Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Sport Success in Iraq

This last session, during summer term, I took a class on Sports and Global Politics where we looked at the relationship between sport and politics; throughout history, as well as currently. I've found the connections to be really interesting, so for this post, I'm bringing an article detailing some of the ways that the Iraqi people celebrated after their nation's soccer victory over Vietnam in the Asia cup on Saturday.

I think that it gives us an excellent look at what some everyday life is like in Iraq at the moment:
"Children, typically shut indoors for their protection, whooped and jumped in the middle of intersections."
"The festivities were unusual partly because of what was missing. No gunmen stopped passersby from filming the scene with their cell phones; in fact, many revelers slowed down to make sure they were photographed."
"Showing none of the usual everyday fear of revealing personal details, Iraqis gave their full names and lengthy interviews to a reporter."

These quotes in particular give an idea of the fear that has become the norm, though was temporarily lifted with the victory. Even just small things like letting children play outside are no longer feasible. People don't wish to be identified. People apparently can't film. It is an interesting way of telling us what goes on...by introducing us to a time when the opposite is happening.

I'm curious what parts of the article that you found interesting? There is a lot more to it, but I'd much prefer to hear what others have to point out.