Defiant few brave Baghdad park for Eid holiday

BAGHDAD, Oct 23 (Reuters) Children who came to Baghdad's Al Zawraa Park to celebrate the Eid holiday today did not have to wait long in line to ride the ferris wheel, the merry-go-round or the swinging ship because most people stayed home.

The holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast in daylight hours has been particularly bloody this year in Iraq with death squads and bombers claiming around 100 lives a day, sparking fears of full-scale civil war.

Those who defied the bloodshed to bring their children to the park may have been few, but they sounded optimistic.

''This Eid is peaceful and good for the Iraqis, and I hope that the sadness is lifted from the Iraqis and all the displaced return to their homes,'' said a woman who gave her name only as Um Omar, or Mother of Omar.

Violence between Sunnis and Shi'ites has driven tens of thousands of people from their homes, particularly in mixed neighbourhoods, and many more have fled abroad. Those who remain face curfews every night, crime and intimidation on the streets and uncertainty over the future.

''We came here for the sake of the children. They are sad, we came here to make them happy,'' Um Omar said.

Nearby children dressed in new clothes for the holiday ate crisps and candy, not far from the watchful eye of police officers hoping to make it through the day without incident.

''We've taken the appropriate security measures to guarantee the security of the citizens,'' said policeman Firas Abdul Mawla. ''God willing, we hope this Eid passes in peace and security.'' MORE REUTERS MQA BD1941