Iraq
While Iraq contains ancient Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, it has been ravaged by war and oppression for the last century. Iraq is the birthplace of many of the Earth’s oldest civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians and Babylonians.
*Baghdad (map) — capital of Iraq.
Travel in Iraq remains extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged. The security situation throughout Iraq remains uncertain, and could deteriorate quickly. Terrorist tacks and kidnapping are continuing.