Bush 'palace' shielded from Iraqi storm (The Age)

[Up2Late]

(A slightly longer version is also at this link: <http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/mission-failed/2006/08/25/1156012739263.html>

Bush 'palace' shielded from Iraqi storm

Paul McGeough, Baghdad
August 26, 2006

THE plans are a state secret, so just where the Starbucks and Krispy Kreme stores will be is a mystery. But as the concrete hulks of a huge 21-building complex rise from the ashes of Saddam's Baghdad, Washington is sending a clear message to Iraqis: "We're here to stay."

It's being built in the Middle East, but George W's palace, as the locals have dubbed the new US embassy, is designed as a suburb of Washington. An army of more than 3500 diplomatic and support staff will have their own sports centre, beauty parlour and swimming pool. Each of the six residential blocks will contain more than 600 apartments.

The prime 25-hectare site was a steal — it was a gift from the Iraqi Government. And if the five-metre-thick :hi:perimeter walls don't keep the locals at bay, then the built-in surface-to-air missile station should. Guarded by a dozen gangly cranes, the site in the heart of the Green Zone is floodlit by night and is so removed from Iraqi reality that its entire construction force is foreign.

After almost four years, the Americans still can't turn on the lights for the Iraqis, but that won't be a problem for the embassy staffers. The same with the toilets — they will always flush on command. All services for the biggest embassy in the world will operate independently from the rattletrap utilities of the Iraqi capital.

(more at link) <http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/bush-palace-shielded-from-iraqi-storm/2006/08/25/1156012740594.html#>

[Eric J in MN]

1. They hate us for our palace

in their city.

[rodeodance]

2. another BUBBLE of UN-reality will be created for the bushettes

[Eric J in MN]

3. Right-wing radio hosts will be able to boast that

...they spent weeks in Baghdad, and so they really know how great the war is going, when they spent weeks in the "palace."

[cyclezealot]

4. Could it still become another Alamo?

With the rest of the country in ruins; this fortress will prevail under all odds? I take it , it has a roof top easily accessible for helicopter evacuation. That many apartments, will require a lot of helicopters.

[Up2Late]

5. I'm sure all the staff will have personal "Jet Packs!"

Hey, if you're going to dream, Dream BIG!

This is a "palace" built without any concept of reality.

[BeHereNow]

6. And built with our tax dollars...

That's what REALLY pisses me off.
BHN

[Up2Late]

7. kick n/t

:kick:

[babylonsister]

8. dimson's retirement villa? I don't think he'd even be safe there. nt

[cliss]

9. I say build it.

They should build the damn thing, all 500 acres of downtown Baghdad, prime real estate.

When we get our asses out, the Iraqis can have it. They will enjoy it very much.