A few days ago we wrote about the new $600 million embassy in Iraq that is supposed to be open for business May. We mentioned that last year when the State Department went looking for people to work in Iraq, there was a mini-revolt "among foreign service officers who objected to compulsory work in a war zone." In the end, however, the revolt fizzled as the State Department obtained a sufficient number of volunteers.
History is repeating itself. As before, this year the State Department has again sent out a warning that U.S. diplomats may have to serve in Iraq and that prime candidates will soon be identified for jobs at the new Baghdad embassy. That means if you're qualified (e.g., if you have the requisite language skills, or knowledge of the Mideast, or construction knowledge) you may be forced to fly off to the Green Zone whether you want to or not.
To be fair, some 20 percent of the 12,000 foreign service officers have already served in what are considered "major hardship posts," such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Still...a brand-spanking new $600 million embassy with a swimming pool and tennis courts...I mean, who wouldn't want to work there? Shouldn't be that bad when you're rocket-dodging skills have been perfected.
1 comment:
I suggest that the entire administration all go there first for a week or two to show that it is safe for them and their families. Good executives do not ask others to do things they are not willing to do.
I assume many will have other priorities or simply forget to go. That is how pour President and VP managed to avoid serving once before.
I am sure they can all swim and enjoy a Bar B Que and maybe Condi could give a recital. I would think all the Iraqi government officials would enjoy going to a big party there too. Maybe the Kuwait Company’s officers would also join the festivities.
Bob Poris
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