Baghdad bemused by foreigners preaching peace

WHAT do a priest, Miss Germany, a spiritual healer and a diehard communist all have in common?

They have made their way to Baghdad to try to stop a US-led war on Iraq, employing various skills and talents, ranging from diplomacy to spiritual healing, soccer to fashion.

Baghdadis, who have not seen such a diverse influx of foreigners for many a year, are both amused and bemused.