EYE ON KIRKUK - interesting pics

[ensho]

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/MA27Ak01.html


The disputed oil-rich area of Kirkuk in Northern Iraq is both blessed and cursed by cultural diversity. The imposing 9th century citadel that stands in the city center contains sacred sites for Jews, Christians and Muslims.

With a diverse population of Turkmen, Kurds, Arabs and both Assyrian and Chaldean Christians, the city is frequently described as a "powder keg" of racial hostility waiting to explode.

The streets of Kirkuk tell a different story. Amid political conflict and instability, citizens have lived side by side and mixed freely for decades. Between the piles of trash and burnt out cars, the generosity and welcoming nature of the people of Kirkuk shines as the one ray of hope for the future of this extraordinary city.

-pics start here-
------------------------