5-17-08
http://www.blackanthem.com/News/U_S_Military_19/North-Babil-USACE-projects-register-significant-gains16590.shtml
Two key projects in Iraq 's North Babil province--the rehabilitation of a vocational-technical school and the construction of a maternity hospital--are registering significant gains.
The second phase of a three-pronged effort at the Iskandariyah Vo-Tech was just completed and an important third phase, to include refurbishing dormitories, will start soon, said Lt. Col. Gregory McMahan, head of the Forat Area Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Vo-Tech project is a top priority of Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of the Third Infantry Division, who views the project as critical because it provides job skills and expands options for young people in the area. The project is being funded with 3rd ID CERP (Commander's Emergency Response Program) funds and is being managed by USACE.
Also hitting its stride after a start slowed by a now-resolved land dispute is construction of a maternity and pediatrics hospital in Mussayyib. The contract for the job is nearly $5 million. Winbourne ("Mac") Drake, serving as a construction representative with GRS, voiced confidence that the job will continue to progress satisfactorily due to the close cooperation between the contractor and his local office.
This project will provide a 50-bed hospital, including a surgery wing, outpatient care, a premature infant nursery, and other maternity and pediatric care. The new hospital will replace a deteriorating hospital in the same city. McMahan said the work is of high quality, with special care being taken to provide an immaculate, attractive complex.
Construction is now about 40 percent completed. The hospital is projected to be finished is early October 2008.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Iraqis hooked on 'mazgouf' dream of fish farm bonanza
5-28-08
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/iraq/20080528-0859-iraq-fish-.html
Iraqis are very fond of 'mazgouf', fish split open and cooked over a wood fire.
But years of conflict and environmental woes have cut the supply of much-prized river fish, the preferred ingredient to make the dish.
The U.S. government is footing the bill for millions of three-month-old carp that will be sent out from Iraq's largest hatchery to about 1,000 fish farms in Babil province, a traditional fish farming area south of Baghdad. There, they will grow to full size before being sold.
The Euphrates Fish Farm began life as one of Saddam's showpiece projects in 1979, within sight of the imposing palace Saddam built on the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon.
Years of war, sanctions and strife reduced it to a shadow of its former self. Production of baby fish, known as fingerlings, dropped to fewer than 2 million last year, down from 12 million in the early 1990s.
This year, output is back up to 12 million again, thanks to $3.6 million in U.S. aid. Fully grown, those fish could be worth about $180 million in Iraqi markets.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/iraq/20080528-0859-iraq-fish-.html
Iraqis are very fond of 'mazgouf', fish split open and cooked over a wood fire.
But years of conflict and environmental woes have cut the supply of much-prized river fish, the preferred ingredient to make the dish.
The U.S. government is footing the bill for millions of three-month-old carp that will be sent out from Iraq's largest hatchery to about 1,000 fish farms in Babil province, a traditional fish farming area south of Baghdad. There, they will grow to full size before being sold.
The Euphrates Fish Farm began life as one of Saddam's showpiece projects in 1979, within sight of the imposing palace Saddam built on the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon.
Years of war, sanctions and strife reduced it to a shadow of its former self. Production of baby fish, known as fingerlings, dropped to fewer than 2 million last year, down from 12 million in the early 1990s.
This year, output is back up to 12 million again, thanks to $3.6 million in U.S. aid. Fully grown, those fish could be worth about $180 million in Iraqi markets.
Iraq's Babylon bears scars of US-led invasion
5-23-08
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hxKeeDEeW34SksVaG_AavMLCC8Og
Leading archaeologists fearing for the physical safety of Babylon's remaining archaeological treasures, have launched efforts to protect the site from further damage and resume archaeological research.
They are pushing for Babylon to be included on a list of protected World Heritage sites. This would mean excavations could be relaunched and archaeologists from around the world would once more have a chance to probe Babylon's rich history.
"The Iraqi authorities must complete an enormous amount of work to achieve this objective and we must prepare a plan to accomplish it," Qataa said.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hxKeeDEeW34SksVaG_AavMLCC8Og
Leading archaeologists fearing for the physical safety of Babylon's remaining archaeological treasures, have launched efforts to protect the site from further damage and resume archaeological research.
