2008/05/31 Baghdad
Iraqis
Electricity
With a security detail I traveled to the Red Zone i.e. everything in Baghdad that is not the Green Zone.
My security detail prevented me from having lunch in a restaurant on a busy street, but the meeting with the two Iraqis I was supposed to meet went well.
Most Iraqis I have met till now seem to be gregarious.
This afternoon I was told: “We Iraqis have one big dream: electricity.”
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5 comments 
Electricity and fresh water to start with, I am afraid.
A few years ago, coming home after work - it was during winter, so it was dark pretty early - I was without electricity one evening. I found that long enough. It's almost unbelievable how much we need electricity. Even reading was difficult, I remember needing lots of candles in order to establish a comfortable light to read.
Hopefully their wish will be granted soon.
Hopefully their wish will be granted soon.
@ Arnon
A more pragmatic question. Do you have to pay for the PSD yourself? Is it expensive? Or do the Americans take care of our security? Is the red zone that dangerous you need one?I can understand that dream. It's as in Sri Lanka. You need a torch or candles all the time. Being prepared for no electricity is essential there. I experienced it even in the classroom, no windows, no electricity, cpmplete darkness. You couldn't educate or see the children anymore. It's cpmpletely weird when you are in thet situation.
Mieke
When not being embedded I pay for my own security. Since this was my frist trip to Iraq I opted for very good security, and yes this is fairly expensive.[ Add comment ]
