~ 720th Military Police Battalion Reunion Association History Project ~
International Zone /Green Zone, Baghdad

     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. It 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).

It includes: Presidential Palace (now the U.S. Embassy Annex); Al-Rasheed Hotel; the Convention Center; and a large park including the much photographed crossed sabers and parade route; numerous Iraqi Interim Government entities; several independent local shops, including an Iraqi flea market provide an array of international and local Iraqi goods.

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.

The International/Green Zone -- also called "The Bubble" - is the hub of the vision for the New Iraq. It is almost self-sufficient, and staff working there can be treated in the compound's hospital or run safely in its grounds. When they go out, it is by armored car with an armed military escort.

The Convention Center is where the United States has set up headquarters, and the coalition press office is at the Baghdad Convention Center. The Republican Palace, once used by the fallen regime for conferences, is home to a highly visible collection of troops, some of whom live in an office that has been converted to barracks.

The Iraqi Governing Council is headquartered in the handsome marble building that once was the Military Industry Minister. The new Iraqi Ministry of Justice uses the Adnan Building, for the Central Criminal Court and the Supreme Court.

The Green Zone is defended with coils of razor wire, chain-link fences, earthen berm's and armed checkpoints. The area is defended by M1 Abrams tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles and HUMVEEs with .50 caliber machine guns on top.

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