20080831

Dunia-Politik.blogspot.com - Digest Number 1659

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1.: Jadual Puasa Ramadan 2008 From: Jun Imam

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1.: Jadual Puasa Ramadan 2008

Posted by: "Jun Imam" jip_id@yahoo.com jip_id

Sat Aug 30, 2008 11:11 pm (PDT)

Dear all,

Berikut jadual puasa Ramadan 2008

Mudah2an bermanfaat.

Salam

Junarto

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IT'S ON THE WALL !

The words are written in large CAPITAL letters for everyone to see.

Perhaps Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak needs to read it aloud for the One who is hard at hearing and possibly blind as well. The voters have spoken in Permatang Pauh.

Congratulations to Saudara Anwar Ibrahim. It needs to be said that there were more UMNO members there then the number of votes our man received, i.e. even the UMNO members chose not to back our nominee. Nonetheless, Anwar's win is legitimate.

Barisan Nasional got WHIPPED! Plain and simple. The voter turnout was less than the March election yet the winning margin increased for Pakatan despite the advantage BN had using the government machinery with unlimited financial resources. That's a TRIPLE WHAMMY!!!

Some argued that Anwar won resoundingly because of the September 16th deal that he's selling to the Rakyat. So the Permatang Pauh people were hoping to get a homegrown Prime Minister. I'd rather not venture on what worth they put on the current Prime Minister who is also the Chairman of the Penang State UMNO Liasion Committee.

It is shameful and selfish to stay longer than one's welcome. It's also mind boggling that the presumptive heir apparent who is supposedly highly intelligent puts much faith in the pledged power transition due to take place in two years time when several indicators including strong political intuition seem to show and feel that it is very unlikely to materialize.

We are told not to misconstrue the Permatang Pauh election results. Going back to the basics, I feel that some things should be taken at face value and we should snap out of this state of denial that we're in before we start believing in our own lies.

Posted by TPJ
http://tpj-one-thepatriot.blogspot.com

Budget 2009: We have lost our competitive edge, says Anwar

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says there is nothing new in the budget

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was disappointed with Budget 2009, saying there was "nothing new" in it.

"The problem is, we've lost our competitive edge. There are no FDIs (foreign direct investments), management is slow and corruption is rampant. These issues were not dealt with (by the government)."

He also took exception to the fact that this year's budget is a deficit one.

"For an oil-producing country, it is an exceptional case for Malaysia to continue to register a deficit. It is understandable for a country that has no resources, but not this country."

He said the incentives given to Sabah and Sarawak as well as the poor would not help them in the long run.
He said the budget did not address the issue of competitiveness. "We failed to be more competitive because we are stuck with old policies."

Gerakan wants stern action against Ahmad Ismail over 'seditious' remarks

Gerakan, a component of the Barisan Nasional (BN), has called for stern action against Bukit Bendera Umno division head Datuk Ahmad Ismail over his recent “seditious” remarks on the Chinese community.

During a ceramah in Permatang Pauh on Aug 25, Ahmad was alleged to have said the Chinese were mere squatters or temporary residents of the nation and therefore, it was impossible to achieve equal rights amongst races in the country.

“Many Malaysians are disappointed with the mild statement by Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when commenting on the seditious statement by Datuk Ahmad Ismail.

“They (Malaysians) had expected a strong rebuke, especially on Aug 31, a day all Malaysians celebrated the country’s independence.

“After 51 years of independence, any further doubt of loyalty of any Malaysian of any ethnic origin and the questioning of citizenship is beyond the understanding of all Malaysians,” Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye said in a statement today.
In the run-up to the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election last week, Ahmad allegedly made the remarks and yesterday, Abdullah commented on it when he said he would “tell him (Ahmad) not to do it again.

“You know, in a campaign all sorts of things can come up. I don’t think he meant it. I will make sure to tell him not to use it again,” Abdullah had said yesterday.

