Iraqi City Opens First Bar Post-ISIS Rule

2017-07-24 136

by Jeff Donlan

Can something as simple as a bar help heal Iraqis recovering from a violent past?

A bar has reopened its doors in Qaraqosh after closing three years ago.

It’s the first watering hole to start pouring again since ISIS militants were pushed out about 9 months ago.

Qaraqosh was Iraq’s largest Christian settlement before the Islamic State took over, and the militants ordered Christians to pay a tax, convert to Islam, or die.

They are now returning home with the freedom to celebrate their religion and the right to have a drink.

The bar is also bonding the community and attracting Muslim customers.

We’ll drink to that!


The post Iraqi City Opens First Bar Post-ISIS Rule appeared first on Vocativ.