First snow in Baghdad in living memory

<P align=justify>Snow in Baghdad had people dancing in the streets on Friday.

Friday, January 11th 2008, 12:45 pm

By: News 9


NEWS 9

Snow in Baghdad had people dancing in the streets on Friday.

While it was only a little bit of snow, it was the first time many Iraqis have ever seen snow.

The temperature hovered around freezing and the snow mostly melted into grey puddles when it hit the ground.

"It is the first time we've seen snow in Baghdad," said 60-year-old Hassan Zahar. "We've seen sleet before, but never snow. I looked at the faces of all the people, they were astonished," he said.

"A few minutes ago, I was covered with snowflakes. In my hair, on my shoulders. I invite all the people to enjoy peace, because the snow means peace," he said.

Traffic policeman Murtadha Fadhil, huddling under a balcony to keep dry, declared the snow "a new sign of the new Iraq."

"It's a sign of hope. We hope Iraqis will purify their hearts and politicians will work for the prosperity of all Iraqis."

The winter weather seemed to have a positive effect on the war-torn country, no reported violence as of mid-day Friday.

www.iraqupdates.com contributed to this story.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

January 11th, 2008

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024