Porn, Drugs, Weapons Hit Baghdad Streets

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030817/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_mean_streets&cid=540&ncid=1480

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A Quranic verse plastered on a monument to freedom carries a simple message — God will send a plague on those who deal in drugs and spread corruption.

But the message is being widely ignored.

Across the busy highway from the monument, built in 1958 after the overthrow of the monarchy, traders have set up gambling tables and are openly selling pornography, fake ID cards and looted goods — including laboratory microscopes, industrial fuse boxes and pills stolen from psychiatric hospitals.

"Now we have freedom and democracy," said a 34-year-old trader selling pornographic DVDs with titles such as "The Dirty Family" and "The Young Wife," and photocopied postcards of couples in various sexual positions. "We could not sell them when Saddam was here."

This is Baghdad four months after U.S. troops took over the sprawling city of 5 million — jobless, insecure, and in many cases taking "freedom and democracy" as license to do pretty much what you want and get away with it.

The trader, a father of two young daughters, was too embarrassed to give his name. Pornography is strictly forbidden by Islam. "It's too bad, but there's no job for me," he said.

more

[pfitz59]

1. 2nd Amendment.....

Right to bear arms! "We brought them their freedom!" NRA - Bagdad Chapter.

[bluestateguy]

2. Hey, that's capitalism folks!

Conservatives love capitalism until anything involving drugs or sex is involved, then they turn into communists. Capitalism in Iraq is what they wanted and now they are getting it. Capitalism can't just mean big contracts for US companies and a free rein for the oil industry. I'm sure the Libertarians will understand this; I don't expect the neocon imperialists to.

[Fenris]

3. WOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

COME ON BAGHDAD! LET'S PARTY, AMERICAN STYLE!!!!!

PORN, DRUGS, AND GUNS - IT'S THE AMERICAN WAY!!!!!!!!

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!

:party:

[maggrwaggr]

4. Cool. Sounds like Los Angeles

All they need now are a few Taco Bells

[NNN0LHI]

6. Hmmm

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/965569/posts
Porn, Drugs, Weapons Hit Baghdad Streets

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Brian S

Wow, it sounds like LA now. Everything should be just fine...


2 posted on 08/17/2003 11:30 AM PDT by chance33_98 (WWJD - What would Jefferson Do?)
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies >

[celestia671]

7. Don't forget..

a couple of McDonald's and a Walmart Supercenter!

[wellstone_democrat]

8. well, there is a Burger King in the area

so I think they MAY have all the necessary ingredients for a real good American time!

[TeeYiYi]

5. Necessity is the mother of invention . . .

. . . I'll bet the sudden market for porn is thanks to the soldiers.

TYY

[Spirochete]

9. All the comforts of home...

well, other than trivial stuff, like electricity and water...

[Kellanved]

10. DVDs without electricity

How much better can it get

[Sushi_lover]

11. whiskey sexy democracy

I bet they're looking forward to pimping their teen daughters pimped outside the U.S. bases. Democracy was so good for the Phillipino children.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

12. Implicit: availability of porn...

...is just as bad as availability of guns or weapons.

Stupid puritan attitude.

[QuietStorm]

13. WHAT HAPPENED TO WATER AND ELECTRICITY?

How do you like that Encino hits Bagdad. US corporate interests go to town in the best way they know how. Opiate and inundate a depraved people with sex and drugs. The article does not indicate... I only assume the drugs and porn are being imported in. Israel can take care of the esctasy with US perhaps the heroin and the hedonism. The arms trade is a grab bag. Any or all can get into the act. Next stop sunset strip where all iraqians can visit big sir and get lost in Las Vegas. Ah yes truth, justice and the American way.