They are pushing for Babylon to be included on a list of protected World Heritage sites. This would mean excavations could be relaunched and archaeologists from around the world would once more have a chance to probe Babylon's rich history.
"The Iraqi authorities must complete an enormous amount of work to achieve this objective and we must prepare a plan to accomplish it," Qataa said.
Pentagon Backs $5 Billion Green Zone Development Plan
5-5-08
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354120,00.html
Forget the rocket attacks, concrete blast walls and lack of a sewer system. Now try to imagine luxury hotels, a shopping center and even condos in the heart of Baghdad.
That's all part of a five-year development "dream list" — or what some dub an improbable fantasy — to transform the U.S.-protected Green Zone from a walled fortress into a centerpiece for Baghdad's future.
But the $5 billion plan has the backing of the Pentagon and apparently the interest of some deep pockets in the world of international hotels and development, the lead military liaison for the project told The Associated Press.
For Washington, the driving motivation is to create a "zone of influence" around the new $700 million U.S. Embassy to serve as a kind of high-end buffer for the compound, whose total price tag will reach about $1 billion after all the workers and offices are relocated over the next year.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354120,00.html
Forget the rocket attacks, concrete blast walls and lack of a sewer system. Now try to imagine luxury hotels, a shopping center and even condos in the heart of Baghdad.
That's all part of a five-year development "dream list" — or what some dub an improbable fantasy — to transform the U.S.-protected Green Zone from a walled fortress into a centerpiece for Baghdad's future.
But the $5 billion plan has the backing of the Pentagon and apparently the interest of some deep pockets in the world of international hotels and development, the lead military liaison for the project told The Associated Press.
For Washington, the driving motivation is to create a "zone of influence" around the new $700 million U.S. Embassy to serve as a kind of high-end buffer for the compound, whose total price tag will reach about $1 billion after all the workers and offices are relocated over the next year.
Churches decry bishop’s murder
5-2-08
http://www.anglicanjournal.com/issues/2008/134/may/05/article/churches-decry-bishops-murder/
Until the US-led military action in 2003, Christians accounted for roughly 3 per cent of Iraq’s mainly Muslim population, or about 700 000 people. Approximately 70 per cent of them belong to the Chaldean church, which follows the ancient Chaldean rite but is in union with the Roman Catholic Church.
Chaldean is a form of Aramaic, spoken at the time of Jesus. The Chaldeans converted to Christianity in the first century A.D., and the Chaldean branch of Christianity has been in Iraq since then.
http://www.anglicanjournal.com/issues/2008/134/may/05/article/churches-decry-bishops-murder/
Until the US-led military action in 2003, Christians accounted for roughly 3 per cent of Iraq’s mainly Muslim population, or about 700 000 people. Approximately 70 per cent of them belong to the Chaldean church, which follows the ancient Chaldean rite but is in union with the Roman Catholic Church.
Chaldean is a form of Aramaic, spoken at the time of Jesus. The Chaldeans converted to Christianity in the first century A.D., and the Chaldean branch of Christianity has been in Iraq since then.
An Urgent Memo to the SecDef
4-29-08
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/04/an_urgent_memo_to_the_secdef.html
On May 13 about 70 percent of Iraq's mobile telephone network will cease to operate. This will be a serious blow to the Iraqi economy. Moreover, a shutdown of Iraq's mobile phone network - upon which our own people in Baghdad rely to communicate, by the way -- will greatly diminish our intelligence gathering on al Qaeda in Iraq, thus de-railing our counter-insurgency strategy of relying on tips telephoned to us by Iraqis. And that will cost American lives.
Here's what's happening:
The primary mobile phone network in Iraq is operated by a Kuwaiti company called Zain Group. Zain also operates cell phone networks in other Mideast countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Sudan and Lebanon.
