<p><b> by Jeff Donlan</b></p>Can something as simple as a bar help heal Iraqis recovering from a violent past?<p>A bar has reopened its doors in Qaraqosh after closing three years ago.</p><p>It’s the first watering hole to start pouring again since ISIS militants were pushed out about 9 months ago.</p><p>Qaraqosh was Iraq’s largest Christian settlement before the Islamic State took over, and the militants ordered Christians to pay a tax, convert to Islam, or die.</p><p>They are now returning home with the freedom to celebrate their religion and the right to have a drink.</p>The bar is also bonding the community and attracting Muslim customers.</p>We’ll drink to that!</p></p><br /> <p>The post Iraqi City Opens First Bar Post-ISIS Rule</a> appeared first on Vocativ</a>.</p>
