Posted on 12/31/2007 5:47:51 PM PST by RDTF
An Ongoing War, Concrete Barrier or Family Disapproval Could Stop This Couple From Marrying.
Eman Jabbar and Luay Rudha's love story has become an example of Iraq's progress. Jabbar, a teacher, is a Sunni, while her new husband is a Shiite.
The couple fell in love in one of Baghdad's most dangerous neighborhoods and waited six years to marry.
"I loved him from the first look," Jabbar said. "I felt he was the one person I could live with."
Rudha, who is a plumber, was unable to get Jabbar's family to agree to the marriage initially. First the war arrived, pitting Sunnis against Shiites. Then, Shiite militiamen killed Jabbar's brother.
Finally, it became so dangerous in the west Baghdad neighborhood, the U.S. military erected concrete walls to separate the Sunni and Shiite areas.
Yet, Rudha's love for Jabbar never died.
"I didn't even ask if she is Sunni or Shiite," Rudha said.
He kept proposing and continued calling, writing and even meeting Jabbar for quick coffee-shop dates.
"The thing I liked most about him was his persistence," Jabbar said.
When the violence decreased this summer, the couple announced their engagement. To the lovebirds' surprise, their families and neighbors were delighted by the wedding.
It seemed to signify that finally things were getting better in their area. Now, coincidentally, the Americans have begun taking down the concrete walls that had been dividing the two communities. So it seemed in the end love conquered all in this against-the-odds pairing.
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
Ah, yes, a match made in …
After the honeymoon is over (and several beatings later), she will convert.
Hope I’m wrong and they have a long and happy marriage.
I just think it’s amazing that GMA ran a positive story that clearly shows progress in Iraq
What!? With the civil war raging between the Sunnis and Shiites over there it won’t be long until this “marriage” degenerates into the “Jabbarfields and the McRudhas”.
but it’s like the Iraqis with the ink stained fingers...there is a will to prevail for freedom
Hope you’re wrong and they have a long and happy marriage.
Just the pragmatist in me. Being overly familiar with the tribal and sectarian differences in that part of the world cause me to doubt the longevity of this union without conversion of one party or the other.
The male will never convert (Islamic male thing), so the female must. If she refuses, she can be divorced and dumped by the wayside (after the honeymoon, of course). The husband will be under tremendous pressure from his peers and family to convert his wife.
I would love to be wrong on this one.
In this country they would have a great chance of making it, in the ME … slim chance.
I hope they have a long and happy marriage also. This happens more than one would think. When the sectarian violence started up, I read about quite a lot of Sunni/Shiite marriages where these couples were specifically targeted by both sides. Some of these people had been married for years and had children. Sad.
So which side does the honor killing?
I know you’re 100% right. But...let’s hope for others to follow and a great change takes place.
Hope for signs of peace in 08.
This is not the first marriage of this kind.
AMEN!
What a catch, she got a plumber! Do you know what they make?
LOL!
Here's another good news one from Reuters.
Here's another good news story from Reuters.
Oh, they seem soooo happy. The bride’s smile alone could light up several rooms. My wish for them is that their happiness lasts forever.
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