Say Anything Blog

From CNN

A reality show in Lebanon has managed to unite the Iraqi people in ways their government and any military action has been unable to do. Shada Hassoon won the final vote on friday, thanks, in (a large) part due to Iraqi voters. Many Iraqis obtained generators to provide power, so that they, their families and friends could watch the show.
There doesn’t seem to be much concern over which sect she belongs to, rather that she is an Iraqi national and deserves their votes.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN)—Shada Hassoon, a charismatic and talented 26-year-old singer, is doing for Iraq what weary politicians in that strife-torn country have so far failed to do: unite the fractious nation.

Hassoon is a contestant representing Iraq on LBC’s “Star Academy,” a televised entertainment competition from Lebanon similar to “American Idol.”

Is this the way to win hearts and minds in Iraq? Why not encourage heavy investment in Arabic television and the (militant) Iraqi people might sit down and watch together rather than go out and fight?

By Omar Salih, USATODAY
BAGHDAD — An Iraqi contestant in an Arab-world talent competition similar to American Idol has managed to unite her country like no government can.

Every Friday night, Iraqis gather around their TVs to root for Shada Hassoon, 25, as she tries to sing her way to victory and a big cash prize on Star Academy. The show is a rare and welcome distraction for Iraqis cooped up indoors because of the violence and curfews affecting most of Baghdad.

From USAtoday