Last November, a security consultant told David Corn that a six-mile cab ride from Central Baghdad to Baghdad International Airport cost $6,000. Now it's up to $35,000. Read what New York Times Iraq correspondent Dexter Filkins recently told NBC Meet the Press host Tim Russert:
"RUSSERT: There is a road, a highway from the airport to downtown Baghdad that's called the Road of Death by many. I understand there's a taxi service on that road to take someone from downtown to the airport.
FILKINS: Yeah. There's actually a company in Baghdad that does nothing except offer rides to the airport and back. They've got armored cars and some guards. And they charge $35,000 for...
RUSSERT: Thirty-five thousand dollars?
FILKINS: For a ride to the airport. And I think you know, if you miss your plane and you have to come back, it's another $35,000. But...
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/outrage?bid=13%C0%03d=2361