BBC4 had a series called Holidays In The Danger Zone...
The wikitravel guide to Iraq is fascinating and hilarious
All foreigners are in extreme danger of kidnapping, murder, and general armed violence. A recent survey comissioned by the German think tank Iraqport puts the probability of death at 28% for general tourists to areas excluding the Kurdish north.
I won't even go into the lengthy baggage reclamation process of Iraq Airways and the terrifying corkscrew landings that are required at Baghdad airport to keep out of range of SAF and surface to air missiles.
The majority of Iraqi cars are actually privately owned taxis that are painted orange on the fenders and white everywhere else. BMWs and Mercedes are also seen in Iraq but are less common, especially nice ones, which usually have the steering wheel on the right side. A feasible option for the determined tourist would be to purchase a used BMW with a good engine, beat up the exterior, paint it orange and white, beat it again, scuff it up to produce a slight amount of rust, and one would have a very close approximation of an Iraqi vehicle. Again the key is to blend in, not stick out.
Cool. I'll do it. But the Spanish plates would be a dead giveaway!
Avoid city centers. Although most Iraqis are asleep by midnight, the few that are awake are almost certainly up to no good.
Just like anywhere!
Work in Iraq pays very well. Typical foreign contractors can make up to $100k per year for security and admin work.
Good point.
