Children wave a large drawing during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 8, 2008. The three-hour show at Beijing's iconic "Bird's Nest" national stadium is set to see more than 15,000 performers showcase the nation's ancient history and its development. [Agencies]

Reception pleases Iraqis

Iraqis on Friday were happy to see their athletes at the opening ceremony of the 29th Beijing Olympics, and witness the spectacular event.

"Just as I had expected, the Chinese did not miss the opportunity to demonstrate the distinctive characteristics of their ancient culture," 55-year-old Adel Rasheed said.

"They not only evoked people's curiosity about China's history, but also showed their superiority in modern science and technology."

The Rasheed family shared the occasion with their neighbor Basim Ali, 54, in Baghdad's western district of Yarmouk.

Before the opening ceremony, they had got themselves a generator and enough fuel in case there should be a power failure. Baghdad suffers from a chronic power shortage.

"I wonder if the number eight that the Chinese believe brings good luck holds true for all people of the world," Rasheed said.

He was referring to the UN announcement on the very same day 20 years ago, which signaled the end of the devastating eight-year war between Iraq and Iran.

When popular singer Liu Huan, and British diva Sarah Brightman were about to start their duet of the Olympic theme song, Um Sameer, Basim's wife, took out her mobile phone and asked everyone to keep quiet.

"I recorded the song because I heard it would be performed by a Chinese and a British singer. I did not want to miss the opportunity. Now I can listen to it whenever I want," she said.

The Iraqi team's participation in the Games at one point was doubtful due to a dispute. Iraq eventually sent a very small team.

"I did not expect to see any of our top leaders at the stadium to welcome our athletes. But I was sure the Chinese people would give them a warm welcome," Muhammad Hussan, 20, said.

"I was not disappointed. When our team entered the stadium applause broke out. They were also cheered by the millions of Iraqis glued to their TVs at home," Hussan said.

Rasheed said: "I feel proud of our athletes. They are few in number, but they give me the sense that we are part of the world community, we are not alone. People do care about our sufferings."