It takes about 1,300 cell towers to provide service in Iraq, and to protect these towers from being blown up by terrorists, or cannibalized by Iraqis working the black market, Zain signed a contract with an Iraqi-owned company called Babylon Eagles Security Company (BESC).
As the cell phone network in Iraq has grown during the past four years, BESC itself has grown to more than 7,000 heavily-armed and well-trained Iraqi security employees. The company has developed its own intelligence and counter-intelligence capabilities, and maintains a complex set of working relationships with all the various tribes, militias, political parties and religious sects that live within its area of coverage.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/04/an_urgent_memo_to_the_secdef.html
On May 13 about 70 percent of Iraq's mobile telephone network will cease to operate. This will be a serious blow to the Iraqi economy. Moreover, a shutdown of Iraq's mobile phone network - upon which our own people in Baghdad rely to communicate, by the way -- will greatly diminish our intelligence gathering on al Qaeda in Iraq, thus de-railing our counter-insurgency strategy of relying on tips telephoned to us by Iraqis. And that will cost American lives.
Here's what's happening:
The primary mobile phone network in Iraq is operated by a Kuwaiti company called Zain Group. Zain also operates cell phone networks in other Mideast countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Sudan and Lebanon.
It takes about 1,300 cell towers to provide service in Iraq, and to protect these towers from being blown up by terrorists, or cannibalized by Iraqis working the black market, Zain signed a contract with an Iraqi-owned company called Babylon Eagles Security Company (BESC).
As the cell phone network in Iraq has grown during the past four years, BESC itself has grown to more than 7,000 heavily-armed and well-trained Iraqi security employees. The company has developed its own intelligence and counter-intelligence capabilities, and maintains a complex set of working relationships with all the various tribes, militias, political parties and religious sects that live within its area of coverage.
U.S. Military Forces Have Damaged Babylon, Iraq Official Says
4-30-08
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=arlG9bOWRlsM&refer=home
U.S. military forces and their allies in Iraq have damaged archeological sites including Babylon by setting up bases, using heavy equipment, filling sandbags and digging trenches, said an adviser to the Iraqi Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
At an impromptu press briefing organized by the British Museum in London today, the adviser, Bahaa Mayah, showed slides of the military presence at about a dozen sites. While the Babylon site has now been vacated by U.S. and Polish forces, he said, "we cannot reverse'' the damage done.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=arlG9bOWRlsM&refer=home
U.S. military forces and their allies in Iraq have damaged archeological sites including Babylon by setting up bases, using heavy equipment, filling sandbags and digging trenches, said an adviser to the Iraqi Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
At an impromptu press briefing organized by the British Museum in London today, the adviser, Bahaa Mayah, showed slides of the military presence at about a dozen sites. While the Babylon site has now been vacated by U.S. and Polish forces, he said, "we cannot reverse'' the damage done.
Iraqi expert accuses West over antiquities trade
5-1-08
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraqi-expert-accuses-west-over-antiquities-trade-818775.html
Iraq will be demanding compensation for the damage caused to ancient sites, including Babylon, Umma, Zabalam and Ur, by allied troops who have used these grounds as military bases.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraqi-expert-accuses-west-over-antiquities-trade-818775.html
Iraq will be demanding compensation for the damage caused to ancient sites, including Babylon, Umma, Zabalam and Ur, by allied troops who have used these grounds as military bases.
Fish Farms Make Comeback in Iraq's Babil Province
4-23-08
http://media-newswire.com/release_1064871.html
Fish farms have begun to thrive in Iraq’s Babil province, as Task Force Marne soldiers take on a critical role in rebuilding this vital industry.
Thanks to the vision of Army Col. Thomas James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team and Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of Multinational Division Center -- along with help from 4th Brigade Combat Team soldiers -- residents in the region are benefiting from this massive undertaking.
“After securing our area of operations in MND-C, our goal is achieving sustainable security for the people of our towns and villages,” James said. “One important means of accomplishing this is by providing jobs – including those at the fish farms of Babil province, where several thousand jobs will be available.” Creating jobs not only provides employment and income opportunities, but also establishes a positive alternative to joining extremist groups, he added.
