Bodybuilding and the use of anabolic steroids to build strength and muscle has exploded in the aftermath of the U.S. led invasion of Iraq. The expensive war in Iraq has been criticized for failing to meet many of its objectives. But the war has given Iraqis the freedom to pursue their obsession with sport of bodybuilding (accompanied by the use of anabolic steroids) which was repressed under the rule of Saddam Hussein (”Nothing but Speedos in Sadr City,” June 9).

Several gyms have opened around Baghdad. Many of them openly sell human grade and veterinarian grade anabolic steroids over the counter next to sport nutrition supplements. Anabolic steroids are legally sold for bodybuilding purposes in Iraq.

The U.S. invasion has apparently fueled the widespread use of anabolic steroids in bodybuilding. Iraqis are striving to gain muscle and become stronger in order to obtain employment in one of the few decent paying industries available to them - jobs with security companies. 

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