The Los Angeles Times reports: As America begins to draw down its troops seven years after the invasion of Iraq, TV reporter Falah Azzawi represents the grittiest of the country’s reporters. Every week, he tours Iraq, hunting down corruption and hectoring officials about their shortcomings. His program, “Among the People,” is broadcast on a small independent channel called Al Diyar. People greet him by name and he receives up to 50 letters a day.
Defying the 120-degree heat, he saunters into the alley’s restaurant and barbershop — part talk-show host, part rabble-rouser but always sentimental. “OK, I’m in Shukr Gahawa,” he tells the viewer. “There hasn’t been power here in seven days, OK?” Azzawi barks his words, then dabs his face with a silky red handkerchief. He protects his eyes with Bono-style black sunglasses.
Azzawi often delivers off-the-cuff commentary on whatever is on his mind. Now he begs the restaurant chef to fry him an egg.
“If someone doesn’t want to cook, they say let us bring food from Abu Yusf’s restaurant,” Azzawi says, smiling. Nervous, the chef burns the food.
“No problem. Take it easy,” Azzawi reassures him and speaks to the camera. “Nadhem, film the details of how he is cooking and working.”
Azzawi doesn’t mince words as he demonstrates the gap between Iraq’s rulers and its ordinary citizens. He provides a platform where Iraqis can roar against the sometimes dubious actions of their elected and appointed officials.
Read the entire article at The Los Angeles Times >>