In Iraq, the term “feast” is now politicized, after it has become one of the most important means to make political gains, win votes and confirm loyalties. Amid preparations for the 2014 general elections, candidates intending to run have started rallying votes through visits to tribes and social figures. These visits usually begin with a feast and end with promises related to jobs, services and coordinated construction projects.

Sheikh Majid al-Chalabi told Al-Monitor that he is always busy receiving candidates and preparing for banquets that are usually held on the sidelines of meetings. “The feast mobilizes the public around politicians, who cannot help spending money and using the 'stomach' to sustain communication with the public,” he said.

In a tribal society led by social prestige, there are those who believe that holding a dinner in honor of a candidate is a great achievement, given that this candidate might become a high-ranking employee and a decision-maker in terms of the completion of projects, employment of the unemployed and conclusion of transactions.

Since 2003, holding a banquet in Iraq has turned into a “politicized” social event as far as elections are concerned. Thus, the difference between a traditional feast, which is considered an example of Arab generosity, and a politicized feast, which is usually held as propaganda or for political gain, has become insignificant — just like the thin line that politicians are keen to maintain between themselves and the people. Feasts have turned into an event that Iraqi politicians are keen to hold, to forge alliances and discuss problematic issues on their sidelines.