As US-led forces carry out air strikes against Islamic State, Baghdad is using a new weapon to undermine the militants: comedy.
State of Myths, a new 30-part satirical series, began airing on Iraqi state television this weekend, with the aim of using slapstick comedy to expose the true nature of the extremists.
Set in a fictional Iraqi town taken over by Islamic State, the show makes fun of the militants, including their elusive leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The show's original trailer (above) plays on a common conspiracy theory in Iraq that the US, Qatar and Israel were responsible for the rise of Islamic State. It shows the "birth" of Baghdadi, whose mother represents Israel and father the devil, with an American cowboy welcoming guests to the wedding party.
With the US and its allies now bombing militants, the conspiracy theory has become harder to sell and the show's director said he was instructed to remove some of the characters representing America and Qatar.
The show, which is also translated as State of Superstitions, has a catchy theme song, a parody of a known Islamic State anthem, says the Daily Telegraph.
In other scenes, Baghdadi is seen reclining on a gold-rimmed sofa considering his social media strategy with a sword-wielding dwarf; a town drunk beats those who consume alcohol but still drinks in secret himself; and a shop owner is told he must segregate vegetables with feminine and masculine names in the Arabic language.
"The show demonstrates the extraordinary ability of people in this war-scarred nation to challenge violence with humour," says the Washington Post. "But making light of the group notorious for beheadings and massacres brings serious risks."
The scriptwriter has insisted on remaining anonymous, while some cast members, including the actor who plays Baghdadi, have asked that their names are left out of the show's credits.
Director Ali al-Qassem said the cast believes their work can form part of the war effort. "We all have a duty to defend this country," he said. "We are not good at using weapons but we can also help defeat [Islamic State] through our work."
-
Critics’ choice: Watering holes for gourmandsFeature An endless selection of Mexican spirits, a Dublin-inspired bar, and an upscale Baltimore pub
-
Argentinian beef is at the center of American farmers’ woesThe Explainer ‘It feels like a slap in the face to rural America,’ said one farmer
-
‘Businesses that lose money and are uncompetitive won’t survive’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designationThe Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
