US Diplomats on being forced to go to Iraq: "Potential Death Sentence"

[ck4829]

Several hundred U.S. diplomats vented anger and frustration Wednesday about the State Department's decision to force foreign service officers to take jobs in Iraq, with some likening it to a "potential death sentence."

In a contentious hour-long "town hall meeting" called to explain the step, these workers peppered the official who signed the order with often hostile complaints about the largest diplomatic call-up since Vietnam. Announced last week, it will require some diplomats - under threat of dismissal — to serve at the embassy in Baghdad and in so-called Provincial Reconstruction Teams in outlying provinces.

Many expressed serious concern about the ethics of sending diplomats against their will to serve in a war zone, where the embassy staff is largely confined to the so-called "Green Zone," and the safety outside the area is uncertain while a review of the department's use of private security contractors to protect its staff is under way.

"Incoming is coming in every day, rockets are hitting the Green Zone," said Jack Crotty, a senior foreign service officer who once worked as a political adviser with NATO forces.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071031/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_iraq_embassy

[babylonsister]

1. Thanks. I've been waiting for their reaction. Now they might know how

soldiers feel after their 2nd, 3rd, 4th deployment to hell...

[atreides1]

2. One thing they can do that the troops can't

They can always quit their jobs.

[Occulus]

9. And sell their existing skills to whom?

Aside from paying off whatever debts they may currently hold. Could be tens of thousands or more, for all we know.

Imagine being told to go risk your life (for a cause you may not even agree with) in the absence of a military draft, or face financial ruin.

How, exactly, does a former diplomat sell his skills commercially? Perhaps as a corporate mediator?

[acmavm]

3. Whiney shits work for this corrupt administration pulling down

good pay they should get their asses over where it's not so nice and cushy. Work for them under the conditions that our military has to work for them. Let them see what kind of people the support.

[LakeSamish706]

4. Like I said when this first came up, I would be out the door so fast it wouldn't have...

time to hit me in the ass. You couldn't pay me enough to go to Iraq to work!

[crickets]

5. Now you know how our soldiers must feel, you little crybabies.

What's the matter, you don't want to serve in our country's War on Terra™? Get with the program.

[NanceGreggs]

6. Apparently their C-in-C ...

... hasn't explained to them how they'll be greeted with sweets and flowers when they get there.

[Cha]

7. So that's why they built

that millions of $$$$ embassy? If there is even one that gets killed..you know that shite won't fly..CLOSE DOWN THE USA EMBASSY! Too bad if they paid haliburton millions of $$$$.

[tridim]

8. Might as well paint a big target on the roof of the embassy,

Because it will be attacked until it's either abandoned or destroyed.

I don't blame anyone for not volunteering as cannon fodder.

[Felinity]

10. Here's the solution

As a bold, brave, and unprecedented show of loyalty to the * Agenda, and leadership to the rank and file of the state department, the Secretary of State (Miss $500 shoes) should move her office to Baghdad. It's called leading by example.

Maybe Congress should refuse to fund the State Dept. budget until she does so.

What d'ya think, Condi? Surely a war-enabler like you would welcome the opportunity to see a little "action."