Chia said Ahmad’s statement was outdated and racially provocative, adding that any sign of the Barisan Nasional tolerating any outrightly racist and provocative views would give the wrong signal to the people.

“Ahmad Ismail should not only retract what he uttered and also apologise to all Malaysians but also be disciplined so as to prevent such divisive statement or action from being repeated. Such archiac views can further divide a multi-ethnic country like Malaysia,” he added.

Meanwhile, Gerakan vice-president Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan, in another statement, urged the UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership to review its stance against Ahmad.

He called on the police to investigate the matter as the MCA and Gerakan Youth had lodged a police report against Ahmad. — BERNAMA

Kelantan gives bonus

Kelantan will still pay a month’s bonus to state government employees similar to the one received by public sector employees at the federal level although the state government’s debts have exceeded the value of its assets.

Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat admitted that the financial resources of the Pas-led state government was weak but it had taken thrifty measures.

The Pas spiritual leader also defended his administration saying that the state government had never squandered because it was a sin.

He told reporters this while commenting on the Auditor-General Report 2007.

According to Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang, the 2007 Kelantan State Audit report showed the state’s financial position was not strong because the amount of debts incurred exceeded the value of assets.
When tabling Budget 2009 last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the payment of a bonus of a month’s salary or minimum RM1,000 to the civil servants.

“Every year we pay a bonus. It’s just that we are discussing how it will be done... Insya Allah there is,” said Nik Aziz. — BERNAMA

Budget 2009: Reduced road tax a 'drop in the ocean'

KUALA LUMPUR: The government may have reduced the road tax fees for buses and taxis to just RM20, but operators are still unhappy.

Konsortium Transnasional Bhd (KTB) executive director Tengku Hasmadi Tengku Hashim said the reduction was "just a drop in the ocean" and does not really help bus operators.

"The impact is very small, it's peanuts. Every month, KTB spends RM3 million on diesel alone. This is apart from the subsidised diesel. So, a RM280 reduction does not help us."

Road tax for express buses cost RM300 previously.

Tengku Hasmadi said the government should instead look into the diesel quota subsidies which would be more beneficial than a reduction in road tax.
Taxi Operators Association chairman Datuk Aslah Abdullah said instead of reducing the road tax, the government should have just scrapped it.

"Why do we still have to pay road tax when the government has increased the price of petrol and diesel? They should just abolish road tax."

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali also touched on the road tax standardisation.

"The government needs to clarify this. Will the stage buses have to pay more now?"

Stage buses were previously charged RM2 for road tax.

However, all the key players in the public transport industry welcomed the proposed Public Land Transportation Commission, describing it as timely.

"The public has suffered for a long time. It's about time we have a proper commission to improve the public transport service," said Aslah.

He said there should be no further delay in implementing the commission.

"The government now realises that putting everything under the current 13 agencies does not work," said Ashfar.

On the RM3 billion soft loan, Ashfar hoped that Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd would be lenient and would not impose stringent restrictions on bus operators.

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd intercity services general manager Sarbini Tijan welcomed the move to provide efficient public transportation services which he said would benefit the low-income group.

Rangkaian Pengangkutan Intergrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL) executive director Suffian Baharuddin appreciated the measures taken to develop new public transport infrastructure.

The Federation Of Malaysian Consumers Association chief executive officer Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman lauded the government's focus in Klang Valley and Penang where traffic congestion was at a peak.

Budget 2009: Civil servants unhappy with budget, says Cuepacs

KUALA LUMPUR: Civil servants feel let down by the newly unveiled budget,

They felt that the bonus of one month's salary announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday fell short of what the public sector expected.

Cuepacs deputy president Husain Mohd Yasin said civil servants were expecting to receive a bonus of 11/2 months' salary.

He added that Cuepacs was disappointed because there was no increase in the cost of living allowance (Cola) or the housing allowance for civil servants.

Husain also said the annual free return airfares between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak only benefited those who were from the two states.
Workers in Peninsular Malaysia, he said, should also be given the same privilege, as they too had homes they wanted to go back to.

