Reporter's Notebook: After the storm

FRANCE 24 correspondent Lucas Menget is in Baghdad to cover the upcoming legislative elections. This is his "reporter's notebook" on the situation in the Iraqi capital.

By Lucas MENGET (text)

Wednesday, March 3

This morning, insurgents struck: 30 people were killed in Baquba, damaging two police stations and a hospital. But the electoral process is underway, and nothing seems to be able to stop it. Iraqis want to vote: they’ve made that clear. Baghdad is covered with election posters, and residents have been checking to make sure their names are on the voter lists. With Iraqis sick of violence and the war, high turnout is expected.

Tonight, a storm swept through Baghdad. When the high winds abated, a screen of sand cloaked the city, making the air feel as electric as the political atmosphere here. At midnight, lightning struck, and another storm followed. The noise was deafening. But for once, the explosion was a natural one. A sign of things to come?

Firdos Square, where the statue of Saddam Hussein was toppled almost seven years ago. At night, the spot often has a certain beauty. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

The currents of the River Tigris that flows through Baghdad no longer carry corpses. One might even say that the river has become, once again, a place of charm rather than horror. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

This woman has come to cheer Iyad Allaoui, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s main opponent. She even danced a little and sang for her hero. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

Women are back on the streets of Baghdad, clad in colorful clothing. This woman confidently walks past soldiers and tribal chiefs on her way to the rally for former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

Men dance at the rally. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

These women carry briefcases and wear trendy boots and high heels – a reflection of the “secular” campaign former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi has run. It remains to be seen what kind of moral order will exist after the elections. (Photo: Lucas Menget)

On the other side of the city, a bride’s mother dances in her car, far from the electoral drama. With the music blasting, she watches her daughter leave on the arm of her Iraqi husband. (Photo: Lucas Menget)