Baghdad is a city of ruins - of burnt-out homes, of shops wrecked by suicide
bombs, of the crumbling shells of Saddam-era palaces and ministries
destroyed by smart bombs in the US invasion of 2003.
There is one notable exception. It is probably the only big new building
project in the capital in the past four years. It is the new US Embassy on
the west bank of the Tigris which the contractors will transfer to the US
Government officially today.
A towering wall renders the huge new embassy almost invisible from ground
level. For security reasons the State Department has refused all requests
for media tours – promising instead to release pictures of the interior at
some later date. The only way to view it is from the roof of the Babylon
hotel, across the river.
What you can see through the haze of heat and pollution is a complex of two
dozen smart new dun and grey blocks set in 104 acres (42 hectares) of
grounds ringed by that impregnable wall. It is a fortress within the
fortress that is the green zone. It is designed to repel any physical attack
and. when it opens for business in a few weeks, it will be protected by a
detachment of Marines with their own barracks. It is not, however,
invulnerable to criticism.
This is the largest US Embassy built – roughly the size of Vatican City – and
at $600 million (£300 million) the most expensive. At a time when millions
of Baghdadis outside the green zone receive only a couple of hours of water
and electricity daily, Iraqis observe that this project has been completed
on time, on budget, and is entirely self-sufficient with its own fresh water
supply, electricity plant, sewage treatment facility, maintenance shops and
warehouses.
“People are very angry,” said one young Iraqi. “It’s for the Americans, not
for the Iraqis.”
There are two office blocks that will house 1,000 staff, six apartment blocks
containing 619 one-bedroom units, spacious residences for the Ambassador and
his deputy, a school, shopping centre and food court; a swimming pool,
tennis and basketball courts; a gymnasium, cinema, beauty salon and social
club. This is known because the architects – Berger Devine Yaeger, of Kansas
City – posted drawings on its website briefly until the State Department
ordered their removal.
The embassy was built with imported labour. This year a congressional
committee heard charges that First Kuwaiti General Trading & Contracting
told a planeload of Filipino construction workers that they were flying to
Dubai to build hotels and did not admit that they were heading for Baghdad
until they had taken off, forcing them, in effect, to work there.
Critics also portray the new compound as a symbol of American isolation and
occupation, and a sign of how little confidence the US has in Iraq’s future.
Jane Loeffler, an expert on the architecture of embassies, writes in the
latest edition of Foreign Policy magazine: “Encircled by blast walls
and cut off from the rest of Baghdad, it stands out like the crusader
castles that once dominated the Middle East.”
Embassies were traditionally designed to promote interaction with their host
communities, she says, but not this one. “Although US diplomats will
technically be ‘in Iraq’ they may as well be in Washington.
“Although the US Government regularly proclaims confidence in Iraq’s
democratic future, the US has designed an embassy that conveys no confidence
in Iraqis and little hope for their future. Instead, the US has built a
fortress capable of sustaining a massive, long-term presence in the face of
continued violence.”
Edward Peck, a former US Ambassador to Iraq, says in the same magazine: “The
embassy is going to have a thousand people hunkered behind sand-bags. I
don’t know how you conduct diplomacy in that way.”
US diplomats roll their eyes in the face of such verbal assaults. “The size
and scale of the embassy reflects very much our expectation of a strong
long-term relationship with Iraq,” one senior official insisted. “Of course
it’s a fortress. What embassy isn’t nowadays? Is it a tragedy? Of course it
is. It’s a sad statement of the reality of today’s world.”
The relentless criticism clearly grates. “We call it the ‘nec’,” he said. “It
stands for the new embassy compound. And it’s a pain in the neck.”
What I must know, what all Americans MUST know is this: WHY is not ONE politician, especially those running for president either complained or even mentioned the $600 million dollar embassy???? It's a very big deal, our money being spent and something has kept it relatively secret to the general public.
Tonya, Little Rock, AR, USA
Hello,
I do not understand why there is little discussion or dialogue in the American media on the USA Embassy being bulit in iraq, as the USA continues the OCCUPATION of Iraq?
Does the USA think they own Iraq? What do the Iraq people think? We do we not hear from the Iraq people.
WHY IS THERE LITTLE DISCUSSION OR DIALOGUE in the media about the OCCUPATION OF IRAQ BY AMERICA? There is little mention of occupation in Iraq but a continued use of the war in Iraq.
It is quite disturbing to realize that American is OCCUPYING another people's country, IRAQ.
Tammy Roberts
Tammy Roberts, Bellingham, Washington
of course it would be soooo much more sense to have an understaff unprotected embassy in the middle of Baghdad. I'm sure American, Iraqi, and foreign politicians would LOVE to meet somewhere where a suicide bomber could stroll right in. Obviously this is necessary to provide some stability for diplomacy in an area where the region is hostile. I believe that this embassy is actually an attempt to move Americans out of a larger portion of the Green Zone and to give that part of the city and as well as Saddam's palaces back to the Iraqis.
I admit I'm mad as hell about this war but I'm glad to see they are actually doing something and it's shameful that some people don't even want success. This is giving the Iraqis a view of what is possible when the security situation calms down and they can start development around Baghdad without first building a 15ft thick concrete wall. Let's not forget that there will be 8000 people there, who arguably will need that many amenities to get by.
Andy, New York, NY
It is such an abomination. There is one thing though...it has agreat wall but it doesn't have a roof. Maybe that is why Bush wants the missle protection in the Chech Republic. He needs to protect the "Palace". It is as though he were preparing for Armagedon. Is he planning on starting it?
ME, new york,
Abdul Ali, Assalam alaikoum, looks like it is heading that direction InshaAllah, but still the CocaCola empire will be soon shredded, just like any previous ones, hopefully faster than it is spreading. May Allah be with Iran, just to let you with great confidence, that all the Muslims (including Muslims with pointless hyphens) are supporting Iran. You guys have more honor, more brain, more courage, more common sense, and most importantly more Iman than the rest of us. May Allah bless you all and Ramadan Karim.
najjar, Rabat, Maroc
Our world needs new visionaries in politics, literature, the environment, and sustainabnle human co-operation.
