Seems the WP decided to do a piece on life in the IZ. It is well-worth reading. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/04/AR2008010404125.html
i would not agree with many of the dtails, but the general tone is correct - the embassy has moved from a place where campaign youngsters were building democracy in Iraq between dance parties to a place where seasoned professionals work diligently with Iraqis to help them re-build their country, establish the rule of law, revitalize the economy, and re-awaken ethnic and communal tolerance. if our expectations are lower, that is because we are more realistic. as a student of history, including araba nationalism in the the inter-war years, I know a bit about how difficult a slog it is/will be for the the Iraqis to develop a society and political system appropriate to the nation and of service to all their people. it won't be the work of weeks or months, but years.
on a different note, it snowed this morning in Baghdad. yes, it snowed here on the banks of the tigris. no accumulation and no real effects on the population. it is cold here now, down into freezing overnight, and overcast and chilly during the day. i imagine our peruvian guards are familiar with these conditions if they are from certain areas in Lima or higher elevations of Peru.
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2 comments:
EgS,
I read through your blog, and quite enjoyed your articles. Sounds like you feel inspired and are enjoying yourself, in spite of the difficulties.
I will arrive, probably the beginning of September 08. Please say hello to your hoochmate for me, sorry I missed her at Christmas. Glad to know that you are both legally married, and fully acceptable to all political parties!
Finkielink from Yaounde
Finkielink,
i'll pass on regards to my hoochmate. Lord knows what will happen if we ever move into the apartments - will i have to produce certified copies of my marriage license for GSO?
Cheers, Ed S.
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