Iraq A Journey with Matthew Parris
Baghdad to Basra.....Everyday at 0830 the train departs Baghdad station and takes approximately 10 hours to travel to Basra in the far south of Iraq. The journey is dusty and slow compared to driving but large families are forced to use this transport for ecomonic reasons. One seat cost only $2.50 for the entire trip.....The train calls at several stations during its journey south, vendors climb aboard selling newspapers and drinks.

