Iraq's Tourism Chief Working Hard To Discourage Tourism

[matcom]

<snip>

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- As a young expatriate working at a travel agency in Stockholm in the 1960s, Ahmad al-Jobori dreamed of bringing Western tourists back to his native Iraq.

He spent quiet moments at work imagining elaborate marketing campaigns highlighting the country's rich history and abundant natural resources. He used friends and colleagues as ad hoc focus groups for potential advertising slogans like "Welcome to Where It All Began," a reference to Iraq's central role in the histories of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

Decades later, Mr. Jobori now has a heavily guarded office in a run-down government complex, a passel of armed guards, and a tough job in the new Iraq: heading its state-run tourism board. But he isn't trying to lure Western tourists to Iraq. He's trying to keep them away.

"I understand all about wanting to have an adventure, but Iraq could be a one-way trip," he says, shaking his head. "This is just not a place for tourists."

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/0,,SB109710142490638499-Ihjg4Nklah3nZusa3mGcayEm4,00.html

[bif]

1. I don't think he has to work hard to discourage tourism

Who in their right mind would want to go there now, except jihadists?