Story highlights "Iraq needed this," pageant director Ahmed Leith said

The pageant website and its Facebook page were inundated with death threats

(CNN) When Shaima Qasim was crowned Miss Iraq this weekend, she not only triumphed over the other women in the competition but over threats against her life.

The pageant was the first to be held in Baghdad in 43 years.

"Iraq needed this," pageant director Ahmed Leith said. "The situation is weak here, and we wanted to celebrate this the same way other countries like Lebanon and others do. To have a sense of normalcy."

Fewer than 10 women vied for Miss Iraq following death threats.

But as the date of the event approached, the number of competitors dwindled.

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