Tourism in Iraq

Visiting Iraq for Fun and Profit

BY G.DUFF

I just returned from a visit to Iraq, primarily Kurdistan.  I traveled thru other areas of the country but spent most of my time in the area of the least military conflict, other than the irritating shelling by the invading Turkish army.  It was a bit like old times.

There are limited things that anyone can and should say that visits a warzone where US troops are at risk.  Please excuse my use of common sense expressed as "opsec".

As with any war, one can meet "warlords" living in some of Saddam’s former palaces and I did meet a couple of them.  One can stay in 4 star hotels.  I did that part of the time.

Hundreds of Americans travel to Iraq. Some can use poor judgement with the "locals" and seek "adult entertainment" from which they are unlikely to return.  Many of the "contractors" who arrive there are people we should be ashamed of.  Being a "Bush Pioneer" with a "No-Bid Contract" and a need to teach the "ignorant savage locals" a thing or two seems to be the rule.  It isn’t only mistakes by Blackwater contractors that have caused some of our fighting men and women to suffer. 

I spent 90%of my time with Iraqi’s, mostly Sunni and Kurdish.  Only a few spoke English and an interpreter and driver were necessary.  Iraq seems to have limited tourism opportunities unless you are a weapons collector with a very good relationship with airline baggage personnel. 

The biggest misunderstanding is about the people of Iraq…

Few Americans know that millions of Christian live in Iraq.  Religion is a taboo subject in Iraq.  Manners and formalities are a critical part of society and there are absolutely no discussions of religion.  Briefings on the political and economic situation are common but never during mealtime.  Mealtime starts at about 1PM and ends around 11PM.

I had the chance to meet some of the military militia people while there and, though they are extremely suspicious of "foreigners" and some are initially very hostile to the US (not suggested for everyone)once people have decided not to kill you, they will feed you and, quite generally be quite honest and decent. 

I met no radical extremists while there, or, if I did, they were keeping it to themselves at the time.  I did meet literally hundreds of people from government ministers to common laborers. 

The Kurds were the easiest for Americans to understand.  They love America and see America as their savior.  We have, at times, failed miserably at this, especially during the Bush Sr. presidency when we sat by and 200,000 men, women and children were murdered under our noses.

"Chemical Ali" will be executed for this and other crimes in the near future.  There were others responsible, but as this is likely to be read by people I intend not to excite of offend, I will omit what should be said.

Much of Iraq, especially in winter (or summer) can seem uniquely barren and quite a bit of it is "blown up."  However, building is going on everywhere, with US contractors getting no bid contracts and crushing local businesses, which will prolong the war.  Duh.

I can’t say that everyone in Iraq is wonderful but, on average, people there are well above average by US standards.  That I hear so many people, some of them being people who serve in Iraq, indicate how much they hate the local population, it tells me a number of things.

1.  Some people, especially people who shoot at Americans can be very irritating.  Irritating armed Americans can be hazardous.

2.  Many Americans are total assholes. 

3.  The military does a very poor job of teaching soldiers how to relate to people. 

4.  Many Americans get along with people in Iraq very very well and we only hear about the idiots.  When we do hear about good relationships, it is too often thru "Pentagon" sources and told in a packaged and controlled way with no credibility. 

I never ate a meal except with a family in Iraq while I was there.  I have never been treated with more hospitality and kindness than by the people of Iraq.

Believe what you choose.

I did a short period of time in Iraq and some of our troops have been there, literally, for years. 

When meeting with government officials I was a UN Envoy with a job (unpaid).  When meeting with tough guys, I was a Marine combat vet and made that clear as hell.  The "UN Envoy" would have been eaten for breakfast. 

I know the war will end.  Everyone there expects it.  Feelings inside Iraq itself are mixed.  We provide security and structure but we cripple and hold back also.  There is a middle ground. 

For sure, we have failed miserably in helping Iraq develop a governmental and economic system that can survive without babysitting.  If anything, we have brought with us a culture of corruption equal to or great than that of Saddam.  This last statement was made based on judgements I am qualified to support. 

I will be going back.  I will meet more "big shots" and will now have friends to stay with.  I hope to be able to see more of Iraq but, as thousands of wounded or dead Americans will tell you, "one wrong turn and you are gone."

It isn’t time yet for Amerians to run to Iraq to open shopping centers and gas stations.  Such things are now being built and the time, with luck, will be here, but not quite yet.  Simple things like sewers or refrigerated and frozen food distribution are critical areas.

Alot of Americans have alot they can give Iraq.  Many of them can leave with friends, business partners and big profits.  Some, perhaps many, will be able to live in Iraq in peace and safety.

Some, many who were sent as friends of the administration, need to stay home.  Some who came to help, did their best, and left frustrated, need to be thanked for their efforts.  You know who you are.

As much as I love the idea of pulling the troops out, it will have to be done with care.  We will have to "undo" much we have done wrong.  We have been fools and idiots.  Yet many, especially many of our troops, have given much and too many have given all.  Not everyone in Iraq is unaware of this.

Peace is the answer.  An end to religious war is an answer.  Some of the answers are here:  http://www.adeadlymisunderstanding.com/index1.php

Check out the website.  View the videos.  Write your representatives and tell them that Ambassador Mark Siljander is a hero, not a terrorist and to drop the idiot charges against him.  Get the word out.  Buy his book.  He is giving me a kickback on any sales I generate.

Gordon Duff

Envoy Extraordinaire

Institut de a Vie/United Nations Social and Economic Council

Geneva, Switzerland

http://www.ulb.ac.be/assoc/iv/  (Learn French First)

Gordon Duff

Gordon Duff posted articles on VT from 2008 to 2022. He is a Marine combat veteran of the Vietnam War. A disabled veteran, he worked on veterans and POW issues for decades.

Gordon is an accredited diplomat and is generally accepted as one of the top global intelligence specialists. He manages the world’s largest private intelligence organization and regularly consults with governments challenged by security issues.

Duff has traveled extensively, is published around the world, and is a regular guest on TV and radio in more than “several” countries. He is also a trained chef, wine enthusiast, avid motorcyclist, and gunsmith specializing in historical weapons and restoration. Business experience and interests are in energy and defense technology.

• Gordon’s Archives:  2008-2015
• Gordon’s Archives:  2016-2022