Unsweet Valentine in Baghdad

AFP, February, 2008

BAGHDAD (AFP) — Baghdad florist Yussef Mohammed, who once sold flowers to Saddam Hussein, is not having a happy Valentine's Day.

"There are not many customers buying roses," he says, blaming the lack of security in the Iraqi capital for the fact that this year, as for the past three years, the focus has been more on making war than love.

In his shop in Baghdad's central Karrada district, the scent of flowers freshens the air which is otherwise heavy with fumes, dust and despair.

Small glass boxes inscribed with the words "I Love You" in English sit on shelves alongside red cushions in the shape of hearts. But the customers are staying away.

"A few people bought roses yesterday but no one came in today," says Mohammed despondently. "People are afraid of attacks. They are also hampered by the security measures which prevent them from moving freely." ...