Sheraton Baghdad -- fading symbol of Iraq's woes

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/BAK845741.htm

BAGHDAD, July 29 (Reuters) - In the months after the invasion, it was a veritable hive, buzzing with businessmen, politicians, journalists and the military. Such was the demand for rooms that some even slept on the floor.

If every war has its hotel, then the Sheraton Baghdad, with its garish late-70s decor, faux-crystal lighting and earnest, crumpled staff, was Iraq's.

After the capital fell in 2003, it was full to overflowing, the bar was crowded, the glass-fronted lifts zipped up and down the 19 floors, and everywhere opportunity glinted. snip

Now it is all but dead, a symbol of how Iraq's worsening insurgency is sucking the life out of the city. snip

On Friday, just 9 of the Sheraton's 307 rooms were occupied. Some nights it is empty. The staff sit around disconsolate. The bell captain smokes with his feet up. The pool is drained.

[mbperrin]

1. Freedom is on the march, and has left the building!

What EVER happened to those rightwing "journalists" who were supposed to be on a truth tour of Iraq? Did they ever get out of Tampa?

[NNN0LHI]

3. They're all holed up un them 9 rooms playing pocket pool n/t

[Toucano]

2. .

[Toucano]

4. Edit: already said and said better. n/t

[CJCRANE]

5. I bet you can get a great discount on a room

just a pity a taxi ride from the airport costs $35,000.

[Old Vet]

6. I was wondering the same thing, Wheres the right wing truth tour.

No more hotels, Its un-safe. Soooooo, Is the military gonna show them around and a place to bunk? Whats this thing called officially again and where can I find updates on it?