Why Diplomats Won't Go to Iraq

[ProSense]

Why Diplomats Won't Go to Iraq

Friday, Nov. 02, 2007 By CHARLES CRAIN



The U.S. Embassy under construction in Baghdad, October 2007.

On Oct. 26, the State Department e-mailed 250 diplomats and told them that they might be ordered, whether they like it or not, to fill about 50 positions in Iraq next year. It was no secret the U.S. was considering compulsory Iraq service for its diplomatic corps, but the e-mails sparked outrage nevertheless.

At a State department "town hall" meeting on Wednesday, one participant, veteran diplomat Jack Croddy, pointed out the risks of injury and death faced by American diplomats. But he hit closer to the heart of the matter when he told the director general of the Foreign Service, who was leading the meeting, "It's one thing if someone believes in what's going on over there and volunteers, but it's another thing to send someone over there on a forced assignment." On Friday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who was traveling, issued a statement saying, "We must go forward with the identification of officers to serve, should it prove necessary to direct assignments. Should others step forward, as some already have, we will fill these new jobs as we have before —with volunteers. However, regardless of how the jobs may be filled, they must be filled."

Iraq is certainly a dangerous place for representatives of the American government. Combat troops are far and away the most likely to be killed or wounded, but diplomats face risks as well. The Green Zone, the heavily fortified home of the U.S. Embassy and the Iraqi government, has been a target for insurgent and militia rocket attacks for years. As the war drags on, the intensity and accuracy of those attacks has increased. Makeshift concrete bunkers are now scattered across the Green Zone, and diplomats are periodically required to don helmets and flak vests when they venture outdoors even within the Green Zone compound. Outside the Green Zone, diplomatic convoys are prime targets for insurgents, militiamen and freelance kidnappers.

The most demoralizing aspect of the violence may not be the physical risk, but rather the isolation and sense of futility the violence engenders. Most diplomats leave the Green Zone only rarely, and never simply to socialize with ordinary Iraqis or explore the city. Traveling around Baghdad for the fun of it always carried some risk for Americans, but it was at least possible in 2003 and into 2004. Now the idea is outlandish. State Department employees travel under heavy guard, which only serves to further isolate them from the populace (the Blackwater guards accused by the Iraqi government of an unprovoked attack on Iraqi civilians were guarding a diplomatic convoy). The average diplomat's feel for Baghdad and the rest of Iraq is gleaned mostly from the U.S. Embassy's Iraqi employees, who themselves live in fear of being targeted as "collaborators."

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[gateley]

1. Rumsfeld's new winter home is lovely. nt

[eFriendly]

2. NO job is worth your life... and I'm sure these diplomats feel that way too.

That's why they don't want to go to Iraq.

[spanone]

3. they don't want to be the last guy to die for a lost catastrophe

[Basileus Basileon]

4. Ah, "What are IEDs," Alex? nt

[alfredo]

8. insolvent ear doohickies. Improvised explosive devices.

Improbable eating doorknob

[Robbien]

5. Not crying tears here. These guys are the ones who support all the bull Rice

keeps putting out. They aid her in keeping this occupation going.

If one is providing support for the occupation's continuance, then they should be ready to suffer the consequences of that occupation.

[eFriendly]

11. No tears for these poor bastards here either.

It is duly noted how all of these diplomats (most likely all rethugs) were quiet and went along with the occupation of Iraq and everything associated with it until they were told to serve in Iraq themselves. Trust me, their gutlessness hasn't gone unnoticed. It appears that self-preservation still trumps party loyalty. Even in the Republic party.

[Robbien]

13. Perhaps Rice should move her office to the embassy in Baghdad

You know, show a good example?

[aikoaiko]

6. Unlike military these folks can resign, no?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

7. Making the "ultimate sacrifice" isn't in their job description.

[Ganja Ninja]

9. Perhaps they could fill the positions by cross checking ..

State Department personnel with GOP voter registration. Loyal Republican's should be the first in line for these choice assignments.

[eFriendly]

12. I second that! n/t

[theoldman]

10. Not too worry,

They will be bribed or coerced.