Emma H., Ottawa, Can.
If there's any one thing that will set the Iraquis against Americans it is this monstrous example of excess. And we wonder why they hate us.
Doubtom, lemon grove, California
I hope EVERYONE will view Zeitgeist, because this 600 million dollar, 104 acre " USA Supreme Embassy" is part of the master plan! These disgusting steps against humanity are totally explained in Zeitgeist.
The CD or DVD is 2 hours long so you might rather view it on your television screen as opposed to your computer.
View Zeitgeist and SEE why we NEED a PEOPLE's MOVEMENT!
Joy G., Burlington, MA USA
Sad and disgusting. I'm embarassed to be an American when I read things like this.
Brian, Rye, NH
No way would ordinary American citizens be allowed into this thing, or anyone who's not in the In Crowd.
"The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD..." - Psalm 2:2
"And (they) said to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!' " - Revelation 6:16
watchman, Tucson, AZ
There are disused palaces inside the main base in Baghdad which could be worked on, save the US econmoy all the money that has been spent on a new build, which is huge and why they have a fixed camera every 10m pointing in the same direction is beyond me. But the designer knew what he was doing mmmmm I still wonder if they do.
John, Iraq, Baghdad
Building something like this in the heart of the former government zone in the capitol city of Iraq suggests a name other than "nec". That name is "target".
john diamante, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
It is, without doubt, a vuglar display of misplaced Neo-Con Americanism; as much as the war itself was a mistake for this country, so too will this massive monstrosity prove to be another wasted effort on the part of these plutocratic ideologues to stretch their rapidly atrophy military muscle.
It is time for the People of this country to evaluate the entire foreign and domestic policies of this rogue government and toss down this Neo-Conservativism for what it really is: a Fabian Socialist Treason! This branch of Trotskites have embedded themselves like ticks, sucking the life-blood from this country and seeking to dominate others under American Authoritarianism.
As a Jeffersonian Constitutionalist, I not only think it is time to crush this menace, but to rise up and once again restore the Republic of the United States of America to the People! The usurpations, abuses and nullification of Consitutional Law by this Administration equals that of FDR, Wilson, and Lincoln. IN LIBERTY!
republicae-seditionist, Charleston, Republic of South Carolina, USA
A normal sized embassy would have been more appropriate
arckitekt, Boston, MA
Those poor Filipinos. Imagine if that was you or a member of your family. It may not be on a par with the abuses of Abu Graib but the lack of respect for fellow humans makes my blood run cold.
If the Americans are allowed / prepared to do this kind of thing to nationals of allied countries, then I dread to think what else the US govt is prepared to overlook as a means to thier ends.
Julia D, London,
A point that should be given strong considerations is that a fortress is necessary - more necessary than most cases. Shouldn't a host country be responsible for the security of guests? In this case they clearly aren't able and compensating factors have been developed - which tends to support a view of commitment. Commitment which at this point is clearly not favored by the majority of the US public, but which will utlimately provide for better security for this country.
RR, Augusta, USA/GA
Does the USA really need such a mssive fortress in order to control Iraq's oil industry? Couldn't it be done from a smaller building? Perhaps it is required as a Command and Control Centre for Bush's invasion and occupation of Iran.
Neil, Gloucestershire, England
We know that colonial outposts seldom last... this complex is likely to become the new Iraq government's HQ when the Americans get kicked out of the Midlle East.
Pedro Buccellato, Johannesburg, South Africa
ORDER OUT OF CHAOS - all overseen by your friendly democracies turned Police States USA / UK and global banking empires!
Bob, London,
When I read this story I saw to myself look at the long term. Even if the us has great relations with Iraq you have to be a fool to believe that it will last forever. What happens in 30 years a new leader comes into power and makes it unsafe for american, or british, or any "westerns". This way the American government doesn't have a repeat of what happened in Iran and stay protected while doing their jobs.
I could also see this embassy being the central point of diplomacy of the middle east, they could possibly easily use this embassy for staging peace talks of other middle eastern countries or if necessary sheltering American citizens when conditions become unsafe.
At this point they probably have the land for cheap and are planning for the what-ifs in the future. What will annoy me though will be if they say they need to build a brand new embassy later down the line and spend even more money.
Bob, New York,
It takes a lot of real estate to coordinate the syphoning of a countries resources into the pockets of a few.
Jonathan, Auckland,
Doesn't illustrate that they intend to move out shortly does it?
..and after all the bluster about the extravagance of the Saddam palaces.
How very american............"don't do as I do etc etc"...followed by "bigger and glossier than yours Buddy"
Nauseating people these NeoCons !!
Hamish Morrison, LANARK, SCOTLAND
This whole war in Iraq is all about oil and natural gas. What would happen to America's Military Industrial complex, and to its major corporations, if the oil contracts were obtained by China, or held in place by Iraq, Iran, or the already super wealthy, and oil rich, Arab states? America would have to beg for enough oil, and pay super high prices for it, just to exist as the super wealthy feel that they need to exist. This war in Iraq, and our soon to be started war with Iran, is meant too so destroy the stability of the oil producing regions of the middle east that none of the other superpowers will be able to make deals with Iraq or Iran until the Federal Government of the US, and its loyal corporate cronies, has figured out a way to keep most of these resources for its own wealth producing capabilities. This war has nothing to do with a way to promote democracy anywhere, and if you believe that it is all for democracy, you are deluding yourself.This is a war of conquest for wealth.
William Haywood, Centralia, United States/Washington
Once again we see just how we "Americans" gain the distrust of the world. This is not an embassy, it's another way to further cause the world to look at us in an unpopular light. We throw our money around and look as though we could care less about how we are viewed around the world.
