Small Businesses Booming In Iraq
Small businesses have been reopening in Iraq as violence in many parts of the country has been declining. Many businesses closed in 2006 and 2007 during fierce fighting between Sunnis and Shi’ites. But now with improved security, small business is coming back to life.
About a year ago, in the Baghdad neighborhood of Ghazaliyah, it was too dangerous for this man to work outside on the street. The neighborhood was a battleground for Shi’ite and Sunni militias.
Stores closed and streets were empty except for gunmen and the victims of sectarian killings.
In the past year, U.S. troops, U.S.-backed Iraqi volunteers, and Iraqi soldiers patrolling the streets have helped reduce the violence and stabilize the neighborhood.
The once prosperous area is filled with trash and sewage and lacks electricity. But that has not stopped this restaurant from opening or this barber from re-opening his barber shop.
He says the militias used to attack people but now everything is good. He wishes business was better but says people do not have much money.
Muthana Idan Kabul owns a tiny shop that serves tea in the Karkh area of Baghdad. He says during some of the worst violence in Karkh, insurgents stole his furniture and set his shop on fire. Today, people come here to catch up with friends, and of course, like this Iraqi policeman, to drink tea.
Kabul has received a $2,500 loan from the U.S. government to improve his business. Since 2003, the U.S. has given about $18-million in loans to small Iraqi businesses.
He says business is good and he hopes to open a bigger shop. He wants to buy new tables and chairs.
This small business owner works in Baghdad’s Green Zone, a safer area controlled by the U.S. military. For the past four years, he and his son have been selling souvenirs, mostly to U.S. troops. Read full article.
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