Political elite finds a new home out of harm's way

[cal04]

Many of Iraq’s leading politicians have moved quietly back into self-imposed exile in Britain because of the dangers of living and working in Baghdad.

Half a dozen senior figures, including former prime ministers, Cabinet members, and even the heir to the Iraqi throne, have relocated to fashionable areas of London. Scores of other politicians living in Iraq have kept second homes in London as possible bolt holes.

The move has angered Iraqis back home, who complain that they are the same exiled politicians who argued hardest for the US-led invasion.

(snip)
“Baghdad is very difficult. We have to live in the green zone (protected by US forces). People can’t come and see us and we can’t get out to see them,” he said.


http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7374-2482024,00.html
what Murtha said
We need to give the Iraqis the incentive. They have no incentive. They're living in the green zone. The prime minister is living in the green zone. He comes out every once in a while to meet with people, but he's being protected by American troops.