Nicotine-Loving Iraqis Deride Smoking-Ban Plan

By Ernesto Londoño
Washington Post Foreign Service

BAGHDAD -- This is a country of frazzled nerves and nicotine, where deals are struck and conspiracy theories hatched in the smokiest of rooms.

So why in the world, Iraqis demanded Thursday, would the government introduce a plan to ban smoking in public places?

Smoking is widespread in the region, and few countries have taken steps toward a ban. Jordan and Israel prohibit smoking in public places, and Qatar has a ban on indoor smoking in public places, though it is loosely enforced.

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