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A new experience for Iraqis: Watching satellite tv
Baghdad, June 25: After years of all-Saddam-most-of-the-time, it comes as quite a change for Iraqis to watch the cartoon series `Tom and Jerry` and the Arabic version of `Who wants to be a millionaire`.
Baghdad, June 25: After years of all-Saddam-most-of-the-time, it comes as quite a change for Iraqis to watch the cartoon series "Tom and Jerry" and the Arabic version of "Who wants to be a millionaire”.
Liberated from 35 years of stilted official TV glorifying
Saddam Hussein, Iraqis are snatching up satellite dishes by
the thousands. Cartoons, fitness programs, movies and
commercials are flooding into Iraqi living rooms.
These days, in fact, when a favorite show comes on, Iraqis on rooftops yell to neighbors to alert them.
Satellite television is one of the perks US-British occupation has brought postwar Iraq.
"We're like the blind who have been offered the gift of sight," said Mahabat Ahmad, 32, a translator.
The demand for satellite dishes has continued despite a lack of electricity. Prices have dropped from US$300 two months ago to about US$250. People carry home dishes atop their cars - passengers clutching them to prevent them from falling.
"They're buying them like they buy bread," said Mohammed al-Mulla, who works in an electronics store. "They say they're buying freedom."
The new freedom has opened doors for the country's American occupiers, who are setting up a new channel in hopes of winning over Iraqis. But it also offers an opportunity for critics to spread anti-US sentiment.
Bureau Report
These days, in fact, when a favorite show comes on, Iraqis on rooftops yell to neighbors to alert them.
Satellite television is one of the perks US-British occupation has brought postwar Iraq.
"We're like the blind who have been offered the gift of sight," said Mahabat Ahmad, 32, a translator.
The demand for satellite dishes has continued despite a lack of electricity. Prices have dropped from US$300 two months ago to about US$250. People carry home dishes atop their cars - passengers clutching them to prevent them from falling.
"They're buying them like they buy bread," said Mohammed al-Mulla, who works in an electronics store. "They say they're buying freedom."
The new freedom has opened doors for the country's American occupiers, who are setting up a new channel in hopes of winning over Iraqis. But it also offers an opportunity for critics to spread anti-US sentiment.
Bureau Report