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Laughter Means Progress
May 9, 2008
In the US, we’re used to being able to go attend various events, such as concerts, Broadway plays and comedy shows and we really don’t ever give it a second thought. As long as we have the money to afford the tickets, we’re free to attend any of these events and rarely worry about anything, except having a good time and enjoying ourselves. It’s not been that way in Iraq or Afghanistan for many years, but because of increased security, that’s slowly changing.
In the Iraqi province of Wasit, on May 4th, citizens were treated to the first comedic play since 2003. The actors from the popular Iraqi sitcom “Mud House” performed the play entitled “People to People” which portrayed Iraqi life from a comedic standpoint. The play was meant to not only entertain the audience, but to give the hope and optimim about the future.
Approximately 1,500 people filled the Municipality Hall located in Kut to watch the play. The play was sponsored by the US State Department in conjunction with the US Army’s 214th Fires Brigade and the Iraqi police. Officials estimated that another 3,000 people were waiting outside the theater.
“The large turnout was a positive indicator of Wasit’s desire for a return to normalcy,” said Vanessa Beary, public diplomacy officer for the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team.
According to Col. Peter Baker of the 214th Fires Brigade, the local citizens really enjoyed the show. “It was impossible not to be caught up with the audience’s laughtr,” he said. “It was a very light and joyful mood.”
As is occurring, more and more often in Iraq, Iraqi security forces handled security for the event. This highlighted the big step they’ve taken forward in ensuring the security and safety of the citizens. The large turnout showed the the community trusted the security forces to ensure heir safety. According to Baker, the Iraqi security forces remained alert and conscious of the opportunity for problems to arise, due to the vast number of people gathering for the event. Due to the large turnout on May 4th, the actors chose to perform an encore performance on May 5th.
This is yet another indication of the great strides that are taking place, whether the media wishes to acknowledge it or not. While we realize that a lot of work still needs to be done, to ensure the security and safety of the country of Iraq and it’s citizens, each event such as this, is another step in the right direction.
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[...] Soccer Dad wrote an interesting post today on Laughter Means Progress [A Soldier’s Mind]Here’s a quick excerptIt’s not been that way in Iraq or Afghanistan for many years, but because of increased security, that’s slowly changing. [...]
[...] Gorilla’s Guides wrote an interesting post today on Laughter Means ProgressHere’s a quick excerpt In the US, we’re used to being able to go attend various events, such as concerts, Broadway plays and comedy shows and we really don’t ever give it a second thought. As long as we have the money to afford the tickets, we’re free to attend any of these events and rarely worry about anything, except having a good time and enjoying ourselves. It’s not been that way in Iraq or Afghanistan for many years, but because of increased security, that’s slowly changing. In the Iraqi province of Wasit, o [...]