On the the extension of housing loans to 30 years, he said the pressing issue was not how long the loan was for, but what kind of interest rates were charged.

"All it means is that we will be paying the same interest rates for a longer period, which doesn't mean all that much to us.

"We hoped for a reduction of at least one per cent on the four per cent interest we are paying now," he added.

Husain said on the whole, the 2009 budget was "a disappointing one".

MCA leadership race begins

KUALA LUMPUR, Sun: MCA leaders look all set to make their respective bids for party national positions, kicking-off their campaign rounds and criss-crossing the nation to garner votes for the election slated for Oct 18.

And like the US presidential race, which had now reached a feverish pitch after both democracts and republicians picked their respective candidates, aspirants of the second largest Barisan Nasional component party are expected to follow a similar path, announcing the posts they would like to contest.

To date, only three candidates — MCA vice-president and Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat, MCA Youth secretary-general Wee Ka Siong and Deputy Wanita chief Datuk Paduka Chew Mei Fun have announced their bid.

The others have decided to play the waiting game.

For the time being, Ong seems to be the lone candidate for the presidency of the party which consists of some one million members. Wee wants to be Youth chief and Chew intends to go for the Wanita head post.
The position of Youth chief fell vacant, following a decision by Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, who is also health minister, to go for the parent body position.

The Wanita chief post has also seen a vacancy with incumbent and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen wanting to have a shot at one of MCA’s top three posts.

However, this calm setting is about to change in days to come, as indications are that after testing the ground, other leaders are expected to announce their intention on the positions they would like to contests at the MCA polls.

Wanting maximum media coverage, leaders like Home Affairs Deputy Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung and Federal Territory MCA chief Datuk Tan Chai Ho are expected to announce their candidancy for the MCA vice presidency on Monday, knowing very well that newspapers would be hunting for stories to fill their pages during the three-day Merdeka holidays.

“I will announce my decision on Monday (Sept 1) in Alor Setar after the state liaison committee meeting,” Chor told Bernama when asked if he would go for the vice presidency.

Other MCA leaders like secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan and vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, who are likely to square-off for the MCA deputy presidency are expected to follow suit in the “very near future.” Ong, the younger brother of outgoing president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, had indirectly hinted that he would go for the party’s second post, after three MCA divisions in Perak announced that they supported him for the number two post two days ago.

While Lim has not made any comments on the post he wants to contest, ardent supporters of the former deputy tourism minister reveal that the “boss” would also go for the deputy presidency.

“I will announce my decision after the state MCA Youth and Wanita elections,” he said. The state MCA Youth and Wanita polls will be held simultaneously nationwide on Sept 6.

Another heavyweight, Dr Ng, is also expected to announce her bid in the next few days, possibly Monday, and talk is that the Iron Lady of MCA will fight for one of the four vice-president posts in the MCA. Sources also reveal that the outspoken Wanita leader will join the crowded veep race.

Liow, who is not defending his MCA Youth chief post, is expected to make his announcement on Wednesday. He is likely to be another vice-president candidate.

Other leaders likely to join in the fray are Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung; former Penang exco Datuk Koay Kar Huah; former Perlis exco Loh Yoon Foo; former Negeri Sembilan exco Datuk Yeow Chai Tiam; and former Sabah MCA chief Datuk Chau Tet Onn.

However, the bulk of party leaders are expected to fight for the 25 MCA Central Committee (CC) positions, which would be up for grabs.

Several Chinese-based newspapers have put the CC aspirants to as high as 126, with some divisions having up to three members wanting to go for the CC post.

“These people have expressed their intentions, but this does not neccessarily mean that they will file their nomination papers. As in the past, at least half will pull out,” said a party insider.

This time around, the party polls will see several “big” names missing such as OngKa Ting, deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, treasurer-general Tan Sri Lau Yin Pin and organising secretary and former deputy education minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim.

