Iraq - Iraqi tourism pain
November 4, 2012, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE plunge in Iran's currency is proving bad for business in neighboring Iraq, and Iraqi merchant Yousif Jassim Mohammed is among those feeling the pinch. His gift shop sits on prime real estate opposite the gold-domed Imam Ali shrine in Najaf, one of the holiest sites for Shiite Muslims and a huge draw for the busloads of Iranian pilgrims who form the bedrock of Iraq's tourist trade.
Not long ago, the 60-year-old father of three could sell US$1,000 worth of silver jewelry, prayer beads and trinkets a day. But far fewer Iranians now pass by, and those who do are holding tight to their cash. Mohammed says he's lucky to make a tenth of what he used to.
Not long ago, the 60-year-old father of three could sell US$1,000 worth of silver jewelry, prayer beads and trinkets a day. But far fewer Iranians now pass by, and those who do are holding tight to their cash. Mohammed says he's lucky to make a tenth of what he used to.
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