“When you leave your house you expect to die in an explosion or get shot”, states one man. To stay as safe as possible, people avoid certain jobs, clothing or neighbourhoods. The problem is that every day, the list of things to avoid becomes longer. “Bakeries are bombed for selling bread to the Iraqi police … barbers because they shave beards.” Now sportsmen are being targeted for wearing shorts and anyone wearing jeans, anything red or hair gel is also at risk. As one man laments: “There is nothing cheaper than Iraqi blood. Deaths have become normal.”

Studio 9