I was in Viet Nam in 1967-68 and saw first hand just what the people there thought of us. I heard the comments from foreigners and they haven't changed much in the years since I was there.
We have to stop spending billions on war and millions on buildings for our "elite" and start spending our money where it will do the most good, on peoples of the world.
This is one more example of the "Ugly American" and I'm getting tired of showing the world that we care about us and not them.
M. Mitchell, Brea, Calif.
I'm sure all Iraqi ruling parties and those hoping to take over at any time are very happy with this construction as it will be their new presidential compound the moment they have taken over Iraq and thrown the Americans out.
Victor Dago, Athens, Greece
I expect the US will need a "fortress embassy", the streets of Baghdad will never be safe for Americans to walk upon. The whole thing, if it were not so appallingly tragic for the people of Iraq, would be laughable.
Neil, Gloucestershire, England
I'm sure if it was built in the UK, it would be covered in graffiti by now…….
Not that anyone will need to paint any targets on it
doug, London, Centre of the World
People are so delusional. They justify their actions, and in this case, their presence in Iraq, by saying that it is so violent that they have to have a fortress. Who caused the violence? They put the cart before the horse. Iraq was no especially violent until the Americans arrived. Do they seriously not know why Iraq is so violent? Who are they kidding? The mind boggles.
ANTONIO, Los Angeles,
Britain has had that prime piece of real estate as its Embassy in Tokyo since Moses was a boy. And as for security, I got a car into the grounds completely unchecked with no more distraction than a pretty lady at the wheel. And this was after the 9-11 attacks.
However, the newly constructed US Embassy is another matter. Massive security. The last time I was there in 2004 they told me my Multiple, Indefinite visa was no longer valid. A meaning of the word "indefinite" I was not familiar with. But who in their right senses would want to visit the United States of their own volition and risk falling foul of their over-the-top security?
Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan
This is just another American imperial outpost, a continuation of a process of garrisoning the planet (read: empire-building). I sincerely doubt that people living near Ramstein, Germany (with 10,000+ American personnel); Okinawa, Japan (30,000+); Cuba (Guantanamo Bay); South Korea (50,000+); and dozens of other countries forced to 'host' American imperialists, militarists and advocates of the globalisation of American capitalism are surprised by this. These are facts of American foreign policy, which are neither unique to this Bush administration nor likely to end with his departure.
brent, dili, timor-leste
What an embarrassment. No wonder Americans are reviled around the world. Meanwhile--1800 Iraqis dead this month. Support our troops? If we didn't have a bunch of damn fools signing up, we couldn't have foolish wars. Time for a draft-only army.
ugly American, Gunnison , usa, Colorado
benevolent global hegemony in progress, lead by Darth Cheney and the dark side crowd. What happened to America?
rod jones, mesa,
Hmmmm it seems the americans have extended their rendition flights to include finding potential employees "willing " to work in Iraq.
The lunatics have taken over the asylum , hope there is good access for helicopters on the roof!!!
Chris, Brisbane, Australia
Isn't it interesting that among the embassies of the world it is usually the US that constructs the most impregnable buildings. If the US was so well liked and respected throughout the world, as they like to think they are, they would have no need for the fortress-like buildings which are largely inacessible to the people in whose country they have been built. In any city around the world it is the US that has grabbed the best location in the city for its embassy and which has built a grossly oversized and well fortified structure..
As an American I hope and pray that the day will come when our country stops doing the horrible things that bring justified hatred upon us. I want us to stop trying to dominate the world and force our world view on other countries. We are not the world and it is time that our government learned that simple truth.
Jan, San Francisco, USA
Wow... since this article ONLY covers the embassy, we can ALL safely concluded that there are no hospitals going up. No schools. No power plants. No water treatment plants. No police offices or fire stations. That would be the I-didn't-think-this-through conclusion.
OR, you could figure out that those things were the first priority are have been the work of much of the last four years and the next step was providing the official location for the office staff that will facilitate commerce and contact from now on.
L J Bryk, Ann Arbor, MIchigan
Did the US "acquire" that much land for an embassy the size of Vatican City by reducing that area to rubble by US cruise missiles and smart bombs?
Pat Maguire, St. Marys, USA
First things first, ORANGE for God's sake, whatever could have possessed them. I suppose just like Nimrod, the megalomaniacs of the brash US military-industrial complex want to stand out.
A regional command & control centre to hold the strategic intercontinental transport routes & natural resources. Probably not making plans to leave anytime soon.
SC, London, United Kingdom
I think it is an insult to all Iraqi's that after removing the tyrant from that very spot, you build your embassy there. 104 Acres! not any old 104 acres, right in the middle of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the region... imagine having to go around that everyday... what a reminder of occupation!
Osama, Newcastle,
Most things that have been rebuilt in Iraq especially essential services, are being systematically destroyed by those who perpetuate the lie that they want their country free of the US. It would be a nonsense to build something that does not properly serve & protect embassy staff. Being any one other than an Iraqi would you pop down to the local shops in Iraq & survive. No you wouldn't & nor do many Iraqi's without being shot at, kidnapped or bombed. Ignorance is not just a facet of poor & underprivilaged, it is also a facet of underdeveloped intelectuals
iain, Doncaster, UNITED KINGDOM
Mr. new embassy, meet Mr. mortar bomb.
Juuju, Lancaster, UK
I am ashamed of the American government and its new embassy. Those who pay attention to the price ($600 million) neglect to acknowledge the real cost (between 100,000 and 1 million dead Iraqis).
But America won't own that embassy for so very long. Iraq is slipping out of America's hands. Soon enough the Iraqis will "invite" the Americans to leave, and the Americans will have no choice except to leave.
When America leaves Iraq that event will be analogous to when Rome left Britain. America's empire is dying, the American nation is bankrupt, and Western Civilization's era of bloody dominance over the entire Earth is coming to an end.
