Update

It's official! I have been here for over a week now. All I have really done is work since I got here so I don't have any cool stoires yet. Our hours are from 0830-2030 but Ihave been leaving the office closer to 2300. I guess it is just taking me longer to accomplish tasks since I am learning. I have gone on one site visit so far and three more to come in the next few weeks. Attached are some pictures from around Baghdad.

The US Emabassy/Palace about a 10 minute walk from my trailer

Monument to the Unknown Soldier- inspired by the glorification of a martyr from the Iran-Iraq War. The flying sacuer looking structure represents a shield dropping from dying grasp of an Iraqi warrior.

"Hands of Victory Arches" also known as Crossed Swords- As the entrance to the parade grounds you have probably seen these on tv when Saddam Hussein would hold rallies there. He built it to celebrate his "victory" over Iran. They were made from the guns of dead Iraqi soldiers that were melted and recast as the 24-ton blades. The hands holding the swords are replicas of Saddam's own hands. Additionally, an impression of one of Saddam's thumbprints was taken and added to the mold for one of the arch's thumbs

Al Quds Gate- modeled after the Dome of the Rock of Jerusalem. Al Quds is the Arabic name for Jerusalem, which is where the Dome of the Rock is Located.

My first sand storm. Not too bad just annoying enough to keep people from going outside unless necessary.

Well that is all for now. I will update again when I get some awesome info. Feel free to email me at amanda.smeeding@iraq.centcom.mil if you get bored.

Later!

~Micki