Sunday, August 30, 2009
The gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq over the next two years will cause operational expenses at the American embassy in Baghdad to rise by hundreds of millions of dollars during that time. With fewer soldiers around to help provide security for diplomats, the State Department is looking at spending nearly $2 billion a year in 2010 and 2011 to make sure the embassy is operational and secure. Currently, it’s costing $1.5 billion to maintain the American mission.
Another problem for the embassy is a lack of personnel in a critical office that oversees expensive infrastructure projects the U.S. is helping build for the Iraqis. A report by the State Department’s inspector general found the Iraq Transition Assistance Office suffers from chronic staffing shortages, drawing into question how it can oversee 216 projects worth more than $700 million when 21 out of 46 positions are vacant. The office has only until next May when its charter expires to finish its work, which may not be enough time.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Embassy Costs to Rise in Baghdad (by Ernesto Londoño, Washington Post)
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