Check the concrete work in Baghdad on this video. The Iraqis are really very good at it. Surprisingly sophisticated.

I suppose in a world without trees one would expect it. In Tom Brokaw's special on Iran it showed truck after truck after truck hauling what seems like cement into Iraq, and Lord knows these folks must have enough sand and gravel. Add rebar and water, and they could build anything.

One doesn't see the elaborate arches and overhangs as commonly in the US. Not saying we couldn't do it, obviously we could. We just don't, much. At first I thought most of it must be plaster and plywood, but I don't think so the more I look.

I'm impressed. They have (had) some highly skilled craftsmen over there.

Arf