Baghdad park a unique refuge for young couples in love

This Iraqi couple has found a safe haven at Abu Nawas Park on June 29, thanks to a U.S.-based security firm that keeps the area free of violent extremists. By Charles Levinson, USA TODAY BAGHDAD — A riverside park closely guarded by a U.S. security company has become the hottest make-out spot in town for young Iraqi lovers who would otherwise be harassed — or worse — by Islamic extremists. Many of the couples sneak away from university lectures and sit arm-in-arm, whispering and kissing under the shade of eucalyptus trees each morning. On many days, there's not a single empty bench. Four checkpoints manned by guards from the Sandi Group security company control access to Abu Nawas Park. Every car is searched. Anyone with a gun, including Iraqi police, is kept out. For some of Iraq's conservatives, the park is a symbol of the... [read full story]