Others who will not be contesting are MCA publicity chief Datuk Fu Ah Kiow and former culture, arts and heritage deputy minister Datuk Wong Kam Hoong.

These leaders have either decided not to seek re-election or will retire from active politics.

However, the question frequently asked about this MCA polls remains unanswered. Who will take on Ong Tee Keat for the party’s number one post?

Party insiders reveal that the contender could be either MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn or former MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek. But these two leaders could form a pact and battle it out on who should go for the top post.

“However, until now, we are still in the dark. Dr Chua wants the top post,” a party insider close to the two leaders told Bernama.

Dr Chua seems to be a clear candidate, trading barbs with Ong Tee Keat in cybespace via blogs and this is viewed by many educated MCA delegates as a good avenue to get to know the two leaders.

“It is as good as their manifesto. For Dr Chua, it shows that he is preparing to contest,” an aide to a MCA minister said.

In his blog, Dr Chua projects himself as choice to revive the MCA which received a massive blow at the March 8 general election, while Ong portrays himself as a consistent leader “without any moral issue.” However, should Dr Chua, the former health minister, opt to go for the party’s top post, the issue of morality due to his previous sex scandal will definitely haunt him during the campaign.

While these two leaders seem to be locked in battle, former health minister and veteran MCA leader Datuk Chua Jui Meng is the dark horse as he too, is said to be “eyeing” the MCA top post.

The path is clear for Chua after he retained the Bakri (Johor) MCA division head post and “he is likely to announce his decision next week,” an aide to Chua told Bernama when asked to comment.

The next few weeks seem to be exciting times for the MCA.

Besides winning positions, party leaders know that a bigger battle awaits them. And that is to the hearts and minds of the Malaysian Chinese who deserted the party at the recent general election. — BERNAMA

Dr Wan Azizah: Don't forget the sacrifice made by the Permatang Pauh electorate

Newly elected Permatang Pauh Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was today reminded of the sacrifices made by the people in the parliamentary constituency and not to forget their deeds.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said that the people of Permatang Pauh had sacrificed much to look after Anwar’s family all this while and yet did not ask for any favours when she was the MP for the constituency.

Dr Wan Azizah - who was the former Permatang Pauh MP from 1999 before stepping down on July 31 to enable Anwar, who is also her husband, to contest the seat - said this at a thanksgiving with the Wanita PKR machinery at Yayasan Aman, here.

Meanwhile in his speech, Anwar, who is also the PKR advisor, reminded Penang Deputy Chief Minister Muhammad Fairus Khairuddin to go down to grassroot level more often to look into the problems of the people.

Anwar said although the State Assemblyman for Penanti was busy with state business, he must spend time to meet the people in his constituency and the feedback received was that the young PKR leader was seldom seen in his constituency since winning in the general election in March.
“I’m worried because the people have never complained openly, and they have asked me to advise Fairus. Although we are busy, we must spend time to meet the constituents because they will understand if we are busy, but they cannot accept it when we don’t get down to the 'ground'." Anwar said Fairus, when met later, said he accepted the criticism in a positive manner and would endeavour to improve his service to the people not only in Penanti, but the whole state of Penang.

He said he was spending much time with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in drawing up state administration programmes for the past five months, and if the people had any problems, they could seek assistance at his service centre in Tanah Liat. — BERNAMA

20080830

Dunia-Politik.blogspot.com - Digest Number 1658

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1.: Terbaru di Jurnal Arah-KIRI: Konferensi Asia -Afrika masih Bergaung From: Rudi Hartono

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1.: Terbaru di Jurnal Arah-KIRI: Konferensi Asia -Afrika masih Bergaung

Posted by: "Rudi Hartono" arahkiri2009@yahoo.com arahkiri2009

Fri Aug 29, 2008 8:11 am (PDT)

