Cantina And Concrete (Photo: CPT)

by Greg Rollins
Christian Peacemaker Teams

Last summer my teammate Max and I took one of our many walks down Abu Nawas St. Abu Nawas runs along side a park adjacent to the Tigris River. When the U.S. ousted Saddam, they closed off part of Abu Nawas to protect the Palestine/Sheraton hotels and several business offices. The U.S. Army occupied about seven blocks of Abu Nawas. Cantina wire, waste-high concrete barriers and multiple checkpoints choked and divided the road. Almost all the shops and homes in the area were closed. Only authorized vehicles were allowed on this part of the street. People who wanted to walk in the area were forced to pass through checkpoints where guards would question them thoroughly about their business. Dust and weeds filled the park.