In this particular year, during the rise of Saddam Hussein, he decided to continue his study in Sofia, the capital of the People's Republic of Bulgaria.
[1][4] He has fulfilled his career greatly in exile and, after the invasion of Iraq, he decided around 2004/05 to return, in order to participate in the positive development of his country.
During his stay, he staged the piece Woman of War that later was shown abroad as well, for instance in London, Oman and Syria.
[3] In 2004 he was honored with a Prince Claus Award from the Netherlands, for his dedication to freedom of cultural expression in the Arab world.
[1][3] His temporary return and his impression of the American presence in his country, inspired him to write the piece Baghdadi Bath.