Miss Iraq forced to flee country over Instagram photo alongside Miss Israel

So much for diplomacy by selfie.





In another Instagram post, Idan apologized to those who thought the photo was “harmful to the Palestinian cause,” clarifying that it was not a political statement, but instead meant to “express hope and desire for peace between the two countries,” the paper reported.

She added, it “does not signal support for the government of Israel and does not mean I agree or accept its policies in the Arab homeland.”

Iraq does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, and the two countries are considered enemies, the paper reported.

Despite the backlash, Gandelsman said her friend did not regret her decision to post the image to social media, which she has yet to remove from Instagram, reported the paper.

“She did it to so that people can understand that it’s possible to live together,” she said.