Saddam Hussein's Babylon palace is opened to Iraqis

12-14-08
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-iraq-palace14-2008dec14,0,7603356.story

Saddam Hussein never imagined this: day-tripping tourists standing on the roof of his sprawling palace overlooking the ancient city of Babylon, snapping pictures of his sweeping view.

For decades, the pale yellow structure high on a man-made hill has loomed over Babylon. During Hussein's time, Iraqis barely dared to speak his name, much less tread on his fancy stone floors.

But in celebration of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha last week, officials decided to throw open the palace doors to visitors. Entry was free, although for most it entailed a 25-minute hike up the winding road leading to the palace, one of scores built by Hussein during his 25-year reign.

The one at Babylon, about 50 miles south of Baghdad, is like most: huge, dripping in chandeliers and bound to elicit awe, disgust and anger from Iraqis stepping into it for the first time.

"Entering this place is a triumph for human rights," said Maytham Abdul-Amir, adding that the opening of the palace proved that "nothing can stand up against the will of the Iraqi people."