The Northern Iraqi city of Mosul is Iraq’s most ethnically diverse region. Many people feared that age-old tensions between Arabs and Kurds would turn the battle for Mosul into a bloodbath. However, it has become one of the most peaceful areas in Iraq. Two months before the interim government in Baghdad was selected, a multi-ethnic, multi-party city council was already in operation in Mosul. New political parties and power bases are springing up across the city. However some members have become disillusioned with the council’s inability to make independent decisions. “We are not allowed to contact different government departments directly to solve problems,” complains councillor Hunain Al Qaddo. Like other cities, Mosul is plagued by problems. Thousands of pensioners still have to queue for days to receive their emergency payment. But compared to the rest of Iraq it’s a haven.

Produced by SBS Australia.