In Mosul, Islamic Fundamentalists Cracking Down on Secular and Religious Celebrations

Extremists in Mosul are stepping up threats to harm anyone who takes part in public celebrations of both secular and religious occasions. The most recent threat came last month, when the extremist Sunni group the Islamic State of Iraq distributed leaflets on the outskirts of the northwestern city warning people not to celebrate or hold ceremonies marking Prophet Mohammed’s birthday. Fearing the insurgents would carry out their threats, Mosul residents refrained from staging customary banquets and even exchanging sweets with their neighbors. Only a few children were seen passing around treats and juice.