New Airport in Iraq

(Najaf, Iraq) In a report from the Saudi Gazette:

Iraq opened a new airport in the southern city of Najaf on Sunday in what the prime minister said was a key step in the reconstruction of a country devastated by war.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, mostly Iranians, travel to Iraq every year. The new airport is expected to boost the numbers of pious tourists.

At a ceremony, Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki described the US$250 million airport as a vital element in Iraq’s economic development.

The construction company and financial arrangements for the new airport were not reported. I can only guess.

Too bad Mr. Maliki didn't mention the new airport when he was interviewed by Der Spiegel this week instead of voicing confusing pronouncements about troop withdrawal.

Also: The Jawa Report