I really wish some knowledgeable journalist in Iraq would take me up on

this. Meanwhile, it seems that I UNDER-stated to cost of that cab ride from

Baghdad airport to the Green Zone:

“Dear Mr. Derbyshire—I read your suggestion on the Corner about the

Derbyshire Index (how much a ride costs between the airport and the Green

Zone), and I did some research on the subject. As of late November(the

19th), the trip cost $5,180 for the entire way, or 340 dollars per mile.

So that is a starting

point at least; if it has gone down since then, well maybe the violence has

decreased. On the other hand it might still be at that level, which means

nothing has really changed.”

So what is it currently? This would be a really good thumbnail guide to how

well things are going in Iraq.