The new fish farms have the potential to add at least 5,000 direct and indirect local employment opportunities to the region. In Hillah, the Euphrates Fish Farm alone will employ at least 500 people.
http://media-newswire.com/release_1064871.html
Fish farms have begun to thrive in Iraq’s Babil province, as Task Force Marne soldiers take on a critical role in rebuilding this vital industry.
Thanks to the vision of Army Col. Thomas James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team and Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of Multinational Division Center -- along with help from 4th Brigade Combat Team soldiers -- residents in the region are benefiting from this massive undertaking.
“After securing our area of operations in MND-C, our goal is achieving sustainable security for the people of our towns and villages,” James said. “One important means of accomplishing this is by providing jobs – including those at the fish farms of Babil province, where several thousand jobs will be available.” Creating jobs not only provides employment and income opportunities, but also establishes a positive alternative to joining extremist groups, he added.
The new fish farms have the potential to add at least 5,000 direct and indirect local employment opportunities to the region. In Hillah, the Euphrates Fish Farm alone will employ at least 500 people.
Babylon's Lions, Gods, Harlots Invade Louvre
3-26-08
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=atvIFILmHnVQ&refer=muse
Babylon has a bad reputation. The Bible depicts the ancient city on the Euphrates as "the mother of harlots.'' The Tower of Babel is the symbol of megalomania.
A huge exhibition at the Louvre, the first ever on Babylon in France, is determined to correct the lopsided image. Our ideas, the organizers tell us, have been distorted by malicious propaganda.
The show, which is supported by Natixis SA, runs through June 2, after which it will travel to the Pergamon Museum in Berlin (June 26 to Oct. 5) and the British Museum (Nov. 13 to March 15 2009).
Louvre - Past Exhibitions - Babylon
Exhibition Web site
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=atvIFILmHnVQ&refer=muse
Babylon has a bad reputation. The Bible depicts the ancient city on the Euphrates as "the mother of harlots.'' The Tower of Babel is the symbol of megalomania.
A huge exhibition at the Louvre, the first ever on Babylon in France, is determined to correct the lopsided image. Our ideas, the organizers tell us, have been distorted by malicious propaganda.
The show, which is supported by Natixis SA, runs through June 2, after which it will travel to the Pergamon Museum in Berlin (June 26 to Oct. 5) and the British Museum (Nov. 13 to March 15 2009).
Louvre - Past Exhibitions - Babylon
Exhibition Web site
Iraq and UN launch local regions development project
12-6-07
http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1821.htm
The Iraqi government and the UN have launched local regions development project aiming at boosting the local authorities’ capabilities and Iraq's economy.
"The project, launched by the Iraqi government in cooperation with seven UN organizations, aims at boosting local authorities' capabilities in Sulaimaniya and Babel provinces as well as al-Ahwar regions to prepare a local development plan in partnership with the private sector and local societies," said a UN statement.
"The project was launched by UNESCO, WHO, UNDP, UN Human Settlements Programme, UN Projects Program, International Labor Organization (ILO) and the UN Development Fund for Women," the statement also said.
"The current stage has been financed by the European Union with $20 million through the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI)," the statement also noted.
http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1821.htm
The Iraqi government and the UN have launched local regions development project aiming at boosting the local authorities’ capabilities and Iraq's economy.
"The project, launched by the Iraqi government in cooperation with seven UN organizations, aims at boosting local authorities' capabilities in Sulaimaniya and Babel provinces as well as al-Ahwar regions to prepare a local development plan in partnership with the private sector and local societies," said a UN statement.
"The project was launched by UNESCO, WHO, UNDP, UN Human Settlements Programme, UN Projects Program, International Labor Organization (ILO) and the UN Development Fund for Women," the statement also said.
"The current stage has been financed by the European Union with $20 million through the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI)," the statement also noted.
Holy War as a Sword of Damocles
12-6-07
http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=135&view=item&idx=1639
The current war in Iraq is included in the end-time events described here, for we are dealing with Babylon, the root of the enmity against Jerusalem. Just as Babylon sought to obliterate Jerusalem in biblical times, the same is true today.
