Congressman Tom Latham says Baghdad is “still a war zone.” Latham and a few other members of the House Appropriations Committee were in Baghdad on Sunday. Latham says while Baghdad is a major city, there are real security problems and the “ever-present feeling” that something could happen in Baghdad. Latham’s group visited northern Iraq yesterday. Latham says “it’s just been an incredible situation, looking at the progress of what’s happened in Iraq — the advances and also the problems.” Latham says “obviously we’ve got a considerable distance to go yet” and Baghdad, in particular, is a “very dangerous place.” Latham says their military escort took “evasive tactics” to try to avoid attacks.Latham says their helicopter flew very fast, low and swerved back and forth constantly. While they were visiting a power plant, they heard gunfire that Latham says made their security detail nervous. Latham got to talk with Iowans who are serving in Iraq. Latham says it’s not an easy way of life for the troops, but all were positive and understand the importance of their mission.