The first snow in 100 years fell on Baghdad this morning.
Residents said it was a sign of peace.
An Iraqi couple enjoys a snow battle in a garden in Sulaimaniyah, 2007. Light snow fell in Baghdad in what weather officials said was the first time in about a 100 years. (AFP/Shwan Mohammed)
An omen of peace blaketed Baghdad this morning.
The Guardian reported:
Snow fell on Baghdad today for the first time in living memory, delighting residents who declared it an omen of peace.
“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.
“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.”
Murtadha Fadhil, who works for the traffic police, huddled under a balcony to keep dry, and declared the snow “a new sign of the new Iraq”.
He said the phenomenon was a sign of hope and purity. “We hope Iraqis will purify their hearts and politicians will work for the prosperity of all Iraqis,” he said.
A resident walks along a street during snowfall in Baghdad January 11, 2008. Snow fell on Baghdad on Friday for the first time in memory, and delighted residents declared it an omen of peace. (REUTERS/Mahmoud Raouf Mahmoud)
Jules Crittenden– “It’ll Be a Cold Day In Baghdad”
