There were two significant bombings in Iraq today but only one is attracting media and public attention, i.e. the bombing of the Iraqi parliament within the supposed safe confines of the Green Zone. Taking a backseat was the bombing of the Sarafiya bridge in Baghdad. But as time goes on we will begin to realize that the attack on the Sarafiya bridge was more important strategically and tactically then the bombing inside the Iraqi parliament building.
The bomb inside parliament is a major psychological blow to the Bush policy and will heighten anxiety inside the Green Zone. However, it will also lead to a short term improvement in security practices and procedures controlling access to the Green Zone. It will be tougher to get any work done inside the security ghetto over the next month. Not so with the Sarafiya bridge. The downed bridge is a downer on most counts.
There are eleven major bridges that unite west Baghdad with east Baghdad. They are:
Tigris River bridges
1. Aimma Bridge
2. Adhimiya Bridge
3. Sarafiya Bridge
4. Tamuz Bridge
5. Shuhada Bridge
6. Ahar Bridge
7. Sinak Bridge
8. Jumhuriya Bridge
9. 14th of July Bridge
10. Jadriya Bridge
11. Dora Bridge
Consult the following map to orient yourself:
The effects will be immediate and significant.
