Three years after George Bush invaded Iraq to liberate them from the tyrannic regime of Saddam Hussein, the nation is still beset with problems of security, primarily caused by the continuing clash of the American forces and the local insurgents.

The image of Iraq being portrayed today is that it is practically laying in ruins, and in dire need of reconstruction. A political vacuum seems to pervade their midst, and the population is uncertain as to just how capable their new system of government - democracy - would be. One would not hesitate to think and believe that even after the promised liberation has been delivered, with all the ongoing violence and unrest, the Iraqis would not even have the capability to indulge in the whims of popular culture.

Or do they?


More on Iraq and cell phones after the jump!

Picking someone up from the airport - be it your mum or dad, a friend, or a business associate needs tactical skills to accomplish easily. First, you have to compute the time it takes between your house or office and the airport, then you'd have to make some time and room for unexpected happenings such as flight delays and traffic.

Then, you'd have to figure what to wear so as not to be mistaken as a terrorist by airport security. When later you realize that the flight is delayed, you'd have to plan certain strategies to amuse yourself while you wait - either you spend some money to eat or you waste precious gasoline while you past the time circling the airport loop. See, that simple task takes major tactical skills!

That was the case, and people being innately innovative have figured out a way to remedy this issue - cellphone lots or parking spaces where the people picking up fliers can simply await the "I'm ready" call from the arriving traveler. This doesn't only help the fetcher and the traveller, but it also declogs airports.

In fact many airports are now undergoing large construction projects, making it easier to reassign space. Some large airports, such as George Bush Intercontinental in Houston, converted an unused lot. Others, such as Phoenix, gave creation of cell lots priority. This not only declogs airport roads but it also improves traffic safety.

Some cell phone lots have even amped their features. Tampa installed a free Wi-Fi hot spot. A large information board in Phoenix informs drivers of flight delays. Charlotte added a picnic table. Amidst all that, travelers are suggesting that cellphone lots should be near the terminal and should have restrooms; and some are voicing out their security concerns since most lots are often unmonitored. Looking at the issue, it's a good way of declogging the airport's main arteries, but it's a work in progress. Let's just hope that 'progress' doesn't take forever to be a thing of reality.