(3 Jan 2025)
IRAQ NEW YEAR HOPES
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
LENGTH: 2:00
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Baghdad, Iraq – 2 January 2025
1. Various of people gathering by Christmas tree in al-Mutanabi street
2. Illuminated Christmas tree
3. Iraqi busker playing saxophone on street
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Rabah Khasham, busker from Baghdad:
"Happy New Year to all the Iraqis and the whole world. I wish them a happy year and a very happy life. I hope there won’t be any wars in Iraq or the Arab world. And I hope Iraq will live in safety and security, and under good economic conditions."
5. People walking in al-Mutanabi street
6. Various of the famous al-Shabandar Cafe which dates back to 1917
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ali al-Kinani, Baghdad resident:
"We certainly hope for economic stability and it would be better if that comes with political stability. But to be realistic, fair, and accurate in my words, and to not be very optimistic, I expect the year 2025 to be a hot year on the political level for the entire Arab region."
8. Various of woman selling flowers
9. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Adhraa (no last name given), Baghdad resident:
"I hope that blessings, safety, and stability will prevail for our people and all other people. I mean, (I hope) for peace to prevail and for wars to be avoided so that the world can settle down and for prosperity and stability for the Iraqi people."
10. Statue of famed poet al-Mutanabi, who was born in the 900s, on the street that is named after him
11. People at al-Mutanabi street, which serves as a cultural and intellectual hub, in Baghdad
STORYLINE:
Iraqis in Baghdad expressed hopes that 2025 would bring peace and stability to Iraq, a country long impacted by conflict and political divisions.
They shared their expectations for the new year as the Middle East continues to be torn by conflict and change.
For the Iraqis, the wars, the economy and the stability are among the most important issues to be solved in the country and the entire region.
"We certainly hope for economic stability and it would be better if that comes with political stability,” said Baghdad resident Ali al-Kinani, adding that he is also “realistic” about what can happen this year.
"I expect the year 2025 to be a hot year on the political level for the entire the Arab region," al-Kinani said.
People spoke on Thursday night while visiting al-Mutanabi street, which is known for its lively ambience.
"I hope that blessings, safety, and stability will prevail for our people and all other people," said a Baghdad resident who went only by the name Adhraa.
AP video shot by Ali Jabar
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