This “axis of evil” includes Iraq (Babylon), and neighboring Iran and Syria.
http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=135&view=item&idx=1639
The current war in Iraq is included in the end-time events described here, for we are dealing with Babylon, the root of the enmity against Jerusalem. Just as Babylon sought to obliterate Jerusalem in biblical times, the same is true today.
This “axis of evil” includes Iraq (Babylon), and neighboring Iran and Syria.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Prince Ghazi Meets Patriarch of Babylon
12-3-07
http://www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2007/Dec/03/18000.htm
Deputizing for His Majesty King Abdullah II, His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammad, His Majesty’s Personal Envoy and Special Advisor, received today Patriarch of Babylon for Chaldeans Emmanuel III Delly.
Delly expressed appreciation for King Abdullah as well as his pride in efforts exerted by the King to promote relations and understanding among nations.
http://www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2007/Dec/03/18000.htm
Deputizing for His Majesty King Abdullah II, His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammad, His Majesty’s Personal Envoy and Special Advisor, received today Patriarch of Babylon for Chaldeans Emmanuel III Delly.
Delly expressed appreciation for King Abdullah as well as his pride in efforts exerted by the King to promote relations and understanding among nations.
Metro Detroit Chaldeans traveling to Italy for historic cardinal inauguration
11-21-07
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071121/NEWS06/71121041/1049/SPORTS01
Less than 5% the population of Demy III’s native country of Iraq is Christian. That segment of the population is dwindling because its members are migrating to regions outside of the country, Father Emanuel Shaleta of St. George's Chaldean Catholic Church in Shelby Township said.
"There have been Christians in Iraq for thousands of years," Shaleta said, "And this would be the first Chaldean Patriarch to be nominated cardinal. His title is honorary, but as patriarch, he is already at the highest point for our religious hierarchy."
He said that Chaldeans were present hundreds of years before Jesus Christ in the capital of the Mesoptamian empire, Babylon, which was ruled by the ancient Chaldeans and is today present-day Baghdad.
Shaleta said that while speaking, Emmanuel III usually stresses that the Chaldeans are Iraq's original citizens and they will not accept harassment because of their religion, attempting to keep the peace despite spiraling violence.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071121/NEWS06/71121041/1049/SPORTS01
Less than 5% the population of Demy III’s native country of Iraq is Christian. That segment of the population is dwindling because its members are migrating to regions outside of the country, Father Emanuel Shaleta of St. George's Chaldean Catholic Church in Shelby Township said.
"There have been Christians in Iraq for thousands of years," Shaleta said, "And this would be the first Chaldean Patriarch to be nominated cardinal. His title is honorary, but as patriarch, he is already at the highest point for our religious hierarchy."
He said that Chaldeans were present hundreds of years before Jesus Christ in the capital of the Mesoptamian empire, Babylon, which was ruled by the ancient Chaldeans and is today present-day Baghdad.
Shaleta said that while speaking, Emmanuel III usually stresses that the Chaldeans are Iraq's original citizens and they will not accept harassment because of their religion, attempting to keep the peace despite spiraling violence.
And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.
Isaiah 13:19-20
I have laid a snare for thee, and thou art also taken, O Babylon, and thou wast not aware: thou art found, and also caught, because thou hast striven against the LORD. The LORD hath opened his armory, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord GOD of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans.
Jeremiah 50:24-25
Iraqi Forces to take over Babel security
11-13-07
http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-10055-Iraqi-Forces-to-take-over-Babel-security.html
Iraqi Forces will take over security responsibility of Babel Province from US Forces on December 17 and 18, governmental officials and police sources said. Therefore, Babel would be the ninth province in Iraq and the sixth in the south where security command is back to Iraqi Forces.
http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-10055-Iraqi-Forces-to-take-over-Babel-security.html
Iraqi Forces will take over security responsibility of Babel Province from US Forces on December 17 and 18, governmental officials and police sources said. Therefore, Babel would be the ninth province in Iraq and the sixth in the south where security command is back to Iraqi Forces.
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