Iraqis are increasingly cautious in spending as the US-Israeli war on Iran enters its second month and drives regional security situation increasingly volatile.
Al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad, one of the capital's most prominent cultural landmarks, has long served as a true barometer of public sentiment. On weekends, writers, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens gather there, making it a "mirror" that reflects the pulse of society and the rhythms of daily life.
However, a sense of anxiety has taken hold among locals over the future of the region's security situation.
The iconic street, once bustling with pedestrians every Friday morning, is now noticeably quieter. Crowds at the book stalls have thinned, and outdoor cafe seating sits almost empty. The most striking change is in conversation: talk of daily life has largely given way to anxious discussions about military developments across the region.
"Because of the ongoing war, people are reluctant to leave their homes -- not just to visit Al-Mutanabbi Street, but to go anywhere, whether in Baghdad or in other provinces," said Ahmed Lazim, a Baghdad resident.
The tension from regional conflict has not only altered the traditional cultural atmosphere that once defined Al-Mutanabbi Street on weekends, but has also disrupted the daily rhythms of life in Baghdad.
Residents' lives remain deeply connected to the regional situation, with the constant shadow of war hanging over them.
"Daily life is certainly being affected. There are strategic reserves of food and clothing, but how long will these reserves last? If they run out, we will revert to the ways of the past, and that would be very negative indeed. Energy, as you know, is everything in our lives now. If the energy supply stops, how can people survive? If the energy supply stops, everything will grind to a halt -- hospitals, food, and water," said Majid al-Fayli, an engineer living in Baghdad.
"Iraq is different from other Gulf states, where they have very substantial economic reserves. Even if the war were to continue for a whole year, it would not matter that much for them. In Iraq, however, if the war were to extend for another month, it would affect prices, the markets, and the livelihoods of Iraqi citizens. Most people have decided to stop buying new things and clothes and are being frugal with food and drinks. They have also stopped going to Al-Mutanabbi Street and other tourist areas. This is because most Iraqis have decided to save money. As the popular saying goes, 'Save A penny for a rainy day', especially in circumstances that we are experiencing," said Alaa Khudair, an aluminum trader from Baghdad. "As an aluminum trader, I haven't sold a single product since the war began a month ago. There are no buyers. All shop owners are paying rent, workers' wages, and other expenses; some have even had to cut staff, which is affecting the community," he said.
"We have the rising prices. For instance, the price of a tray of eggs has risen from 4,000 Iraqi dinars to 7,000 dinars. Similar increases have been seen in clothing, tools, and building materials. The ongoing war has led to rising prices across the board," Khudair added.
Once a hub for reading, discussion, and poetry, the landmark street has now become a place overshadowed by concerns for personal safety. For Baghdad's residents, this shift is seen as a direct consequence of ongoing military operations by the United States and Israel in the region. Amidst the volatile environment, the human and cultural fabric is unraveling, while daily life is increasingly defined by a regional conflict with no end in sight.
Iraqis cut back on spending as war persists in neighboring Iran
