| Submit your comments on this article |
| Iraq |
| Baghdadis make splash in new pool as temperature soars |
| 2008-07-06 |
| BAGHDAD - In a sign of returning normalcy, the public swimming pool of the Iraqi capital's Zawra park reopened on Saturday with men and children plunging in the water as gun-toting US soldiers stood guard. Closed since before the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, the pool has been rebuilt at a cost of nearly 500,000 dollars and opened at a time when the mercury is soaring and electricity supplies remain erratic. "It's just great. I am very happy," said 11-year-old Muntawar who jumped into the water with his clothes on, while his two younger sisters screamed with joy and their mother watched from makeshift shade nearby. "This is the first time I have come to this pool but I will come again with my friends," Muntawar said. On Saturday, seven heavily-armoured US military vehicles escorted a group of journalists to witness the reopening as hundreds of men, women and children enjoyed their weekend break in Baghdad's largest open space. The stately park with its zoo which has been virtually emptied once occupied pride of place in Baghdad. It is near former president Saddam Hussein's Republican Palace that is now in the heavily-fortified Green Zone, the seat of the Iraqi government and US embassy. The park was damaged when American tanks rolled into Baghdad during the invasion and reportedly destroyed a huge statue of Saddam on their way through Zawra. The pool reopening is bound to bring more picnickers to the park -- once famous for its tigers and now sheltering a few animals and birds -- as the heat peaks with temperatures of more 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit). "We are so happy. This pool is for all Baghdadis and Iraqis. All Iraqis when they come to Baghdad can come here," said a smiling Yahya Mohammed Ali, deputy mayor of Baghdad who attended the reopening ceremony. "It is a sign that peace is returning," he said, insisting the park and the pool were now safe. The park has a single entrance guarded by armed men who frisk visitors. |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #7 Verlaine: Remember that not too long ago, al Qaeda was adding chlorine to car bombs trying to cause more casualties. So as useful as it is, it might be somewhat harder to get in Iraq. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2008-07-06 13:12 |
| #6 Those Who Have A Working Arabic Vocabulary.. How do you say... *Don't Do WuDu in the Pool* or *No WuDu In The Pool* or *Go Ahead Allah loves those who pee and thoroughly wash their private parts in the pool* or *Please Do WooDoo in the Pool* |
| Posted by: RD 2008-07-06 06:25 |
| #5 |
| Posted by: RD 2008-07-06 06:09 |
| #4 Ozone is another method for disinfect water in swimming pools. |
| Posted by: JFM 2008-07-06 02:57 |
| #3 There's always iodine. And do ya think we really have to worry about misuse of chlorine now? I tend to think not. Regime change, an' all..... |
| Posted by: Verlaine 2008-07-06 01:05 |
| #2 They could use an electrolysis method to generate chlorine from salt on the fly. Some big pools in our area do it; apparently it's cheaper and easier than buying and handling chlorine yourself. |
| Posted by: Steve White 2008-07-06 00:32 |
| #1 I wonder what the availability of chlorine will be, given its past misuse. But if they don't use it, the coliform bacteria in that pool is going to be impressive. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2008-07-06 00:18 |