In PHOTOS: The NEW Iraq

As the American troops gear up to fly out of Iraq by this month-end, we take you through the streets of Baghdad to show how the war-torn country has turned over a new chapter in history.

Iraqi flags wave as US soldiers leave Al Faw palace at Camp Victory, one of the last American bases in this country where the US military footprint is swiftly shrinking, after a special ceremony December 1, 2011 in Baghdad, Iraq

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An Iraqi traffic guard holds an Iraqi flag as part of a daily ceremony at major traffic circles marking the departure of American troops on December 4 in Baghdad

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Teenagers rollerblade at Zawraa Park on December 2 in Baghdad, Iraq. The park's 180-foot tall Ferris wheel opened earlier this year and is the second largest in the Middle East

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A new restaurant catering to wealthy Iraqis is seen on December 3 in Baghdad, Iraq. A number of new restaurants designed for wealthy patrons have opened in the city recently as security improves

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Graffiti is seen on a protective blast wall on December 3 in Baghdad

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A worker walks through the new Maximall clothing store in Baghdad

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Book seller Ahmed Hussein sits with his books in a book market in Baghdad

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Car salesman, Aysar Hasan (Right) shows cars to prospective buyers on the sales floor of the new Kia showroom that opened four months ago in Baghdad

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Women walk down the street as they visit stores on a shopping excursion in Baghdad

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A man hauls goods past female clothing on display in Baghdad

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