Cellular Phones Revolutionize Its Role Among Iraqis

Three years after George Bush invaded Iraq to liberate them from the tyrannic regime of Saddam Hussein, the nation is still beset with problems of security, primarily caused by the continuing clash of the American forces and the local insurgents.

The image of Iraq being portrayed today is that it is practically laying in ruins, and in dire need of reconstruction. A political vacuum seems to pervade their midst, and the population is uncertain as to just how capable their new system of government – democracy – would be. One would not hesitate to think and believe that even after the promised liberation has been delivered, with all the ongoing violence and unrest, the Iraqis would not even have the capability to indulge in the whims of popular culture.

Or do they?

More on Iraq and cell phones after the jump!

Three years after George Bush invaded Iraq to liberate them from the tyrannic regime of Saddam Hussein, the nation is still beset with problems of security, primarily caused by the continuing clash of the American forces and the local insurgents.

The image of Iraq being portrayed today is that it is practically laying in ruins, and in dire need of reconstruction. A political vacuum seems to pervade their midst, and the population is uncertain as to just how capable their new system of government – democracy – would be. One would not hesitate to think and believe that even after the promised liberation has been delivered, with all the ongoing violence and unrest, the Iraqis would not even have the capability to indulge in the whims of popular culture.

Or do they?

Surprisingly, steadily rising up in the list of Iraqi must-haves are cellphones. And we’re not just talking about second-hand, old model cellphones. The people of Iraq are actually strongly updated on the most current models. In fact, they have incorporated it so much in their lifestyles that they even have created monickers for — one based on an American military helicopter (Apache), a monster of an automobile (Humvee), and even prominent political figures (Allawi — referring to former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi).

In fact, for a country that is supposedly having a difficult time creating job opportunities for its citizens, cellular phones are among (if not the only) the leading product being consistently advertised and adhered to by the people.

An explanation? The cellular phone has revolutionized its function from a gadget that is merely a frivolity to one that is of utmost necessity. Prior to the boom in this particular industry, mobile phones had a reputation of bomb detonators — literally. Terrorists and insurgents would use these phones to communicate, especially in their operations, and most creative of all, to detonate bombs they have planted in establishments where there are a lot of unsuspecting potential casualties.

Now, the targets of such violent attacks are making the same gadgets – that the terrorists found to be handy – work for their own safety and advantage. The citizens have utilized the cellular phones in such a way that cooperation with the police authorities are made more expedient and efficient. Policemen are able to receive tips regarding planned attacks wherever they may be, with the help of the cellular phones. Fathers and sons are able to appease their worried wives and mothers waiting for them in their homes. Of course, having the latest model and being deemed by their peers as cool don’t really hurt, either.

Yes, Iraq’s problems may be far from over at this point. But with the presence of these gadgets to help them in their security situation, and in their hip-ness status, cellular phones have made it possible for the Iraqi’s to lighten up.

And don’t they deserve it?

Via NYTimes