Inside the Green Zone

Surrounded by towering concrete walls and razor wire, the heavily fortified Green Zone has been the center of Iraqi and U.S. government activity since President Saddam Hussein was overthrown in April 2003. It covers several square miles in central Baghdad and includes the lavish villas, ostentatious monuments and sprawling palaces built and used by Hussein, his family and government insiders.

Entering the Green Zone is similar to making a journey through several terminals of a U.S. airport on heightened security. Heavily armed soldiers eye vehicles as they approach checkpoints dotting the zone’s perimeter. More troops are stationed in guard towers.

Vehicles are searched by dogs sniffing for explosives and their occupants are patted down. X-ray machines are used to scan handbags and briefcases, and people must pass through metal detectors to enter most buildings.

Source: Times reporting