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Harsh Realities Flavor Iraqi Cultural Pursuits

By Anne Garrels

Published December 13, 2002 at 12:00 AM EST

Two decades of war and internal tension have made a powerful impact on Iraqi cultural life. A stage comedy mocking the miserable lives of many Iraqis is a hit in Baghdad. Some find secret solace in alcohol. Others turn to religion as never before. NPR's Anne Garrels reports.

Anne Garrels

Stories From This Author

Residents, Church Vie For History-Rich Russian Isles

Anne Garrels

Russia's Solovetsky Islands, less than 100 miles from the Arctic Circle, have become a popular tourist destination. Originally an outpost of the Orthodox Church, they later became home to a brutal prison. Now, islanders and church officials are battling for control.
Volga River Towns Fade Along With Prized Sturgeon

Anne Garrels

Astrakhan, on the Volga River, once was known as Russia's caviar capital — but no more. As the fish neared extinction, Russia banned all commercial sturgeon fishing in the area and the export of all black caviar. Now, both the sturgeon and the local people struggle to survive.
Battle Of The Volga Alive In Russian Memory

Anne Garrels

Nowhere is the Volga River more hallowed than in the city named after it: Volgograd, better known as Stalingrad, site of one of World War II's most important, and bloodiest, battles. Today, Volgograd residents are still adjusting to the post-Soviet changes that have altered Russia.