How to get along with Iraqis: Circa 1943
The following text comes from an American Army guidebook that was distributed during the second World War to soldiers stationed in Iraq.
(Emphasis added to some lines.)
SOME IMPORTANT DO’S AND DON’TS
Keep away from mosques.
Smoke or spit somewhere else””never in front of a mosque.
If you come near a mosque, keep moving (away) and don’t loiter.
Keep silent when the Moslems are praying (which they do five times a day) and don’t stare.
Discuss something else””NEVER religion or politics or women””with Moslems.
Remember the fear of the “evil eye.” Don’t stare at anyone. Don’t point your camera in anyone’s face.
Avoid offering opinions on internal politics.
Shake hands with the Iraqi; otherwise don’t touch them or slap them on the back.
Remember that the Iraqi are a very modest people and avoid any exposure of the body in their presence.
Keep out of the sun whenever you can. When you can’t, keep your head and neck covered.
Start eating only after your host has begun.
Eat with your right hand””never with your left, even if you are a southpaw.
Always tear bread with your fingers””never cut it.
Bread to the Moslems is holy. Don’t throw scraps of it about or let it fall on the ground.
In the city eat only part of the first course. There may be more coming.
In the country leave some food in the bowl””what you leave goes to the women and children.
Don’t offer Moslems food containing pork, bacon, or lard, or cooked in pork products. All such food is religiously “unclean” to them.
Don’t eat pork or pork products in front of Moslems.
Be pleasant if Moslems refuse to eat meat you offer.
Don’t offer Moslems alcoholic drinks. Drink liquor somewhere else””never in the presence of Moslems.
Knock before entering a private house. If a woman answers, wait until she has had time to retire.
Always respect the Moslem women. Don’t stare at them. Don’t smile at them. Don’t talk to them or follow them. If you do any of these things, it means trouble for you and your unit.
In a house or tent, follow the rule of your host. If he takes off his shoes on entering, do the same.
If you are required to sit on the floor in an Iraqi house or tent, cross your legs while doing so.
When visiting, don’t overstay your welcome. The third glass of tea or coffee is the signal to leave unless you are quartered there.
If you should see grown men walking hand in hand, ignore it. They are not “queer.”
Be kind and considerate to servants. The Iraqis consider all people equals.
Avoid any expression of race prejudice. The people draw very little color line.
Talk Arabic if you can to the people. No matter how badly you do it, they will like it.
Shake hands on meeting and leaving.
On meeting an Iraqi, be sure to inquire after his health.
If you wish to give someone a present, make it sweets or cigarettes.
If you are stationed in the country, it is a good idea to take sweets and cigarettes with you when you visit an Iraqi’s home.
Show respect toward all older persons. If serving food, the eldest person should be served first.
Be polite. Good manners are important to the Iraqis. Be hospitable.
Bargain on prices. Don’t let shopkeepers or merchants overcharge you; but be polite.
Be generous with your cigarettes.
Above all, use common sense on all occasions. And remember that every American soldier is an unofficial ambassador of good will.
If the American government had remembered its past policies, there would a few less problems in Iraq today.