Cracking Walls: The Internet in Baghdad
The ´óÏó´«Ã½’s Jiyar Gol travelled to Iraq to investigate how the internet helps to break down religious and ethnic boundaries and aid communication within Iraq and with the rest of the world.
Although only 5% of homes have internet access – not surprising when it can cost a fifth of the average Iraqi's income to get connected – many Iraqi people are using the internet to help make connections in this fractured country.
For a dollar an hour, anyone can use a rather slow connection at one of the growing number of internet cafes in Baghdad.
The internet is a way to communicate with friends and family and obtain information on a number of subjects.
For some, it is also a way of providing relief from the dangers and instability of the outside world.
Rafal, a 19-year-old medical student, is virtually a prisoner in her own home when she is not at college, as most women in Baghdad are not free to leave their homes. She watches comedy videos on YouTube to take her mind off the dangers outside.
But the internet also has a darker side. It has been an important tool in the hands of Islamic extremist groups in Baghdad. Some say their websites have influenced many young people to join these groups.
Outside Baghdad, the story is different. Since the fall of Saddam in 2003 Iraqi Kurdistan has been relatively stable, creating opportunity for foreign investment.
The infrastructure is more developed and mobile wireless internet has replaced the traditional internet cafes.
Provocative
However, in the Kurdish North, Western-educated refugees are returning home, bringing with them liberal views. And the proliferation of an unfettered internet is causing some problems in what is still a very traditional and somewhat religious community.
Dashni is a Kurdish pop star and TV presenter who first used the internet to infiltrate Kurdish society from her adopted home in the Netherlands. Her provocative music, videos and lyrics have broken many taboos.
Many of the neighbouring Middle Eastern countries censor and filter internet content for political, religious and moral reasons and there is heated debate within the Baghdad Government over whether to control web content.
There are many different motivations and purposes of internet use in Iraq. But there is no doubt that for young people across the country it is providing a unifying force that is changing perceptions.
Perhaps this new internet generation will be able to crack the walls that surround them and move towards a peaceful Iraq.
Cracking Walls: The Internet In Iraq is broadcast on ´óÏó´«Ã½ World television on 13 March 2010 at 0430GMT and 1030GMT, and repeated on 14 March 2010 at 0430GMT and 1030GMT.