Konferensi
Asia-Afrika Masih Bergaung

29 Agustus, 2008

Oleh: RUDI HARTONO

"Kalau penggagasnya sudah pergi, maka gagasannya juga sudah terkubur" demikian
menurut beberapa ilmuwan sosial. Mereka pemikir-pemikir baru—yang sebenarnya
masih bau kencur, terus menganggap pemikiran-pemikiran besar di masa lalu
sebagai sesuatu yang sudah usang, tidak relevan, dan tidak tepat untuk situasi
sekarang. Demikian pula dengan gagasan-gagasan Bung Karno, Zhou Enlai, Nehru,
dan beberapa tokoh penggagas Konfrensi Asia-Afrika, sudah dianggap mati bersama
dengan kepergian sang tokoh. Belum lagi, perjuangan pembebasan nasional yang
dikobarkan bangsa-bangsa Asia dan Afrika, dalam melawan
kolonialisme dan Imperialisme---dalam bentuk apapun, kini dianggap sudah mati
oleh teoritisi sosial-borjuis. banyak teoritisi borjuis, diantaranya
Huntington, Fukuyama, dan banyak lagi yang mengira bahwa sejarah pertentangan
antara Negara jajahan dan Negara Imperialis telah berakhir, dan demikian
solidaritas antar bangsa-bangsa terjajah tak diperlukan lagi; tokh,
bangsa-bangsa tersebut telah merdeka. Bagi mereka dunia baru sekarang tak lagi
bipolar, seperti pada abad 19, ataupun abad 20, akan tetapi lebih multipolar.
mereka tidak menyadari bahwa tetap saja ketidaksejajaran, penghisapan, dan
ekspoitasi oleh bangsa tertentu terhadap bangsa lain masih terus berlangsung.
dunia tidaklah multipolar, dimana begitu banyak kutub. akan tetapi, kita tetap
menyaksikan sebuah pertentangan yang terus menerus terjadi, yakni Old
Esthablised Forces (Kekuatan lama) dan New Emerging Forces (Kekuatan dunia
baru).

Baca Selengkapnya di:

http://arahkiri2009.blogspot.com/2008/08/konferensi-asia-afrika-masih-bergaung.html

"Tugas Manusia adalah Menjadi Manusia" (Multatuli)
Stand up for Democracy! Website http://www.arahkiri2009.blogspot.com

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Krisis kekurangan air

GOLONGAN wanita Iraq beratur mendapatkan air di stesen minyak.

Keadaan Baghdad apabila jalan berlubang-lubang, paip-paip yang menyalurkan air pecah adalah antara kecelakaan yang berlaku sejurus selepas peperangan. Selain itu pergaduhan, tembak-menembak, bom dan tumpahan darah berlaku di kota itu.

Apabila tiba musim panas, kota Baghdad mengalami masalah kekurangan air yang teruk meskipun pelbagai usaha dilakukan untuk mengelakkan rakyat Baghdad tidak mati kehausan, kata Pengarah Perkhidmatan Air, Sadiq Shumari.

Suhu mencecah 50 darjah Celsius manakala permintaan dan kehendak untuk barang-barang komoditi melebihi bekalan yang disediakan, menyebabkan ramai penduduk Baghdad hidup dalam keadaan sukar.

"Kita mempunyai satu tugas penting untuk memulihkan sistem sungai yang telah diabaikan untuk beberapa dekad. Tetapi ia merupakan satu cabaran besar dengan tahap keselamatan yang rendah," kata Shumari kepada Reuters dalam satu rombongan ke kawasan timur Baghdad iaitu satu kawasan yang paling miskin.

"Jika keselamatan terus menjadi satu masalah di Baghdad bagaimana kita mampu memulihkan sistem saliran kepada warga Baghdad," ujar beliau sebelum berlaku dua letupan di kawasan berhampiran dengannya. Manakala setengah askar- Amerika Syarikat (AS) berlari ke dalam sebuah bangunan untuk mendapatkan perlindungan.

Perjalanan jauh ke kawasan timur Sungai Tigris yang berliku-liku di sepanjang wilayah Baghdad merupakan bandar serba mewah tetapi perjalanan ke kota itu kelihatan miskin.

