The Gypsy village of Fawar is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Diwaniyah. Prior to 2003, Fawar had strong links with its surroundings. However today, visiting this village has become risky because people are suspicious of whoever goes there and visitors are accused of looking for sex and Gypsy dance parties.
The atmosphere surrounding the village has changed since 2003, when Saddam Hussein's regime was overthrown following the US occupation. An air of hostility and conservatism now characterizes and prevails in the village.