Iraq turns a corner; a furry, feathered corner

Dividends from “The Surge” perhaps? The LA Times reports that the Ghazel pet market in Baghdad is back in business:

The pet industry was a sleepy trade in Saddam Hussein’s final years, hampered by international economic sanctions and an ever-shrinking middle class. The most exotic pets were generally bought by elite families, who could afford expensive animals, whether a monkey or a Siamese kitten. Then came the violence of the last few years: The Ghazel market, on a main boulevard in downtown Baghdad, has weathered two bombings since 2007.

But now, with bloodshed down and civil servants earning higher salaries, families are enjoying their spending power, the relative calm and the freedom to buy luxuries unavailable in sanctions-era Iraq.

Even dogs, traditionally considered unclean in Islam, have become popular.

But it appears to be peacocks and cats that are the most sought-after pets. A pair of peacocks will set you back $800, and cats (especially Siamese) can range from $100 to an eye-popping $1,600!! according to the story:

“People pay high prices to get pet cats because they like the nice things,” Mohammed says. “Their behavior is different than the street cats. They are cleaner. They don’t defecate inside the house.” Then he corrects himself: Only the trained cats know to go outside.