as some of you know i went to Iraq last year. like Freki said in
his Iraq thread i was hesitant to post photos due to the topic sparking political arguments. but seeing that his thread didn't devolve into that, i've decided to post my pics. also like Freki, there's a limitation on what i can say about events, personell and of course show in the pics, but feel free to ask.
and please save any political commentary for current events, PM or the bar
most of the pics are from/of the International Zone/Mansour District (aka the "Green Zone.")
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...green-zone.htm
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Originally Posted by globalsecurity.org
The International Zone is commonly referred to as the "Ultimate Gated Community" due to the numerous armed checkpoints, coils of razor wire, chain link fences, and the fact it is surrounded by "T-Walls" (reinforced and blast-proof concrete slabs).
Part of the International Zone is said to have been "Uday's Playground" comprised of the Presidential Palace (now the U.S. Embassy Annex); numerous villas for Saddam's family, friends and former Baath party loyalists; an underground bunker (Believers Palace); the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Military History Museum; the new Baath party headquarters (unfinished); the Al-Rasheed Hotel; the Convention Center; and a large park including the much photographed crossed sabers and parade route. The International Zone was also home to Saddam's man-eating lions, which have since been moved to the Iraqi National Zoo.
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to put it simply, it's Corbusier on steroids, a district of mini-cities...and it seems like it was that way in the time of Saddam, too.
on the plus side it was diverse, friendly, and seems to be poised for a better future.
click for mega pano
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al Rahman mosque - one of the most impressive buildings i've ever seen. it was 18-24 months from completion in 2003.
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14th of July monument
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Saddam built a lot of fancy arches around the area...
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...this one's modeled after the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
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Swords of Qādisīyah/Hands of Victory parade ground
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Unknown Soldier's Monument - it offers a nice 360 elevated view of the city (see pano at start of thread)
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the Grand Saddam Mosque; to be the world's largest mosque if ever finished.
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Baghdad ER
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Camp Victory/Abu Ghurayb Presidential Site
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Originally Posted by globalsecurity.org
Construction at the Abu Ghurayb Presidential Palace was ongoing during the 1990s. It featured extensive and complex water works. The Abu Ghraib palace is an extravagant amalgam of marble, tile, gold fittings and massive chandeliers, all surrounded by an azure artificial lake. The palace features extensive and complex water works. Saddam Hussein's government claimed extensive crop damage due to drought, yet didn't hesitate to use scarce water resources to ensure that the lakes of Saddam's palaces were filled and grounds well cared for.
The Qasr al Faw Palace was one of Saddam's newer palaces. The Al Faw Palace is named after a southern town that was occupied by the Iranians and then won back in a bloody siege that cost thousands of lives. It is set on an artificial lake that looks like blue-green glass. All around the lake are Roman-style villas. Saddam reportedly had the palace built to commemorate his nation's "victory" over Iran. He would bring guests there to watch or hunt the wildlife and relax by the lakes.
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it feels like a resort-suburb
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murals at Uday's house
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Victory over America Palace - about 80% complete in 2003, it connects to the less impressive and more macabre Victory over Iran Palace. this is where the first few pics were taken from.
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al Fawl Palace - shoddily built, one day it'll probably collapse under its own weight
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more of my Iraq pics
al Amarah
as Samawah
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