Iraq’s Sex Trade Thrives
Given the lax security situation since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, the country’s sex trade has proliferated.
Security reports and field observations show that the sex trade is thriving in Baghdad and in Iraq’s other cities, through "agents," essentially pimps, who run brothels discreetly at times and openly at others.
The Culture Committee in the Iraqi parliament recognized the increased number of recreation clubs that are opening, taking advantage of their members' status as media personalities and artists.
Raed Qais, a worker in a nightclub, confirmed to Al-Monitor that the number of brothels in Baghdad has increased after being limited to certain areas such as Midan, Kamaliyah and Abu Ghraib. They have become active today in other areas in private homes that hold semi-discreet socializing and sex parties, frequented by clients via a network of relationships of “confidants,” their money and their entourage.
Karima Hatem admitted to Al-Monitor that she has "worked in the sex trade in Baghdad for around six years,” after a slump in demand for goods in Diwaniyah forced her to move to the capital.
