ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – In a country where leaders usually travel in bullet-proof SUVs, surrounded by body guards, Iraq’s new president surprised people with a stroll through a packed Baghdad street.
Barham Salih left the presidential palace to buy some books in Baghdad’s famous Mutanabi Street and book market and have a chat with people in a café.
He was accompanied by his spouse, Sarbagh Salih, who he said bought a book on Iraqi agriculture while he picked up two books of poetry – one by Mahmoud Darwish and another by Bilind al-Haidari.
“Baghdad has not yielded to terror – will be restored as preeminent city of cultural innovation, peace,” Salih tweeted of his visit.
Iraqis on social media welcomed their president’s visit to the popular Baghdad market.
“It makes you very happy to see the president of your country among the people,” said Twitter user @m9ajid.
“In a bold move that shows courage, [Salih] has sent a message to all that Baghdad is a place of peace and security,” said Twitter user @AlsaeedFajer.
Baghdad’s streets have been frequent targets for jihadists and suicide bombers. Baghdad province saw the most civilian casualties last month with 31 people killed and 70 injured according to figures from the United Nations.
Another Iraqi noted that Salih had gone out in the company of his spouse. “The first Iraqi official to go out in the streets with his wife,” said Twitter user @Senaa_94, saying that other Iraqi officials don’t appear in public with their partners.
Iraq’s new government-in-formation is putting on a more accessible face, trying to strengthen ties with the people. Prime Minister-designate Adil Abdul-Mahdi shook things up when he opened up to the public the nomination process for cabinet posts.
Iraq ranks among the most corrupt nations in the world, a factor behind mass protests in Baghdad and Basra.
Barham Salih left the presidential palace to buy some books in Baghdad’s famous Mutanabi Street and book market and have a chat with people in a café.
He was accompanied by his spouse, Sarbagh Salih, who he said bought a book on Iraqi agriculture while he picked up two books of poetry – one by Mahmoud Darwish and another by Bilind al-Haidari.
“Baghdad has not yielded to terror – will be restored as preeminent city of cultural innovation, peace,” Salih tweeted of his visit.
Visited Mutanabi Str first time after devastating terror attack in 2007. Today, Sarbagh & I were pleased to see it reconstructed, buzzing with intellectuals & books lovers. Baghdad has not yielded to terror—will be restored as preeminent city of cultural innovation, peace pic.twitter.com/HEWQsKkunV
— Barham Salih (@BarhamSalih) October 19, 2018
Iraqis on social media welcomed their president’s visit to the popular Baghdad market.
“It makes you very happy to see the president of your country among the people,” said Twitter user @m9ajid.
“In a bold move that shows courage, [Salih] has sent a message to all that Baghdad is a place of peace and security,” said Twitter user @AlsaeedFajer.
Baghdad’s streets have been frequent targets for jihadists and suicide bombers. Baghdad province saw the most civilian casualties last month with 31 people killed and 70 injured according to figures from the United Nations.
Another Iraqi noted that Salih had gone out in the company of his spouse. “The first Iraqi official to go out in the streets with his wife,” said Twitter user @Senaa_94, saying that other Iraqi officials don’t appear in public with their partners.
Iraq’s new government-in-formation is putting on a more accessible face, trying to strengthen ties with the people. Prime Minister-designate Adil Abdul-Mahdi shook things up when he opened up to the public the nomination process for cabinet posts.
Iraq ranks among the most corrupt nations in the world, a factor behind mass protests in Baghdad and Basra.
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