GOOD IDEA

The U.S. military has set aside land on its bases in Iraq for nongovernmental organizations, which will help rebuild essential services such as sewage, water, power, health, and education in the war-torn nation.

A U.N. Association representative in Iraq, Hali Jilani, said Saturday that the U.S. military would provide land for the groups at three bases — Logistics Support Area Anaconda, Baghdad International Airport and the Iraqi Oil Ministry in Baghdad.

It is hoped the security provided by the bases will encourage some organizations that fled Iraq last August following the bombing of the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad to return, she said.