News at Eleven: In contrast to the common belief

in the Arab world, poetry has lost its position in Iraqi cultural discourse and stories have become one of the main features there. However, poetry still has its uses: Political powers need a "poet" in certain ceremonies to generate enthusiasm and gain more supporters. The necessity for a "poet" also still exists within tribal entities and political parties in political gatherings and religious ceremonies that have multiplied in the post-2003 years. Meanwhile, genuine poetical production stayed in the same old position--an elitist field that never has been part of the main social segment's concerns.

However, storytelling is on the rise.

from MidEastPosts.Com: 'There's No Room For Poets, Unless They're Dead'

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