''Incoming is coming in every day, rockets are hitting the Green Zone,'' said Jack Croddy

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/world/630425,CST-NWS-dip01.article

U.S. diplomats angry over Iraq 'death sentence'

'WHO WILL RAISE OUR CHILDREN' | State Department makes war zone service mandatory for foreign officers

November 1, 2007
BY MATTHEW LEE

WASHINGTON -- 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 hourlong town-hall meeting, they peppered officials responsible for 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 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 protected ''Green Zone,'' and 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 Croddy, a senior foreign service officer who once worked as a political adviser with NATO forces.

[shadowknows69]

1. Am I a bad person for having little sympathy for these diplomats?

THe line "They knew what they were signing up for" which is used against our soldiers a lot would apply here I think.

[shaniqua6392]

2. But they are all saying that the situation in Iraq

is getting so much better!! I don't feel sorry for them a bit. They are U.S. DIPLOMATS and they should serve their country. This is what they are being asked to do by their mighty leader, George Bush. If they don't like it then they should quit their jobs. Diplomats can not just sit in D.C in a cushy office and go home at the end of the day. They don't speak out against Bush or this occupation in Iraq until it might be their asses on the line. Our soldiers are put in this position every minute of every day.

[wtmusic]

3. Why the hell isn't Condi over there

Six months in the Green Zone might might even shake her allegiance to Chevron

[MetaTrope]

4. Maybe McCain can take them shopping in the local market

Just to show them how safe things are.

[bigscott]

5. if you dont like it

QUIT! quit your job and go public with the reasons why. perhaps someone countering the constant "it is getting so much better" bullshit from the administration would help to get the message across.

[jody]

6. "against their will to serve in a war zone"! I'm so sorry but that's true for military personnel.

I wish congress would pass a law allowing military personnel when war has not been declared by congress to refuse to serve in any area where combat actions are ongoing.

If that means allowing them to resign with an honorable discharge, so be it.

[BridgeTheGap]

7. I wonder if they're culling out the Dems in the State Dept this way?

I wouldn't put it past them.