Iraq Diary - III

<b>Green Zone handover: A hope to end Civil War</b> <br><br> Green Zone – A term which in Iraq symbolizes torture, pain, US invasion and imposed democracy. Iraqi citizens, at least, remember the Green Zone, as an enemy. <br><br> When the US attacked Iraq in the name of "Weapons of Mass Destruction" and launched "Iraq Freedom Operation", Green Zone became the headquarters of American administration and the American Army. Over the years it had become a symbol of American rule, which has only left bad memories for the Iraqis. The area has now been handed over to the Iraqi Army without fanfare. <br><br> My encounter with the Green Zone in Iraq is unforgettable. Along with the Indian spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravishankar, we were invited to meet Iraq’s Minister of Health, But getting the "Green jhandi to enter into the Green Zone proved to be a difficult task. It is surrounded by more than 15 feet tall cemented walls, which are missile-, blast- and bullet-proof. My height of 5'2" was too tiny. The walls were too tall for our spiritual leader Sri Sri too. Iraqi and US Army officials held discussions on our entry with only one proof of identity, our passport, but failed to agree on one point. Finally they checked our Holy man, Sri Sri, after fighting over his checking and entry. We were denied entry to hotel Al-Rashid and came back with no-entry board to Green Zone. <br><br> Very Disappointing. But Iraqis too are also fed up of this Green Zone, where American supported Iraqi govt and the Parliament sits. But now when the Green Zone’s custody has been handed over to Iraqis, it will come as a big mental relief to them. These walls used to threaten them of American rule, but now a lessening of the ongoing civil war in Iraq may be seen. <br><br> Which holds some hope for the Iraqis.