UN pouring millions into rebuilding Babylon

Emad Lafta al-Bayati, Hilla's mayor, has big plans for Babylon. "I want restaurants, gift shops, long parking lots," he said. God willing, he added, maybe even a Holiday Inn. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is pumping millions of dollars into protecting and restoring Babylon and a handful of other ancient ruins in Iraq. Unesco has even printed up a snazzy brochure, with Babylon listed as the premier destination, to hand out to wealthy donors. "Cultural tourism could become Iraq's second biggest industry, after oil," said Philippe Delanghe, a United Nations official helping with the project. But before Iraq becomes the next Egypt, he said wryly, "a few little things have to happen." Looks like "Babylon the Great" is soon to be restored, Saddam or no Saddam. Remarkably the region around the city is relatively calm, and US troops are planning to pull out of Camp Babylon next month. Once Iraq gets on its feet, as they say, tourism - and more importantly the commerce tourism will bring, will help rebuild this great monstrosity who's judgement is already declared by God through the prophets.