Feel the love in Baghdad

Valentine’s Day will be celebrated in Baghdad in Iraq with a huge public display of affection.

Residents said it is the nation’s most affectionate celebration of the holiday as street corners across the country’s capital are covered with synthetic red fur of teddy bears.

Silken nightgowns and satin pillows shaped like lips hang from the front of shops.

Bombings remain a fact of life since the withdrawal of U.S. forces around two months ago but a school administrator said that Valentine’s Day was for everyone and was among the crowds of people browsing red coloured soft-toys and candles.

Shoppers said the holiday was for all Iraqis who need happy moments to help them forget their past sadness.

Iraqis said that after living in a country ruled by war and dictators, they could finally relax and enjoy Valentine’s this year.

Some also said that text messaging, mobile phones and the internet among the Iraqi youth have helped cultivate foster the most romance ever seen.

However, Valentine celebrations have been dampened by conservative Muslims from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia who strongly disapprove of the holiday’s growing popularity.

The conservative Muslims believe the holiday encouraged self-indulgence as seen in the West and premarital sex and last year, cards, gifts and other tokens were banned in Iran.

Patrols were launched each year by religious police, who are feared in Saudi Arabia, to close any stores with too much red on display or selling heart-shaped products.

By contrast, shops in Iraq, Dubai and Beirut have been stocking their shelves high with flowers, red teddy bears, hearts and chocolates for the holiday.