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Presently, however, I’m working as a defense contractor in the International Zone of Baghdad, Iraq (formerly the “Green Zone”). Sometimes I work with the Iraq Ministry of Defense, sometimes with NATO and in the Coalition HQ. The work is comprised of computer systems, printers, scanners, and basic helpdesk duties.
We are isolated
and don’t hear the word on the street for ourselves. Explosive
devices are thrown at us almost every day and people still die
almost every week, sometimes only a block away. As an American
(and a woman), a lot of curious glances are cast my way because
there are not many western women here. We’re a distinct minority,
especially those of us who are under the age of 40.
Under Saddam, dancers here were actually fairly prosperous, but now much of the response one would get would be very undesirable. I do not mean to suggest that Saddam was a good fellow; I am just stating a sad fact. Today, every two weeks or so, one can see those who pass as dancing girls at the Green Zone Café, the only Iraqi eating establishment in the zone.
They don’t costume in a bedlah, but their fundamental dance moves are the same as those used in the Belly dance. If one claims that she is a Belly dancer, she might be questioned about her pimp. The pimps are the men who sit near the girls and approach anyone who seems interested in spending time with any of the girls. What a very sad state of affairs on so many levels!
--more
found on Green Zone Cafe-- Have
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letter! Ready
for more? 10-10-04
BELLYPALOOZA! Goddess
Power Comes to Baltimore by Elaine 10-9-04
Belly Dancing in Las
Vegas- Part 2 by Neferteri 10-4-04
Folktour's
2nd Annual Music and Dance Camp Photos by Carl Miller, Report
by Mark Balahadia |
Gilded
Serpent presents...
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