Bingo in Baghdad?
Bingo is usually seen as a game played in western countries but the fact is that people around the globe enjoy playing bingo. Bingo is especially popular in the UK and during the glory days of the British Empire British culture including bingo was exported to even the remotest parts of the empire. Bingo, both land based and internet bingo, are wildly popular in Australia and New Zealand where the game is popularly known as 'housie.' Before World War Two Iraq was part of the British Empire and it was then that bingo was introduced into this ancient Middle Eastern country.
As everyone knows the war in Iraq has been going on for almost a decade with no end in sight and it is hard to imaging such a peaceful activity as a bingo game taking place anywhere in the war torn country. Believe it or not the 85 year old elite Alwiyah Club is now offering bingo games. During the days of empire the Alwiyah Club featured manicured lawns, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Members were required to have a college degree and the club was a meeting place for the cultural, political and intellectual elite cultural, political and intellectual elite. The club fell on hard times after Dictator Saddam Hussein cut the liquor supply to garner favor with religious conservatives. Many women ceased going to the club fearing predators among Saddam's friends and family members. Abdul Rahman Hamza whose family was among the founding members put it this way, "It became like a military club. No drinking. No parties. What kind of club is that?"
The game has attracted some younger players and although the streets in Baghdad are still not completely safe the games are well attended. After years of unrelenting violence the elite Alwiyah Club is making a comeback and the open bar, Arabic pop music and Saturday night bingo games draw players from all age groups.
The resurgence of bingo in Baghdad is seen as a success story for the peacekeeping efforts of the multi national forces. Now on bingo nights the parking lot is packed with eager bingo players. Bingo players pay about $4 for a wooden table and can play bingo for cash prizes all night. The resurgence of bingo is seen as a sign that the country is on its way to stabilization and peace.
Should conditions deteriorate Iraqi players could still play internet bingo and websites are welcoming new players with bigger and better bingo bonuses. Players can play from the safety and comfort of home and search for the best free bingo bonuses.
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