Iraqies celebrate rare joy in the streets

[SteelersMongol]

BAGHDAD (AP) - Tens of thousands of Iraqis from the Shiite south to the Kurdish-dominated north poured into the usually treacherous streets Sunday to celebrate a rare moment of joy and unity when the national team won Asia's most prestigious soccer tournament.

The revelers spanning the country's sectarian and ethnic divisions danced, sang and waved flags and posters of the team after Iraq beat three-time champion Saudi Arabia 1-0 to take the Asian Cup.

Chants of "Long live Iraq" and "Baghdad is victorious" rang out across the country as Iraqis basked in national pride. Some of the revelers - mostly men - took their shirts off to display the red, white and black colors of the Iraqi flag painted on their chests.

Reporters of the state Iraqiya television wrapped themselves with the national flag as they interviewed people celebrating in the streets. Some joined in the chanting ...

http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D8QMPD580.html

This is what I like about sport. Sport is to unite people. Race, religion, gender, social status, political views they all don't matter when it comes to supporting your team.

Just to think that if there was no football or no Steelers, it's crazy, cuz some of us wouldn't have even liked some of the forum members a single bit.

Thank GOD for sport and the STEELERS!

[Hammer67]

Yeah, but it is pathetic that it takes this. Where is the pride in their country? Shouldn't they want to fix their government and put an end to the violence?

[SteelCityMan786]

That's good for them though considering the conditions there has been.

[The Duke]

It's good they celebrate. If only everyone loved sports the world would really be a better place