December 25, 2006: Iraqi Christmas tree

[Undertoad]

Aside from the official caption, "An Iraqi decorates a Christmas tree in Arbil, Iraq", there's no further info on this AFP wire service shot.

Alex from Neatorama finds more detail on Christmas trees in Iraq at the WaPo. Turns out, selling Christmas trees is one of the most dangerous jobs in Baghdad:

Nouri Dawoud has one of the most dangerous jobs in Baghdad. He sells Christmas trees.

For seven hours a day, he stands on the same street corner in a neighborhood where drive-by shootings and snipers are not uncommon. He caters to Christians, among the most targeted people. On a good day, he attracts a crowd, a draw for suicide bombers...

On Monday, one week before Christmas, Dawoud was the only tree vendor on his street, which in the past had become 'Christmas tree row' in early December. His colleagues, he said, were too afraid to join him.

"They said, 'You go check it out first. You're an old man,'" he said.

With a black-checkered kaffiyeh wrapped around his head, he placed five tall, anemic-looking trees against a wall and waited for people to show up. Few did. With his one good eye, he scanned every car. He called his presence a "fidai" - a suicide mission - and broke into a hearty laugh.

Ah well. Merry Christmas from the Cellar and Neatorama.