Posted on 11/13/2004 2:09:24 AM PST by BlackVeil
BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq's international airport in Baghdad will remain closed for commercial flights until further notice, the office of Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said.
Allawi on Monday decided to shut the airport for 48 hours after he declared a state of emergency in a desperate bid to curb unrest engulfing the country.
On Wednesday, he extended the closure for another 24 hours.
Attacks against symbols of the US-backed government and security forces have spiked since US and Iraqi forces invaded the rebel epicentre of Fallujah on Monday in a bid to regain control.
Curfews have also been imposed on several cities, including Baghdad.
I can't imagine there were that many commercial flights anyway.
Er ... maybe not.
I read an article which says it costs 100s of dollars to take a cab from the airport to Baghdad. The reason being that the road is so dangerous.
It's a smart move. You don't want to give the terrorists a cheap victory to distract from their kind getting blasted out of Iraq.
Jihadi Airlines arriving flight on gate 1.
Virgin Airlines departing flights on gate 2. No meal service.
Only one way ticket holders may board.
Apparently that person never rode in a New York cab!
There is major butt kicking going on. I think Bush is going for final clean up so he can move on towards other items on his agenda, like Syria and Iran. Closing down targets of opportunity like commercial jets is just a precaution. He's got alot of things to accomplish, and no time to waste. Iran's Ayatollah mafia won't be able to stop a determined Bush. They are indirectly getting their butts kicked too, and will get it directly kicked if they don't stop interferring. Lets not forget, the Ayatollah of Iran was praying to the "Allah" rock 24hrs. non- stop on election day hoping Bush would loose. Allah didn't come through and now they are going to pay.
Agree. Smart move.
Is that so? Hmm....
Is that so? Hmm....
Complete with 72 flight attendants.
We are the world ...
We are the people ...
Maybe Michael Jackson could perform a free concert at the airport ...
We need to get 4 lines, each of 100,000 Marines, and spread them out maybe 10 yards apart, one line on the north side of that holy city Fallujah, one line on the east, one line on the south, and one line on the west by the river, and all singing along "We are the world". Then start the march for jihady freedom, until they all meet up in the center, giving each jihadist they meet along the way a one-way ticket to Allah Akbar-land.
Desperate does not describe Alawi nearly as much as it does the insurgents.
They know...that after Fallujah will be...
New York cabbies are quie friendly, to me anyways, it was the Bankok taxis that were frightening!
More flights than you would think.
As a frequent passenger in & out of BIAP I appreciate the security concerns that led to the shutdown.
Another good reason is that the military aircraft do not have to compete for airspace near the fight.
Another beautiful fall day in Baghdad.
Regards,
LFOD
A commercial jet was hit by a missile a year ago this month:
DHL Plane Struck by Missile in Baghdad - 11/22/03
Thanks for your insight and, hey, be careful out there. Never having been there I wonder how much control folks like CENTCOM have on commercial flights when they are operating?
It was used to get civilians working here out on our vacations or emergency leaves. It was used to get materials into theater.
Believe me, this airport closure is a major headache for those of us here.
Does the closer effect civilian airlines being used as military charters?
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