Diplomats told to take cover in Baghdad

[Faygo Kid]

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON - The State Department has instructed all personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad not to leave reinforced structures due to incoming insurgent rocket fire that has killed two American government workers this week.

In a memo sent Thursday to embassy staff and obtained by The Associated Press, the department says employees are required to wear helmets, body armor and other protective gear if they must venture outside and strongly advises them to sleep in blast-resistant locations instead of the less secure trailers that most occupy.

"Due to the continuing threat of indirect fire in the International Zone, all personnel are advised to remain under hard cover at all times," it says. "Personnel should only move outside of hard cover for essential reasons." . . .

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080327/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/iraq_embassy;_ylt=AiAoiqhXl7uS8tP41YlWPUCs0NUE

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Imperial Life in the Emerald City isn't all it was once cracked up to be, apparently.

Only one solution, no doubt, being considered by the Bush regime: Attack Iran.

[Virginia Dare]

1. I wonder how they're enjoying all that peace we brought them?

how about their freedom? How are they likin' that so far?...:crazy:

[saigon68]

10. "Freedom and Democracy are on the March", the Chimp

[Tansy_Gold]

2. The first word that comes to mind when I read this is . . . . .

. . .. Saigon.


Tansy Gold, (i.t.y.s.)

[Faygo Kid]

3. Tet. Exactly.

That's what I immediately thought of, too. And rightly so; it's striking, after we have heard the drumbeat about how we're winning, to see Baghdad and our embassy under siege. Only to see this offensive reach into our "safe" area. Just like Saigon.

Good call.

[amandabeech]

8. Yup. I remember Tet.

I wonder if Petraeus does.

Obviously, our c in c was stoned out of his gourd, and our VP was busy getting his fourth deferment. Or was it his third?

[saigon68]

11. Ah yes TET and General Loan by Eddie Adams

Where are the Eddie Adams's, Horst Faas's, Nick Ut's, Larry Burrows's, Dana Stone's, Catherine Leroy's, Tim Page"s, Henri Huet's of this War?

Answer--We are only fed straw and crumbs from an evil corporate ruling class, with a corrupt main stream media and a military run by cowards who only want to climb the ladder to corporate riches in retirement.

[BRLIB]

4. More proof that the surge is working!

Maybe they thought they ordered flowers to throw into the Green zone, US delivered rockets instead.

[Deny and Shred]

5. I'm sure all departments will have no problem recruiting now.

The U.S. government can't find people to staff positions in Iraq anymore.

I have two questions?

1) What ever happened to Bush's plan for a War Czar? He asked half a dozen guys who all turned him down. Off the table, I guess, just like impeachment.

2) Do any DUers know the timetables for the end of enlistments?
I know that it has been getting harder since 2004, with the military offering ever increasing enticements to serve. I would imagine that many enlistments will be ending as the next months go by. With all the National Guard units stopgapping for regular US Army for so long, I have to think that the overall number of men in uniform will be dropping. Any facts would be greatly appreciated.

[Barrett808]

6. Memo to US diplomats under fire in Iraq

The State Department on Thursday told U.S. diplomats in Baghdad to take shelter in reinforced structures amid continuing incoming insurgent rocket fire that has killed two American government workers this week.

The text of a memo sent to embassy staff containing the instruction follows.

SUBJECT: Transition of Operations and Sleeping Quarters to Hardened Structure

Due to the continuing threat of indirect fire in the International Zone, all personnel are advised to remain under hard cover at all times. Personnel should only move outside of hard cover for essential reasons. Essential outdoor movements should be sharply limited in duration. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory for all outside movements.

We strongly recommend personnel do not sleep in their trailers. Night workers should rest inside hardened structures during daylight hours. All personnel are welcome to sleep inside the Palace and at the New Embassy Compound. Limited supplies of cots continue to be available.

Day workers who operate outside or in unhardened structures should transition their work to hard cover locations. GSO (General Services Officer) will coordinate with affected sections to identify suitable locations.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080327/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/iraq_embassy_text

[Stuart G]

7. PERHAPS THE DIPLOMATES SHOULD READ THIS THREAD.

Bush: Iraq is returning to normal

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3245751

[VWolf]

9. Yes, the Green Zone is beginning to resemble a "normal" Iraq

Circa 2005.