According to the pilot, we are about to take an "uninsurable" flight to Baghdad.
Looking out of the airplane during the 90 degree "death spiral" into Baghdad airport. The black strip is the runway. This is the only way to avoid enemy rockets.
On the ground at Baghdad Airport. We were met by armored SUVs and taken to a private meeting room in the airport to meet with the representative from the Iraqi Embassy.
In the armored SUV as we traveled down the nine mile "highway of death" to the Green Zone to meet the Prime Minister.
One of many check points authorized to use deadly force if you are acting suspicious.
Part of the armored convoy provided by the Iraqi security forces. They were very professional and competent.
The bombed out ruins of the Baathist Party Headquarters.
Traveling in the Green Zone.
Sobering words to remember.
Beautiful example of what Baghdad was and could be.
In the Green Zone.
A picture inside the Green Zone celebrating freedom. Note the woman with the purple finger, symbol of the right to vote.
In the Palace
The entire prayer delegation in a photo op with Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki.
The prayer delegation meeting with Wijdan Salim, a Kurdish woman, who is the Minister of Human Rights
An apparent explosion from outside my hotel room window.
