An astonishing thing happened in Baghdad on Saturday: Christians, apparently for the first time in the city's history, publicly celebrated Christmas.
CNN's Jill Dougherty published an article about this extraordinary event at the network's website Sunday which included a video of her interviewing Iraqis of varied religious beliefs at the scene.
However, from what I can tell, this extremely charming report has not been aired yet by CNN television, nor has it gotten much coverage by other outlets here in America (video embedded below the fold, photo courtesy AFP via British Telegraph):
One notable exception to the lack of media coverage of this event is the Los Angeles Times "Babylon & Beyond" blog which began its report on this subject Saturday (emphasis added):
Trying to prove just how much safer Baghdad is these days, Iraqi officials threw a party for Christians on Saturday, complete with huge event posters featuring pictures of Jesus Christ.
Gotta love that opening word "trying" dontcha think?
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see what other coverage this event gets here in America, and whether CNN will actually air Dougherty's report.
Stay tuned.
(CNN.com is having some problems with embedded videos. If above embed isn't working, try this. If that doesn't work, go to the actual article, and click on "Watch the celebration in Baghdad" at the end of the fourth paragraph.)




















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A big
December 22, 2008 - 11:47 ET by littlemissmuffinA big resounding NO.
Remembering little Caylee Anthony (2005-2008). May justice be served.
Just wait LMM!
December 22, 2008 - 14:44 ET by Wilbur747Once the Obamessiah pulls our heroes out, the radicals will take over and execute those responsible for the affront to Islam!
BTW...I advocate the death of her mother, but not in a humane way. May God forgive me.
They may report on it...
December 22, 2008 - 11:51 ET by superconbut only in a way to discredit the story.This will not be reported as a positive thing.They will scour Iraq for any sort of Christmas violence and gleefully report it if it occurs.They will find as many Iraqis as possible who hate the celebration and feature them prominently.They will try to portray this somehow as the West forcing their religion upon Iraqis but the Iraqis are so tolerant of other peoples religion that they allow it grudgingly.
Christmas in Iraq
December 22, 2008 - 12:32 ET by merlin61The MSM will ignore this. They don't want any
good news to get out of Iraq. They don't want
to give any credit to our brave American soldiers
who fought bravely so that this celebration could
occur. Merry Christmas to everyone at
Newsbusters. I can't wait to get to this site
everyday. It maintains my sanity in this
insane liberal world.
I wouldn't be ...
December 22, 2008 - 12:45 ET by SentryDanI wouldn't be surprised if the MSM put out a story something like this; "The United States, today tried to push their Christian beliefs on the poor Muslim people by putting up Christmas displays around Baghdad." Or this: "Muslims force by US invaders to celebrate Christmas."
Remember folks, Freedom isn't Free. It was bought with the blood and sacrifice of the men and women who are serving and who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know.
Christmas in Beirut
December 22, 2008 - 12:47 ET by LibraryLadyI grew up in Lebanon. There is a 65 foot Christmas tree by the Mosque in Martyr's square and Santa will be in his village downtown till the 30th. A major department store there has one of the most beautiful Nativity scenes anywhere.
The Malls are decorated fabulously. Amazing.
Question
December 22, 2008 - 16:27 ET by UtherpendLibrary Lady does the tree stand for the same thing it does in America or is it simply a way to acknowledge the coming holiday?
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquillity of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you."
I can't say, but the
December 22, 2008 - 17:14 ET by LibraryLadyI can't say, but the Phoenicians have always been crafty traders and like to do business! Remember Lebanon used to be a Christian country and still has strong influences.
To see some pictures go : Beirut Christmas
So a minority is free to
December 22, 2008 - 13:49 ET by choselife3xSo a minority is free to publicly practice/celebrate their religious beliefs for the first time EVER in that country? WOW! That is front page news! It's HUGE!!!! Oh, wait, what...Christians? They're Christians? Never mind........
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Noel... This is truly an
December 22, 2008 - 14:54 ET by Clear thinkerNoel...
This is truly an amazing event!!!
I only wish this will be shown on every news network in the USA. Sure it's a lot to ask for, but hey, it is Christmas.
More Dumb Ecofascist Propaganda
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Ct... I could not agree
December 22, 2008 - 17:11 ET by bigtimerCt...
I could not agree more!
I mean that...this is wonderful, something wonderful like this will be kept mum for the most part by the msm...we all know it.
I thank all those in the military, all involved everywhere... and the President.
Here is a tribute from me to the military to share with others that was sent to me.
A Christmas Wish.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Can anyone say awesome?
December 22, 2008 - 19:38 ET by tarunkjuyalThis is great news! How come this isn't on every news channel and blared on the radio?
http://www.worldthreats.com/?p=454
This is
December 23, 2008 - 10:34 ET by Karinfabulous news. Of course the MSM won't report it. It's up to us. Spread this story to all the other blogs you participate in. Someone should post it at GailyKos, their bloodpressure could use a tweak.