I apologize to all the Iraqis for all the suffering which they have experienced and will experience because of George W. Bush's crime against humanity in Iraq.
In a just world, George W. Bush would stand trial for all the civilians killed by American aggressive warfare.
David, St. Petersburg, fl, USA
Out of curiosity, can anyone point me to a picture of the British Embassy in Iraq, or any other?
I wonder if they are built without defense, or a means of being self-sufficient?
David, Huntsville, USA/AL
Come on guys !!!! what do you think is going there? You are slaves of you're own media. I'm not a fan of Saddam, but at least he didn't kill nearly 500 people a day. Hah.. Terror against who... Americans? When you invaded Iraq there was no food in that country, how about weapons of mass distructon.. where is it? Colin Paul said he's ashamed of "the great presentation" he did at the United Nations.. it was all animation.. you're government are directing the war as if they are directing a low budget movie! Is this the democracy you promised to bring to Iraq? We are talking interests guys.. money.. and nothing else .. it's all about personal interest and wealth.
Ahmad, Amman, Jordan
American Empire - Coming to a capital city near you. The Nazi's and Soviets were pansies compared to the great coming of the Red, White and Blue. Be afraid. Learn to cower.
Edward, Clearwater, FL
This embassy was built, and the builder received massive amounts of money to build it. Like other projects that Bush gives to his buddies (blackwater, haliburton, etc), this one gives his friends a massive amount of dough, regardless of the outcome. If the US decides to stay in Baghdad, they have this embassy. If they decide to leave, well, then their friend still pocketed from this project and made hundreds of millions. Win-win situation, in the neo-con and Bush mind.
Jay, Cleveland, OH
Take a look at the ignorant and bigoted comments from the Americans who "see nothing wrong" with Fortress America in Iraq while Iraqis go without electricity, medicine and clean water (and America's levees and bridges are crashing down around us). Why, I bet these folks call themselves "christians," yet there is nothing Christ-like in genocide and pure greed. All these conservative rednecks like Jill and Brian came out from under the rocks when Junior Bush was placed in the White House. Most Americans are sick to death of Bush and his 'bots, as well as a Congress that has sold out to special interests. Thinking Americans are fighting this adminstration without violence - so far. My greatest wish is seeing Bush-Cheney at the Haugue and the hateful faux "Christians" slithering back under their rocks and into obscurity once again.
Kat, St. Paul, Minnesota
If Rove told Condi to build it with big walls, you know she said - how high? This is a great plan to win the hearts and minds, eh Georg? Just imagine the future, sordid deals that will occur in there. Something like Mahdi Army deserters hired by the CIA will move Afghani opium thru the new embassy to raise money for Sunni faction armies aimed at attacking Iran. Or somethings like that.
Colin P., Beltway, VA
This will be the headquarters of the Antichrist, until he tries to grab Jerusalem. The United States was just used by the NWO to bring this about.
Maybe this sounds strange now, but wait and see what happens.
watchman, Tucson, AZ
How can the american government builid something this gross and big in a country where they have killed hundreds of thousands of innocents and that they have destroyed? The fact that the people are still suffering amongst the rubble should surely shame any government?
I think we just need to take a look at New Orleans after hurricane katrina (two years on!) to see how much the american government care about people. If they don't care about their own, how can they possibly care about others?
This is sickening. Hearts and minds? If i was an iraqi it would make me hate them even more.
kim, london, england
This article and some ensuing comments are hilarious. Radical lefties are truly getting scared and desperate to paint Iraq as a failure. I sense we may be reaching a tipping point here.
Every embassy is a fortress. The US embassy here in Canada is a massive, heavily fortified building smack in the middle of the capital, Ottawa.
The fact that the US built a huge embassy in Baghdad _obviously_ indicates that they are optimistically investing in Iraq for the long term. As the senior official correctly stated, “the size and scale of the embassy reflects very much our expectation of a strong long-term relationship with Iraq."
Lefties have been yelling and screaming and whining for years now. It's getting very old.
David Lantos, Toronto, Canada
Not sure how to view this... On the one hand, it shows an air of arrogance with the US developing a state-of-the-art complex, using primarily imported labor. And I think this is the view most people take it initially. On the other hand, it can also be viewed as the US setting an example to the rest of the community to build up something similar. But the question is whether this is realistic? Are the Iraqis capable of making similar types of structures? Do they even have the means, in terms of the labor, skills, and money to build anything remotely similar? Probably not, so the US doing this might be way too early. If anything, I think we should have done this in Afghanistan where the real problem is, and inspire people to do something similar in order to prove that the Taliban is worthless.
Mike, San Jose, CA
I often wonder how many troops died while transporting the materials overland and through insurgent territory for building the swimming pool and tennis courts?
Oh! I forgot. The U.S. said it had no intention of staying in Iraq.
I guess it was simpler to supply water to a swimming pool then it was to supply drinking water to Iraqis.
Calm
Calm, Toronto, Canada
God forbid that we do not see another ocupied territory in the middle East. The consequences will be everlasting wars. The killing will be directed at the inhabitants who have never been consulted. It is what we call an INSURGENCY. US will stay until every drop of oil is extracted from impoverished Iraq
delia sweeney, Sydney, Austrlalia
Maybe if the U.S spent that $600m on building a stae of the art hospital instead, they would start to win the battle for hearts and minds.
Jim Yourke, Paris,
It really does speak volumes for "winning hearts and minds."
Farrukh, Woking, UK
$600 million could have been spent for rebuilding our infrastructure, for aiding those still suffering in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region, could provide healthcare for our millions who are lacking basic care, could rebuild hundreds of eroding schools, could have hired more firefighters, police and teachers, could have sent our very own citizens to college, could feed our own citizens.
But no. $600 of taxpayer money was squandered to the alter of greed and inhumanity.
johnson, los angeles, california
Since the majority of Iraqis would like to see the back of the US occupation forces as soon as possible, and rightly so, one wonders why we are building anything there at all.
