Well Gypsy during Saddam's time, barely any people were allowed to enter Iraq. Btw all the violence and trouble that is going on is usually in Baghdad. SItes for Holy shrines like Karbala, Najaf and Kadmain are much safer. Exactly a month ago we had a holy event and 9 million people were in Karbala.  

It's always the small things that make big differences.