Bush Not the Only One Who Has It Hard

Beyond that, Cheney came up Tuesdays for the weekly GOP luncheon, but it's well known what he'd say to any Democrat who ventured by. Ask Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.).

There's No Place Like Zone

So you're heading off to Iraq to work on reconstruction or elections or another fine activity and you're a teensy bit worried about the security situation. One fine guide that has been reporting weekly on that is the Kroll Middle East Risk Monitor.

Oddly, though, the risk consulting company doesn't have its usual section on Iraq this week -- maybe because last week's was so gloomily off-message? -- and scarcely mentions the place.

What to do?

Not to worry. The State Department's "Post Reports" offers a comprehensive guide to the area, with information about climate, commerce and population and helpful observations for visitors.

For example, the International Zone (formerly known as the Green Zone) is "the heavily guarded diplomatic/government corner of central Baghdad that houses Iraqi citizens, Coalition partners, and U.S. forces," the mid-September report explains. The four-square-mile area "is commonly referred to as the 'Ultimate Gated Community' due to the numerous armed checkpoints, coils of razor wire, chain link fences, and the fact it is surrounded by 'T-Walls' (reinforced and blast-proof concrete slabs)."

Pretty safe and, "contrary to popular belief, the International Zone is lush and tropical with very little humidity. The area is garnished with world-class date producing palms, various fruit and other exotic trees." Nothing like a hot date under an exotic tree.

Of course, "the security situation throughout Iraq remains unstable," the report says, and "insurgent elements continue to be extremely active, and they continue to target not only Coalition Forces but civilians who are viewed" as helping the United States. "The total number of attacks in August . . . was nearly 2,800 . . . the high-water mark in terms of sheer numbers of attacks. The road that runs from [the airport to the International Zone] continues to be the scene of improvised explosive devices, small arms fires, and RPG attacks, despite concerted efforts by the military to secure the route."

Sounds as though it's probably best to stick to the International Zone, although even in the zone "there are daily indirect fire attacks from mortars, rockets, and RPGs. Another concern is the active effort to kidnap Americans and other non-Iraqis for ransom by criminal elements, extortion by political elements, or for videotaped murder by terrorists."

Also, these days "any movement outside the International Zone must be in armored vehicles with military escort, so outdoor touring activities are non-existent."

So, better ship over your armored SUV.