UNESCO FINAL RPT ON BABYLON DAMAGE

REPORT. “In view of Babylon’s historical and archaeological significance, recent allegations of damage to the site during its military use were particularly serious,” explains Mohamed Djelid, director of UNESCO’s Office for Iraq. “The report is key because it establishes a description of damages on which there is international agreement. Without pointing fingers, we now have a clear picture of the situation. It provides the starting-point for the major challenge of restoration and conservation.”

HOTEL WORKERS BANKING ON WESTERN TOURISTS

Article in Stars & Stripes, 07.05.09. "HILLAH, Iraq — More than 100 Iraqi tourism workers will go back to work when U.S. forces leave their base in the city of Hillah later this year. The 66-room hotel has been a U.S. center since 2003. These days it’s known as the Regional U.S. Embassy Office in Al-Hillah and serves as headquarters for the Babil PRT and the 172nd Infantry Brigade’s Task Force 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment."

The REO Hillah is where I'll be stationed until December.

TOURISM INDUSTRY THRIVING IN IRAQ

Article in Sunday's Stars & Stripes. "According to the U.S. State Department, the number of visitors to Najaf, which along with neighboring Karbala is considered one of the holiest places in Shiite Islam, could range from 7 million to 10 million annually."

Babylon is strategically located btw Najaf and Karbala, with the linkage being coined "Iraq's Cultural Corridor".