At least the British people have a leader who realizes this terrible misadventure isn't worth anyone else dying for.
Donald, Austin, Texas
Michael G. is not describing the British Embassy in Tokyo that I'm familiar with. Now if he meant US Embassy, Tokyo, I could totally agree.
Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan
This is *NOT* an embassy. !
.
An embassy needs no more than 50 people (often a dozen or so) unless it is a MAJOR nation such as the UK, Germany, China, Russia or Japan (then a couple of hundred all told).
.
This is an Occupancy HQ, We will need 1,000 desks to oversee occupation and control, not normal diplomatic affairs.
The Iraqi Embassy should be fortified, and have room for 50 to 80 desks, not 1,000 !
.
I do wonder where the helipad is, just as we needed one for the Embassy in Saigon (now used by the Ministry of Fisheries I believe). Such is the fate of occupiers who lose control.
Alan Drake, New Orleans, Louisiana
Evidence that no way is the US ever leaving Iraq.
Ingmar, Copenhagen,
Reading this thread is fascinating as a window into the extraordinary level of anti-American hatred in Britain. The embassy seems to me to a questionable enterprise, but the response to is wildly out of proportion. The anger and bitterness are so intense that it raises the question of where relations between our two nations will go from here: it would seem to me self-evident that the alliance is at an end, but then we are left with having to define what is next..
Tourism and business relations have already suffered. It is likely that they will continue to decline. The end result of this sort of crude bogotry is usually a permanent altering of relations. What form will it take?
jwellington, Chicago,
No Weapons of Mass Destruction. No Sadam Hussein. Billions of Dollars spent, but no Infrastructure/Services ????What is America doing in Iraq??? Fighting Terrorism, I do not think so. more like breeding/increasing the Terrorism situation.
How would Americans feel/react to foreign power taking over America???
Paul Keogh, Dublin, Ireland
I think the criticism of this structure is pretty pathetic... There is no way at this point in time the embassy could be anything else but a fortress. I think this strengthens the US involvement in Iraq's future and bodes well for for the government's confidence in being there for the long haul. I'm so sick of the bad blood towards Americans because it often seems we're damned if we do and damned if we don't. Had we built an easy in/easy out embassy there would be criticism that we aren't protecting our diplomats. How about we blame Iraq's failing new government, or the terrorists in Iraq and Iran for some of these problems? It seems very easy to blame the US for issues in Iraq and the middle east, but the simple fact is that no other country or group of nations would have the will or the means to take on such an extraordinary task. Why don't we suggest to the Iraqi's that they stop killing each other and start working together... then maybe we wouldn't need a building like this.
Edward, New Haven, CT
Why does Iraq, a relatively small, now decidedly third-world country, need the largest, most expensive U.S. embassy in the world?
In the short-term, it will be nothing more than a target for every anti-American terrorist.
In the long-term, it will be nothing more than a monument to America's failed dreams of hegemony, domination and Empire.
RAS, Bloomfield Hills, USA/ MI
Very insightful article! This should awake the dormant American people to the outrageous crimes and violations committed by this government. Understand We the People of the United States do not support these undertakings. This is war on terror is a farce.
The world needs to come together in the name of individuality of every nation not to interfere with one another, history has shown the results. America and the world need Ron Paul. Google Ron Paul his stance on foreign affairs is right on the money, for everyone.
steve wells, tracy, united states,california
A follow up to my first comment:
To John in London: Re-read my comments and you'll see that I don't claim to "love" the embassy. It's a neccessary evil in a violent country, end of story. I'm not sidesteping the issue of where responsibility ultimately lies for the current state of affairs (it's the US!), so don't bother muddling the argument.
To Charley in London: The "crusader" analogy has long surpased it's cleverness, crossing into the realm of trite cliche at this point. Since the rest of your argument digenerates into issues not raised by me or the author of the article, there's no need for me to comment on them.
Thanks to Michael for giving us the perspective from a british embassy in Tokyo. It's simply a different world we live in today and it would be naive to ignore the necessity of security.
Brian, Iowa City, USA
It isn't really a fortress, more of a target. I would assume that someone will be looking for the Filipino construction workers and their families, just to ask a few questions. Not all filipinos are Catholic.
Tim C, Southern England, UK
This is confirmation of Frank Gardner's (BBC journalist for the Middle East) comment on America's position there : "The Americans know how to make themselves comfortable in a war zone."
Another comment from a journalist: Americans commute to war with their homeland safe and 8000 miles away.
How much longer?
M A Coles, Cambridge, UK
In response to Colin from Cairo, no, not all Americans are brain dead. There are millions of us who are appalled at what is being done in our name. Our property is being forcibly extracted from us and squandered in futile nation-building fiascoes all over the world.
It is important to distinguish between people of a nation and its government. The monstrous Bush administration and the spineless Democrats that control Congress have betrayed us all. Thousands are dying as a result. Unfortunately, people continue to place blind faith in governments to solve problems. The results should be self-evident.
In case you doubt my claim, Colin, are you proud of the Mubarak regime and its brutal tactics? I hope not.
Steve Hogan, Sunnyvale, California, USA
What a boondoggle! What arrogance! What a challenging target!
Nick Wheeler, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
In the world we live in, the USA, it is easy for some to criticize spending vast amounts of money to protect our diplomatic forces, while they live in safety of our land.
Frank Krystopher, Austin, Texas
And who will the US embassy be representing? Can't see many US citizens wanting / willing to visit the area. It seems like there'll be more Americans inside the compound than outside (if you exclude the military). Will it be an all-inclusive resort?
David, West Drayton, UK
The Jihadi's must be thanking Allah - every day the people of Baghdad will see this Palace towering over them, every day the Jihadi's will show this proof of American anti-Islamism
About the only good thing about it is that it will encourage the Jihadi's to attack the embassy rather than the "wrong sort of Muslims"
alan, edinburgh, uk
How do we know it cost $600,000,000? It may have cost twice that amount. And what if Iraq is broken apart into its natural units? Is there enough oil in that section for commerce? Will the embassy just sit there and rot away? For the contractors that got the money, they don't really care: they've got the money.
