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Baghdad: Iraqis, living in hotspot districts in Baghdad such as Doura, Al Saidiya, Al Qazalia, Al Jamea and Al Baiya, have noticed that American army patrols have been playing well-known Iraqi songs by favourite singers such as Kadhum Al Saher and Majid Al Muhandis.
"I believe Americans are trying to win the hearts and minds of Iraqi youngsters in the neighbourhood by playing romantic and sentimental songs; it is an invitation for joy and not to drift or be influenced by armed groups' statements especially when young men here adore Al Saher and Al Muhandis' songs," Thamer Jawad, a young Iraqi man living in the Al Jamea district, told Gulf News.
The scene of American Army Hummers patrolling Baghdad's districts brings to mind the young Iraqis who used to roam the streets with cassette recorders listening to Mayada Al Hinnawi, George Wasouf and Ragheb Alama 25 years ago.
Apology
Faten Abdulla, an Iraqi university student, told Gulf News: "I think that American soldiers want to soften the atmosphere with Iraqis after many years of tense relationships because of soldiers trespassing especially in the neighbourhood I live, Al Dura. Americans were very cruel in dealing Iraqis and thus they choose Al Saher and Al Muhandis songs because all Iraqis adore the two singers. Perhaps they choose this way as an apology to Iraqis who experienced the bitterness of occupation or maybe it is an American attempt to erase the ugly image which remained in Iraqi minds as a military force killed thousands of Iraqis and brought woe and disaster to this country."
"I am an elderly man; I think playing Al Saher and Al Muhandis songs is the Americans' way of expressing their regret to what they did to Iraqis and to say farewell before leaving the neighbourhoods and cities. They are so eager to leave a good memory. I am certain that when Americans withdraw from Iraq, thousands of soldiers who listened to Kadhim Al Saher and Majid Al Muhandis songs will return home with CDs and tapes of the Iraqi singers and share them with their families who are awaiting their return," Rafat Al Askari told Gulf News.
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