PAIP bocor di daerah Sadr menyebabkan Baghdad mengalami gangguan bekalan air yang melampau.

Kanak-kanak yang berpakaian koyak rabak sedang seronok bermain dalam debu, bersebelahan dengan timbunan sampah sarap dan air takung.

Seorang lelaki yang memakai pakaian panjang berbentuk tradisional iaitu jubah serba putih sedang duduk di atas sebuah batu besar di halaman rumah sambil mendengar lagu menerusi sebuah radio lama.

Bersebelahan lelaki itu, seorang kanak-kanak sedang bermain berhampiran sebuah parit yang penuh dengan air yang berbau busuk dan sebuah gunung buatan manusia yang dipenuhi beg-beg plastik, tin minuman, botol-botol plastik dan bungkusan rokok.

Tambahan pula, perkhidmatan di bandar Sadr yang terdiri daripada sebuah kawasan yang dihuni kira-kira dua juta orang yang serba miskin di kawasan utara Baghad.

Kesukaran mendapatkan air menyebabkan harga air melonjak naik. Kata Um-Sara, 54, seorang suri rumah yang berjalan dari sebuah kedai sambil mengimbangi 23 liter botol air di bahunya.

Para penduduk yang lebih miskin seumpama Sami Mahmoud menggunakan pam air untuk menarik air bawah tanah ke dalam tangki-tangki simpanan apabila terdapat elektrik. Tetapi air tersebut tidak selamat.

Wabak taun telah merebak pada masa lalu gara-gara penggerudian perigi-perigi oleh para penduduk secara persendirian apabila air simpanan itu tidak bersih.

Secara tidak langsung, fenomena ini menyebabkan tukang paip seperti Hussein Jawad tidak menang tangan memberi perkhidmatan membantu memperbaiki sistem saliran penduduk di sekitar Baghdad.

"Perniagaan saya akan meningkat pada musim panas," katanya. "Pada musim tersebut air tidak mencukupi. Justeru saya memasang pam-pam dan tangki-tangki. Dengan ini, kami memperoleh banyak keuntungan."

Pihak berkuasa Baghdad berkata, mereka bekerja keras membina loji-loji besar untuk rawatan air dengan kapasiti yang mencukupi tetapi semuanya menjadi kenyataan selewat-lewatnya tahun 2009.

"Kami sedang mencari jalan untuk menyediakan kapasiti yang lebih besar. Ini adalah usaha meningkatkan taraf hidup bekas negara bergolak itu."

Tempoh peperangan, sabotaj, pengabaian telah melumpuhkan proses dan pembangunan Iraq.

Rasuah merupakan endemik dan ia telah menelan berbilion-bilion wang bantuan yang disalurkan sebelum ia sampai kepada projek-projek yang dilakukan.

Sokongan AS untuk membina semula Iraq telah menimbulkan kontroversi tinggi. Minggu lalu, Jawatankuasa Perkhidmatan Bersenjata Senat meluluskan satu undang-undang untuk melarang Pentagon daripada membiayai program pembinaan semula yang menelan belanja lebih daripada AS$2 juta (RM3.6 juta).

Ramai di kalangan ahli majlis undangan AS mahu negara itu merujuk kembali pembiayaan tersebut kerana kerajaan Iraq telah membuat lebihan belanjawan yang sihat justeru kenaikan harga minyak.

Krisis kekurangan air

GOLONGAN wanita Iraq beratur mendapatkan air di stesen minyak.

Suhu mencecah 50 darjah Celsius manakala permintaan dan kehendak untuk barang-barang komoditi melebihi bekalan yang disediakan, menyebabkan ramai penduduk Baghdad hidup dalam keadaan sukar.

Perjalanan jauh ke kawasan timur Sungai Tigris yang berliku-liku di sepanjang wilayah Baghdad merupakan bandar serba mewah tetapi perjalanan ke kota itu kelihatan miskin.