Roger Ritthaler, Texas City, USA/TX
I'm sure if the Iraqi's came to America and destroyed large parts of your infrastructure and murdered civilians in the name of freedom and then built a giant embassy with cinemas and bars you would feel differently about it being a non-story, please wake up, for your own sake.
peace and love
stuart alexander, liverpool, uk
This is what happens when people think that governments should do whatever they want; they will start to do anything they want.
The American people don't have control over their government, and it's been that way for a while now. You can thank the Progressives of the early 1900s for it.
justaguy, Washington, D.C.,
I understand the reporter's point of view. The embassy should have a target where terrorists would point their weapons in order to kill the people inside it. How can Americans build a embassy with this infrastructure in such a peaceful place?
Guilherme Iannotti, Guarapari, Brasil
I have to say....it is quite a fortress. But then again what "other" countries have built an embassy in Iraq?
But with the statements that Alan and JimBob have said....yes the Bush Administration has lost it way...that is of course if it's ever had a direction. The US citizen had made Bush and his Admin. such a "rogue power"...funny Iraq went from having one dictator that they knew to the next who wants to "crusade" them into change!!!
Jeb, Paradise City, FL
Yes...I mean what is the big deal. How else are the enlightened supposed to show the savages who are in charge?
Goldhorder, Cecil, OH
Would you rather them have a porta-cabin or two, several converted shipping containers, or perhaps a tent city. I'd be far more surprised if the Americans had spent millions and got relatively nothing for their money. Stop wasting reporting resources and concentrate on what is really happening in Iraq, rather than what colour the walls of the US embassy are.
Erik Muller, Munich, Germany
Every US embassy and consulate all over the world is a fortress. In this precarious time, what's wrong with it? Western media, particularly those from the European Left , like to pour scorn to America - the government and the people. They, however, never dare to touch Islamic fundamentalists, be they in Middle East or in their own country. What a shame!
James Wong, Macau,
No wonder they hate us so much! Inmagine if China does the same thing in DC. Will we allow that?
Juan, Boston, MA
When I read this story I saw to myself look at the long term. Even if the us has great relations with Iraq you have to be a fool to believe that it will last forever. What happens in 30 years a new leader comes into power and makes it unsafe for american, or british, or any "westerns". This way the American government doesn't have a repeat of what happened in Iran and stay protected while doing their jobs.
I could also see this embassy being the central point of diplomacy of the middle east, they could possibly easily use this embassy for staging peace talks of other middle eastern countries or if necessary sheltering American citizens when conditions become unsafe.
At this point they probably have the land for cheap and are planning for the what-ifs in the future. What will annoy me though will be if they say they need to build a brand new embassy later down the line and spend even more money.
bob, New York, US
The comparison to a crusader castle is apt. It ought to be called Nimrod Fortress II.
Cedric, Minneapolis, USA
It's awesome.
And on time & budget :-D
America Rocks!
Just make sure that hotel rooftop stays secure.
reddy kilowatt, Green Bay, WI
There is nothing about this "embassy" that indicates a withdrawal of american troops any time soon. We will stay in Iraq until we have established a financial system under our control, a market dominated by anglo-american and franco-german corporations, and secure pipelines capable of transporting out of the country the oil and gas we need to fuel the western war machine for another couple of decades. It's realpolitik and it's dirty business.
Recognise that this is not a humanitarian mission, It never was. It is nothing but economic imperialism and quite obviously so.
John Warner, Washington DC, USA
Not one single comment on the fact that it was built by kidnapped Filipino labour? I guess that is what really underlines the unique 'values' of this regime.
iman, Watford,
This embassy is obviously very large, expensive, and reinforced against attack. I fail to see the problem with this. It's a war zone and the country is the focal point for Al Qaeda terrorism. It would be extremely stupid to put a bunch of diplomats in a location that was easy to attack. Keep in mind that this country is next door to Iran which specializes in kidnapping and extortion. Iran's meddling has included attempts to kidnap US troops, holding British military forces hostage, and funding attacks. Iran would adore having a easy shot at grabbing the diplomats. If it wasn't large, it would be easier to attack. Having a self-contained system for water, electricity, and sewage means it could hold out for a while in the event of trouble. I recall Saddam Hussein cut power to the embassy before Gulf War 1. Unfortunately, all this is expensive, but there's no other choice if we're to have a working embassy in such a critical country.
Jill, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
New dictator, new palace.
anarchistica, Zaandam, The Netherlands
What an embarrassment for all Americans. How many Americans who are not employed by the government or government contractors have ever even been to Iraq? I'd bet the number is below 10,000. That fact alone should lay bare that this is a colonial outpost. Iraq never was and never will be a country of importance to the US, except in the crazed minds of neocons.
W Faber, San Jose, CA, US
I love America.
I love new construction and state of the art technology.
How could I not love seeing this?
I just worry about its safety because the haji have lots of nasty projectile weapons and there's no way to armor the air above the compound.
Plus, diplomats and staff still have to fly into and out of Baghdad airport.
Risky business, but magnificent (on time, on budget :-)
js, Green Bay, WI
This is a much more reliable statement of US foreign policy than any an American president could make. Firstly, it says that the USA is not going to adapt it s policies to suit other countries, and, secondly, it firmly demolishes the myth of American isolationism. It represents the new American imperialism.
