plan in the Karbala Province. The project is going to cost about $450 million and will generate 1,250 megawatts. The plant will create as many as 500 new jobs and is expected to be completed within 2 years. The power plant will provide more than double the amount of electricity that the region needs and will export the surplus to its surrounding provinces. Further information can be found here.

There has also been buzz surrounding a display of mannequins in northern Baghdad. The mannequins are dressed, according to Muslim standards, rather scandalously. There is blond hair showing beneath scarves, skin exposed that usually isn't, and other things of the sort. What's causing the buzz is that the mannequins are standing before a fiery backdrop with a message that says "Whoever fills his eyes with the forbidden, on judgment day God will fill them with fire." This entire display is a blunt reminder that if women don't dress according to their religion, they and the men that look at them will be punished by God. Read the full article here.

Wreckage at Kirkuk

The usual Thursday morning bustle in the towns of Kirkuk and Dujail was broken by a series of car bombings. Dujail is about 50 km north of Baghdad while Kirkuk is about 240 km north of Baghdad. In total, there are an estimated 15 killed and as many as 50 injured from the bombings. Terrorist organizations are suspected to be behind the incidences. Here are the links for both articles: Dujail and Kirkuk.

The events this week show to me the struggle still going on in Iraq between moving forward and keeping to well established roots. The construction of a huge power plant is a great way to make jobs and supply necessary electricity. At the same time, heritage, traditions and religion still play a large part of society, such as women remaining covered for fear of God. Then, the constant reminder of terrorist organizations' plots to disrupt what they can is ever present. I would personally not be surprised if the building of the power plant is slowed due to attempted bombings.