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Iraq's Arabs, Kurds unite with 'Rahma' on
Star Academy
2.6.2010
By Mariwan Faydullah Salihi for ekurd.net
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June 2, 2010
ERBIL-Hewlêr,
Kurdistan region 'Iraq', — With the current turmoil
in relations between Erbil [seat of Kurdistan
Regional Government] and Baghdad [the federal Iraqi
capital] in the political arena, and the nearly
three month delay of the formation of the new Iraqi
government, many Iraqis have lost hope on their
politicians. While politics and politicians [whether
internal or external] have always tried to divide
the multi-ethnic and multi-religious people of
Mesopotamia [Iraq's ancient name], one person could
re-unite them in 2010.
With her attractive dark eyes, ebony-black hair and
tanned skin, Rahma Mezher, 21, is neither a
politician nor did she grow up in a political
family. Rahma is Iraq's only participant in this
year's 7th Arab version of globally renowned reality
talent-show 'Star Academy,' the most watched TV
program in the Arab World and the wider Middle East
– broadcasted globally on Lebanese Broadcasting
Corporation [LBC].
After four, long months being isolated from the rest
of the world and followed 24/7 by 70 camera's, Rahma
secured her placement to the "Finals" together with
two male participants from Jordan and Syria - out of
a total of 21 participants from throughout the Arab
World.
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Rahma Mezher. Photo: Facebook
taken, with permission |
In the last two rounds
of the "eliminations" process, held each Friday
during a live "Prime Show," Rahma was saved by
millions of votes from all around the world, mostly
from Iraqis. Rahma received support from Sunnis,
Shiites, Christians, Yazidis, Jews, Mandaeans …from
Arabs, Kurds, Turkomans, Assyrians, Chaldeans and
Armenians – from all of Iraq's rainbow of
ethnicities, sects and religions. All of them united
in one cause: Rahma and her representation of Iraq
in the vital contest.
History is probably repeating itself again. In 2007,
during the 4th Arab Star Academy, Iraq's participant
Shatha Hassoun also won the title and was the first
female and Iraqi to reach that point, in the history
of the contest. Then, Shatha proudly re-united all
Iraqis, despite the sectarian bloodshed and killings
in the streets of Baghdad and other dangerous areas
in the country. Since then, Iraq's security
situation has improved and the country is moving
towards another new era…perhaps one of security,
prosperity and more democracy.
The last "Prime" of Arab Star Academy will be
televised live on LBC this Friday, June 4. The show
will start around 21.30 Iraq time (20.30 CET) and
will end around midnight. I ask everyone from Iraq
and elsewhere to vote for Rahma and bring back some
happiness and smiles to Iraqis. Let's all get
united, even if it's for one time (sad to say that),
and cast our votes for someone who represents us and
takes Iraqi culture and music, internationally.
Some Kurds might disagree with me when I use the
term 'Iraqis' and 'Iraq', that also includes Kurds.
But long as Kurdistan Region is an autonomous region
within the international borders of Iraq, we should
also participate in every major event – not only in
the political process, but also in the country's
culture,www.ekurd.netsports
and economy. Iraq does not only represent our fellow
Arab citizens, but also includes all the other
ethnicities I mentioned earlier. Let's put politics
on side and show the world that we still can live
peacefully together. Let us make Rahma win and have
a nationwide celebration, from Zakho (in Duhok
Province, Kurdistan Region) to Al-Fao (Basrah
Province,) this upcoming Friday. Let's celebrate
love, peace and unity – because what Rahma is doing
today, even Nouri al-Maliki (Iraq's Prime Minister)
couldn't achieve until now.
To vote for Rahma, please write her assigned number
– "3" – through SMS to these following numbers
inside Iraq: 9484 - Korek Telecom & SanaTel users;
1286 - AsiaCell users;
8008 - Zain Iraq users;
3720 - Itisaluna users.
Mariwan
Faydullah Salihi, journalist at
Kurdish Globe and Rudaw in Erbil/Iraqi Kurdistan and
regular eKurd.net contributing writer. You may reach the author via email at: mariwan.journalist (at) gmail.com
Copyright © 2010 ekurd.net
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