Henry Percy, London, UK
I have seen the embassy, its right here in the GZ. To be honest its ridiculus. The exterior is painted orange, kinda reminds me of some place in Miami. Too flashy for anything thats supposed to be subtle, especially here in Baghdad. I think the US govt committed many mistakes, and this is one of them. Paying such a ridiculus amount, and for what???They lost the war, now theyve lost the people's trust...What a shame
Neurotic Iraqi Wife, Baghdad-Green Zone, Iraq
An armed fortress is one thing. This is entirely another. We Americans obliterated their infrastructure to the point that they still don't have running water or electricity but for sparse hours a day, yet we build a MAMMOUTH palace in their midst? I'm sorry world. Sorry for what we have done and sorry for Halliburton Estates erected on the blood of so many.
Christy, Philadelphia, PA
Were they supposed to build a small, unprotected compound?
political umpire, London, UK
Ever see a British Embassy? I just returned from Tokyo: A safe, civilized country; yet this embassy is an huge, armed fortress. Why? Because people like you would criticize it, if it wasn't, and suffered an attack. Why don't you wise-up. This is the most violent place on earth, which is why they're there is the first place.
Michael G., Bern, CH
It seems that the U.S. Administration has lost the plot in Iraq...not to mention New Orleans.
Alan, Jystrup., Denmark
As an American, I am sickened. How did the Bush administration become such a rogue power, all the while trumpeting the virtues of democracy?
JimBob, Encino, CA, USA
My, the mantle of Empire. Although the Americans have stepped into the shoes where the British were a century ago, at least the British can take credit for better architecture.
N. Waters, Mississauga, Canada
Good day everyone, one day, Insha Allah soon, the Irakis will end up using that so called US embassy, and transform it either as a real Iraki government district, much like the one in Rabat where most of ministries are near the Royal palace, they were all built by the French, or as University City. This US embassy is a very minuscule project compared to past colonial completed projects. After all more than this has been built by the British and the French during their heydays as colonial powers, they built most of the infrastructures because they thought they would be there forever (triple LOL) and not out of charity for the indigenous populations (for whom they could care less) but for their own usage, since 99% of the indigenous during that colonial time were kept out the ‘European cities’ and segregated. I wish all the posters a very good day from Morocco. There is always a positive outcome, after all.
najjar, Rabat, Maroc
I dont understand the point of builing the largest embassy in the world in a country that you invaded illegally and occupied against international law. Being the largest building, it will surely be the easiliest target for the Iraqi to constantly attacks. I dont see how Iraqis will tolerate a symbol of occupation right in the heart of their capital. Like the Iranisn in 1979, Iraqi too are bound to accuse US of using the embassy for creating all sort choas in Iraq. They may even take hostages like the Iranians. Building this embassy was a bad idea at this point. US should have waited a bit longer. It would have been wise of US to first win the hearts and minds of Iraqi before provoking them with this kind of embassy. Unless US makes up for its mistakes, I dont think the embassy will stay open for long.
Z Hussain, Rochdale, UK
Bigger than Saddams
I wonder how much of the carnage is attributable to that phrase.
RUCerious, Bothell, WA
What a double standard. Everyone says they are tired of people dying, but when we build an embassy that is designed to do just that, everyone looses it. It is simply another example of how the U.S. can do nothing right. It really doesn't matter what we do. Every action makes someone angry. As far as the luxury of the embassy, I don't hear anyone complaining about all of the embassies in Africa that are the same in comparison. Where are the critics here? All western countries have such embassies. Hypocrisy is rampant these days. It is hard to deny that it is wrong for so much luxury to be given to coalition forces, while Iraqis are living how they are. I would be surprised if a nice building could be built in Baghdad that would not be blown up immediately. It wouldn't bring positive responses anyway if we did build such things for Iraq.
Ben Horner, Georgia, United States
It is in the style of the Ugly American. I have a grandson who is a Marine who fought in Iraq. I don't think this is the sort of thing he was fighting for.
Carolyne, East Greenwich, RI, US
The Americans should be carefull, empires on the edge of destruction usualy build palaces and tell the natives "let them eat cake" just before they fall...........
andrew w , chester,
You can tell exactly where US interests lie in Iraq with the construction of this building, one that requires less man power to keep secure so that when the US massively reduce troop numbers they will still control Iraq. Their interests do not lie with the 'liberation' of the Iraqi people but the long-term security of US interests in the region in the form of a $600 million fortress. Reminds me of what Edward I did in Wales 800-odd years ago!
Bob, grease, UK
Responding to Murph's comments ( from Madisonville USA) Please explain what on earth we have to grateful to Americans for........??.(the ingratitude you refer to) Its about time Americans realised that they are not universally admired and respected around the world as they believe themselves to be. Quite the opposite in fact. Wake up and smell the coffee !!! (Isn't that what you say??)
Richard, Stockholm, Sweden
I agree that building such an embassy shows our commitment to Iraq and that we are not just there for the moment.
Ben Horner, Georgia, United States
What a disgrace. We had no business invading that country, and now colonizing it, and there are many many of us, my parents included, who are literally counting the days until the Bush Administration is OVER. I read a bumper sticker not too long ago that said, "It's going to take Hillary 2 terms to clean this mess up!"
Mark, Shepherdstown, US
Yes Brian. A few thousand Iraq lives come cheap and really a non issue in your big American opinion. Isn't it?
Eric, Hong Kong, China
This will only cause extreme anger in the Islamic world & thousands of foreign Islamic fighters will flood into Iraq to help fight of US invaders. Americans do not realize that they are at war with 1.5 billion Muslims world wide. When the Americans are eventually forced out of Iraq, Iran will fill the vacuum.
Abdul Ali, Tehran, Iran
This is not an embassy. What need is there for an embassy of this size and scope in ANY country, let alone such a small one as Iraq? Let us call it what it is intended to be, which is a Regional Imperial Command and Control Center.
How things have changed! For a couple of years our next door neighbor in Baghdad was an American embassy family. They arrived in our neighborhood a family of three - father, who worked at the embassy, mother, and toddler daughter. They lived in the same conditions we did, got their water from the same city water supply, used the same electrical system, ate the same food, walked and drove on the same streets. While they lived there the mother gave birth to a baby boy. The birth took place at an Iraqi maternity hospital. Now they would live inside a walled fortress completely out of contact with Iraq and Iraqis. How things have changed!
