Iraq's growing grave market
As death has become even more a part of daily life in Iraq with the increasing violence and terrorist attacks, people started marketing plots at Al-Salam Valley cemetery, which holds religious significance.
BAGHDAD — The features of death are seemingly found wherever one goes in Iraqi cities. In Baghdad, walls are covered with black banners with names of the dead, some of whom were killed in the war against the Islamic State (IS). Of these, most were members of the Shiite militias fighting alongside the security forces. The banners also carry the names of people killed in explosions over the last three months, as well as the names of victims of the tribal battles that have recently increased. These usually start as minor brawls but can develop into large-scale battles.
Death has become even more a part of everyday life in Iraq as it haunts Iraqis on the streets, in squares and in markets, claiming the lives of hundreds of people on a monthly basis. The security situation has not calmed down since the invasion of Iraq in April 2003. Terrorist attacks against civilians are increasing in ferocity, and IS has seized about a third of the country's area, imposing a gloomy, fear-filled atmosphere.
