"I was a little hesitant coming as a American, like 'Oh my god my government did really bad things here.
Tourists "are messengers who tell these states that Iraq has returned to being a safe country and is not a red line as some say.
'DO NOT TRAVEL'The U.S. and European countries still warn against any travel to Iraq due to security concerns.
The U.S. State Department website says: "Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest".
Few of the ancient ruins that dot the country have signs describing their significance, nor accredited tour guides.
Persons:
Anna Nikolaevna, Jacob Nemec, Imam Ali, Alaa, Marjani, Jacob Nemec's, Nemec, Ahmed Fakak Al, Badrani, Al, General Abdel, Karim Sudani, Ali Hilal, Hilal, Timour Azhari, Maher Nazeh, Ahmed Saeed, Khalid al, Ros Russell
Organizations:
REUTERS, Islamic, Tourism, Reuters, Foreign, U.S . State Department, Thomson
Locations:
Russian, American, Najaf, Iraq, Marjani BAGHDAD, Reno , Nevada, Iran, U.S, Baghdad, Europe, United States, British, Babylon, Mosul, West, Al Qaeda, Islamic State, Ali, Canada, Babil, Mousily