Chicago 2016 vs. Baghdad 2016

"Tens of millions of U.S. dollars have been wasted in Iraq reconstruction aid, some of it on an Olympic-size swimming pool," the AP reported this week.

We size up Chicago's new competition for the 2016 Games.

Chicago: Starter pistol supply not expected to be a problem.
Baghdad: Starter pistol supply not expected to be a problem.

Chicago: Billions of dollars over budget on construction projects.
Baghdad: Billions of dollars over budget on reconstruction projects.

Chicago: Road in from airport deadly.
Baghdad: Road in from airport deadly.

Chicago: Puppet county government.
Baghdad: Puppet national government.

Chicago: The Purple Line.
Baghdad: The Purple Finger.

Chicago: Temporary stadium will be imploded after use.
Baghdad: Temporary stadium will be exploded after use.

Chicago: Third World rail system.
Baghdad: Bombed into Third World.

Chicago: Ward bosses will demand fair share.
Baghdad: Militia bosses will demand fair share.

Chicago: Traffic congestion will be a nightmare.
Baghdad: Actually, traffic won't really be that bad.

Chicago: Venues along the Green Line.
Baghdad: Venues inside the Green Zone.

Chicago: Officials will build stadium in Washington Park.
Baghdad: Washington officials will build stadium without parking.

Chicago: Opening ceremonies punctuated by fireworks.
Baghdad: Opening ceremonies punctuated by gunfire.

Chicago: Will be first time holding Olympics.
Baghdad: Will be last time holding Olympics.

- Rick Kaempfer, Steve Rhodes and Brian Rhodes