Darkening Mood Overtakes Baghdad Bookstore

HAMZA HENDAWI,
Associated Press Writer Sat Nov 5, 4:15 PM ET

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Through war, sanctions, invasion and insurgency, the two men who own the Iqra'a bookstore in Baghdad's old quarter have clung to an optimism that was often surprising and refreshing.

But lately that optimism has begun to show cracks.

Mohammed Hanash Abbas and Attallah Zeidan have spoken to The Associated Press of their dreams and confidence in the future in a dozen interviews since May 2003.

This time, however, they grumbled, spoke in unusually harsh language, and indeed seemed embarrassed when reminded of the positive glow they had radiated previously.

"People are worried sick," Zeidan said. "Death now comes on very, very short notice." >>>cont

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