Good News From Iraq

Via email, from Haider Ajina

Greetings,

The following is my translation of an article from Iraq’s Buratha News of 5-27-08

Baghdad Parks & Recreation department Invites families to visit Abu-Nawass Gardens

Baghdad Parks & Recreation department invited residents to visit Abu-Nawass gardens and spend lovely moments amongst its beauty. Now that they have been renovated and developed with utilities and recreation equipment. The spokes person for the office said in a press release today: ‘The Resafah office of the department has completed development and improvement of an area adjacent to the Tigris and planted large areas of lawn and evergreens, seasonal trees, as well as a modern irrigation system. We added to the gardens a number of play grounds, picnic areas and other recreational amenities, with plenty modern lighting, water fountains (decorative type) and parking areas. He added that the Roads Department has improved Abu- Nawas street which leads to the Karadeh area by fixing the road, pouring side walks and painting curbs. The center divides have been replanted and the statues of Abu-Nawass and Shahraiar (in the middle of the park) have been restored.

He added, “Our goal is to keep this tourist and recreation area beautiful and clean. Thus we are strictly enforcing no littering and have provided many permanent and portable garbage cans with litter patrols in the area. The office started inspections for the near by stores and restaurants which are plentiful in the area. To make sure all garbage is properly disposed off and collected. We have also bought new garbage trucks to make sure that all garbage is collected daily.

Haider comments,

A picture accompanying the article is in the following link. http://www.burathanews.com/news_article_42361.html

This area was very popular when I grew up in Iraq. Especially in the warmer months. Walking along the Tigris in the late after noon till late night and enjoying the cool air is an activity many Baghdadis enjoy and seek. Many fish restaurants (Barbequed on a stick) and cafes line the river front on the Resafah side. It appears that this are is experiencing a strong come back. Hence the rhetorical question is this. When do people go out and enjoy the outside and eat out etc? When they feel physically safe, secure about their incomes and earnings and pleased with their surroundings. This is no surprise. All the hard work and sacrifices our men and women endured a long with the Iraqis we trained and still training is providing for a substantially safer Iraq with prosperity and security in its future.

Regards
Haider Ajina
Mckinleyville CA