Hurria, San Francisco, CA
Iraq will now become a colony state of the U.S. The U.S does not want illegal aliens in the United States but if they do it to another country, well thats O.K.
bro. john cosmas damien, El Paso, TX. USA
It is was built to spy and control the new superpower like China and India. They better be careful since the next decade is for Asia as China and India are becoming strong economically/
Ally Warsame, London, UK
Why do they keep calling it "the largest U.S. Embassy"? Is it not the largest embassy of any country anywhere at any time? And why is no one asking the most obvious question - why does any diplomatic mission need to be so large in ANY country, let alone one the size of Iraq?
The answer is, of course, also something no one seems to be addressing. This is not intended to be an embassy constructed, staffed and maintained for the purpose of conducting diplomacy with a host country. This is intended as a command and control center from which the United States will run Iraq. And more than that, it is to be a REGIONAL command and control center. It should be called The Regional Imperial Command and Control Center, not embassy.
Hurria, San Francisco,
I'm a little surprised this is front page news, but at the same time, if what the article is claiming is true - the building process of the embassy has been under rather dodgy circumstances (re: imported labour for instance) which I'm guessing is something the American congress would/should be interested in investigating?
On the other hand... one has to be impressed that this was built on-time/within budget, as far as I know, that rarely happens in the UK for whatever reason, especially when it comes to major projects.
If the staff in the embassy can perform their work much much better for the Iraqi people, then money well spent I guess. If not ...
Mohican B, London,
So from now on, every U.S. embassy needs double ring, concentrated defense line? I guess Edward the first feels really proud of his castles. And every U.S. citizens should feel that way.
tonton, Far east,
Insteresting. 2 replies from the US. Don't you have your own newspapers to read, or all they all full of propaganda? if it's not newsworthy Brian from Iowa, why did you read it?
Pete, Empire Bay, Australia
I take exactly the opposite view to Brian. This is a very under-reported story, and I find it telling that he is so concerned about the coverage. The analogy of a crusader fortress is well made in the article and it's significance will be willed away by those who still support the US presence there. This "war" that these fortifications are meant to protect against, is not some random battle between savages that's been going on for decades, with the US and it's new embassy as unfortunate observers, as US neo-cons are now trying to revise history to make us believe. The US has broken this country and through it's, and few others', action, caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocents..and many of us believe that the drivers for this war were never democracy or WMD, but instead the destruction of the strongest military standing in Israel 's way (now this label has been shifted to Iran) and using Iraq as a (crusader) base to implement the Project for a New American Century.
Charley, London, UK
Yet another public relations fiasco.
Will someone please tell me are all Americans completely brain dead or is it only the hierarchy? One former army chief has commented that the US is "intellectually bankrupt" regarding its handling of Iraq. Rather kind words as it assumes there was intellect there in the first place.
Talk to people here in Egypt about this story and their reaction is one of 'what do you expect from the Americans - their priorities have nothing to do with the Iraqi people'.
Americans should understand that they are generally despised in this region and this is compounded by building such a vast complex with full working services before, or at least in tandem with, providing basic amenities for the populace of the city.
Colin , Cairo, Egypt
Good target for missiles.
john doe, New York, USA/NY
Brian, your taxes are paying for it so I hope you love it as much as you claim to.
John, London, UK
Is this the time to build palaces in Iraq ? Ask yourself . Its Baghdadi - USA palace only for americans and you can see the image it has abroad. How could a county like USA build palaces if it want peace and democracy in the worn torn country. Thier policy is getting really worse and this is why people go to extreme levels. People, just have a think why they are going to build such a palace with a swimming pool, gym, etc.
yacob le andres, UK,
Hahaha that is what you call American Democracy and War on Terror. I would call it COLONISATION! I just can't understand why would you attack a country that did not allow separatism and Muslim Fundamentalism. Saddam was great at that! He didn't care about religion!
You cannot bring "democracy" into a muslim society. And one more thing would you call it a democracy anywhere in the world and when freedom of speechwhen in fact it is controlled by americans therefore not being able to speak freely.
GLOBALISATION= COLONISATION
Nick , Derby , UK
Did they actually pay for their 42 hectares or did they just take it?
Richard, Stockholm, Sweden
Its a 600 million investment. The complainers should realize that the money that will flow thru that to them will pale in comparision to its building costs. You know its funny. If we brought in a couple dozen trailers for an embassy these same nay sayers would twist there complaints to say we were ready to leave in a minute. As an American I get pretty sick of the potshots, whining, and ingratitude thrown at us. That money would have fixed a lot of problems here at home.
Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY
It used to be called the Colonial Rulers Residence. Today its called the US Embassy.
Jack Tabor, Santa Monica, CA, US
Yes, It's for the Americans, but it's in Iraq!
I can't understand!
zanzhi, Chengdu, China
Yet another non-issue given four times the amount of press needed. Sure, it's a "catchy" story that juxtaposes the swift and efficient process of building something for the Americans with the utter failure at building basic infrastructure for the Iraqis, but that's hardly enough to write an entire article about. As for the short-shrift the writer gives to American officials' response to criticisms, unfortunately the officials have got it right: what American embassy isn't a fortress these days? I'm a realist, but only a dreamer would build an embassy in Iraq without proper fortifications under times of "relative peace," let alone during the war that's going on over there now.
Brian, Iowa City, USA
The new embassy is the forbidden city for Iraqis, more proof that the country is nothing more than a US colony.
Mark, Newcastle,
“Of course it’s a fortress. What embassy isn’t nowadays? Is it a tragedy? Of course it is. It’s a sad statement of the reality of today’s world.â€
Excuse Mr Senior Official...who is responsible for the state of today's world?!
mikewhills, Beirut, Lebanon