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This was in the former 'no-fly zone' so it was basically closed for 15 years; you can see the former grandeur of bygone years, marble walls and columns, faux Mesopotamian art on the walls, but now, it's all covered in dust, un-airconditioned (in Iraq!), trash all around outside. All the security is outside the airport (mainly Ghurkas and Iraqis under the eyes of the British military). The Iraqi guards at the entrance to the terminal don't bat an eye as you walk through the metal detector with a rifle. A couple of gift shops selling pirated DVDs, hookah pipes, and 'local' items made in Pakistan, India, China. The silence was defeaning; all sound is muffled inside and it was literally one of the quiestest places I have ever been in, quieter than a library. Place gets mortared on occasion thanks to the presence of the British, and of course all arrivals and departures are made 'combat style'. Looks like it was once a nice terminal.
