Christmas Returns to a Hopeful Baghdad

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In 1987 an Iraqi census counted one million Christians. Now there might be half a million or so in a country of 25 million. What's it like for them at Christmas time? Last year, an inflatable Santa Claus—or Father Christmas—stayed in a box during the Christmas season. This year, he's back on the street in front of a juice shop in central Baghdad, "one arm outstretched in a welcoming wave." That's according to Deborah Haynes, who writes for the Times of London.  We also get perspective from historian Edmund Ghareeb, co-author of The Historical Dictionary of Iraq.

Credits

Guests:

  • Deborah Haynes - Baghdad Correspondent, Times of London
  • Edmund Ghareeb - Professor of Middle East History and Politics, American University

Host:

Warren Olney