BAGHDAD— Baghdad is plastered with Valentine hearts and roses, and newly engaged Nour and Ahmed are out and about, enjoying a rare lull in violence in the Iraqi capital but wondering how long it will last.
Despite recent setbacks, the Islamic State group is still dug in some 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Baghdad. And powerful Shiite militias now control security in many parts of the city, providing increased protection but raising concerns as the well-armed fighters often operate outside the government’s control.
It’s an improvement from over a year ago, when the two met while working at the same magazine. After chatting on Facebook, they started meeting with friends in the evening and on weekends.
Iraqis celebrate Valentine's Day at al-Zawra Park in Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed
