Making Iraq Safe For Theme Parks

Finally, some good news for Iraq: U.S. businessman aims to bring 'badly needed' fun to Baghdad.

Llewellyn Werner acknowledges he is facing obstacles most amusement park developers never have to deal with. Such as mortar attacks, stray gunfire and random looting. But when you're building your amusement park in downtown Baghdad, those risks come with the territory.

The California businessman is pouring millions of dollars into developing the Baghdad Zoo and Entertainment Experience, a massive U.S.-style amusement park that will feature a skateboard park, rides, a concert theatre and a museum.

"The people of Iraq need this kind of positive influence. It's going to have a huge psychological impact," said Mr. Werner, chairman of C3, a Los Angeles based holding company for private-equity firms.

It will probably take a while before it becomes the happiest place on earth.