Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced on October 4 that Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone would be open to the public for the first time in 12 years.
Many restrictions remain in place as the measure allows only limited access to the area.
Abadi presented the partial reopening of the International Zone of Baghdad as part of the reform drive he launched, which was prompted by popular discontent over government corruption and poor services.
"The opening of the Green Zone is one of the measures we promised the people and we are opening it now," Abadi was quoted as saying in a statement.
The 10-square-kilometer compound located on the west bank of the Tigris River was closed off after the 2003 U.S.-led occupation. It is now home to the country’s top political institutions and embassies.
Iraqis have frequently complained that their leaders live a sheltered existence in the safety of the Green Zone while they suffer from daily violence and poor services.
The zone has been a target for bombings and rockets over the years, despite the concrete walls surrounding it.
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
Exclusive: The TikTok Trail Of The U.S. Soldier Arrested In Russia Left By His Russian 'Wife'
2Kazakh Billionaire Buys English Soccer Club
32 U.S. Citizens, Including Soldier, Join List Of Americans Being Held In Russia
4Russia Claims Control Over Eastern Ukrainian Town, As Rocket Strikes Kill 3
5Kazakh Ex-Minister Insists In Court He Had No Intention To Kill Wife
6North Macedonia Ruling Party Concedes As Opposition Wins Dual Votes
7Chinese-Made Surveillance Cameras Are Spreading Across Eastern Europe, Despite Security Concerns
8All 5 Central Asian Leaders To Attend Victory Day Parade In Moscow
9North Macedonia's New President Prefers The Country's Old Name
10What Is Behind Serbia And China's 'Ironclad Friendship'?
Subscribe