Green Zone Offers Uncertain Refuge From Baghdad Violence

[Barrett808]

BAGHDAD, July 10, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- “All the people in the Green Zone have their bodyguards," one Baghdad man told RFE/RL recently. "It all belongs to the U.S. Army and the (Iraqi) National Guard. We Iraqis remain here; it is just explosions and no security in the streets. They are provided with electricity and water, provided with everything. The Green Zone is protected from all sides. They protect themselves, but no one protects us, the Iraqis.”

Ordinary Iraqis are unable to enter the Green Zone except on official business, and they see it only from the outside. And what they see bears little resemblance to the rest of the capital.

The sprawling, 10 square kilometer zone along the Tigris is sealed off behind security defenses and can be entered only through heavily guarded checkpoints.

The only people with regular access are officials, diplomats, and the several thousand residents of an upscale neighborhood that was incorporated into the zone when it was originally demarcated.

(more)

http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/07/d4f024a5-3d93-46ee-ab60-19bd0903962d.html

[skooooo]

1. This article really begs the question...

...that I don't want to ask (but will).

How long before the Green Zone collapses?

[uppityperson]

2. I would not want to be there when it happens.

Reminds me of VietNam, you know? Wonder if they have enough helicopters standing by?

[leftchick]

3. Iraq is NOT a Colony!

No it's NOT....

<snip>

Today, most of the area continues to be secured by U.S. soldiers although the Iraqi Army took over security for 20 buildings in February. That handover is part of a planned transfer of security control that ultimately is intended to include Iraqi troops guarding the zone’s entire perimeter.

However, the phased transfer has been delayed repeatedly due to concerns about the readiness of the Iraqi forces and fears they have been infiltrated by hostile groups.

[dipsydoodle]

5. Not a colony : a colon

next thing to the *rse'ole of the Universe.

[VegasWolf]

4. What surrounds the Green Zone? The Blood Red Zone? nt