trip to baghdad, part two

Hello all. I have some more pics for your pleasure. This is more of a history lesson.
As part of our tour in Baghdad we got to see several of the palaces that Saddam build in commemoration of his victories over his battles (I use victories loosely). Saddam started building palaces for his victory over Iran and America. The only problems is...well take a look.


The Baath House. This is where the Baath Party met (Most of them were in this building save for Saddam and his two sons) when Uncle Sam came to visit.
Say hello to my little tomahawk friend. This is the remains of the Baath house.


The Baath House Pool. Notice this pool does not have any water in it. Well, it never did. Let's just say this pool was the equivalent to putting the plastic down in the mofia movies.



This was the Victory Over America Palace. This palace was built for Saddam's belief that he had victory over America during the first gulf war, or Dessert Storm, because he was still living after it was over.

Another photo of the Victory Over America Palace
Victory Over America Palace. Notice the crane in the picture. Saddam had hired the French to come in and do some repairs on the palace prior to our entry. Once the war started, you guessed it, the French ran away leaving everything behind. The French have not returned to recover their cranes.
Victory Over America Palace. Well, maybe they should have waited before actually building this palace. This palace was not actually in the plans to be bombed when they bombed the Baath house and Uday's house. I guess this was just for good measures.



Victory Over Iran Palace. This palace was built for Iraq's victory over Iran during the Iraq-Iran war that last from 1980-1988 (again I use victory loosely). This war saw little progress from either side. It was fought over boundaries, among other things. It ended in what seemed to be a stalemate with each side settling to the previous pre-war boundaries. Here Saddam built a palace, once again believing he had won since he was still alive, and place helmets of dead Iranians above the entrance. We will keep this G-rated so I will not say what is believed to be under those helmets.

Flinstone Village. This little playland was built by Saddam for his daughter's children. How nice. What a great grandfather, huh?
His daughter's children were fatherless, thanks to Saddam, so as a peace offereing he built this playland for them. Pretty good exchange I guess if you are CRAZY!