Baghdad: Functional Monument to US Completed
I don’t know; I just don’t like the sound of this — read, from the World Tribune:
A Kuwait contractor has concluded the construction of the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. […]
The $474 million facility is the largest U.S. embassy in the world, with 619 apartments for staffers as well as restaurants, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, volleyball court, and indoor Olympic-size swimming pool.
Hey good idea — let’s shrug off charges of imperialism by constructing an enormous functional monument to ourselves in a country which we’ve recently invaded. Yeah!
I hate to sound like a Democrat here, but I don’t think an elaborate US-only compound will give off the best impression of our country, considering it’s surrounded by a war-torn city chock full of residents who aren’t too fond of the US in the first place.
Speaking of Democrats, here’s what Sen. Patrick Leahy said about it (found here):
Now, having said over and over again that we don’t want to be seen as an occupying force in Iraq, we’re building the largest embassy that we have — probably the largest in the world — in Baghdad.
Remember: I’m a guy that supports the War in Iraq — well, initially, at least. But this new embassy just seems to project a bad vibe. What do you think?
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Whether or not this is good or bad depends on your long term vision for Iraq. If, like Obama or Clinton, your only concern is abandoning Iraq as quickly as possible, then an embassy this large is outrageous. However, if you are commited to the goal of bringing peace to Iraq and maintaining a close relationship with Iraq, then the large embassy is a symbol for our commitment to the stability and development of Iraq.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:33 am
This is just absurd…
It sends the wrong message to the world. Luxury should not have been a priority in the building of this embassy.
I like your perspective Price, but still, I just don’t know that this was a smart move. Ethan seems to have the right idea - It’s a bit over indulgent for two reasons:
1: Location - need I say more?
2: America is already seen with a silver spoon in it’s mouth. We’re in Iraq to oust tyrannical leadership and help a struggling country gain it’s footing, yet we have time to build an elaborate fortress right in the heart of their suffering… it’s almost like staking a flag at the top of the highest Iraqi mountain… I have to say the story has even rubbed me the wrong way, and as a supporter of the war, that’s tough to do!
But again… I like your take on it Price…