It's hard to believe it's been almost a full month since I arrived here. These last 4 weeks have felt like 1 week.
Jim and Jane,
I have been in Iraq for nearly a month and all has been going well thus far. I wanted to take some time to update you both on my status.
On a personal level, I have found a comfortable daily routine. The days are long, typically starting at 0730 and lasting until 2100 or 2200 each night. (And you might notice I have learned to think in military time.) The long days are typically filled with so much work, however, I often lose track of time and am ready to leave the office before I notice where the day has gone.
The living conditions for those of us working within the International Zone are surprisingly quite comfortable. The facilities on the US Embassy compound in particular are top notch. The food is good, abundant and, best of all, free. There are beautiful work-out facilities which include an indoor pool, basketball court, weight room and cardio equipment. This is the largest (and most expensive) US Embassy in the world and those facts are likely not lost on anyone who spends some time here. Lately there has been an ironic effort to grow grass by laying seed on the Embassy compound in an attempt, I suppose, to westernize the look of the grounds. The resultant effect has not so much been the growing of grass as it has been the fattening of pigeons. There are small patches where sod has been laid, which honestly look out of place against the brown backdrop that is Iraq.
I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to see Stephen Colbert film an episode of The Colbert Report from Al Faw Palace. I happened to have meetings scheduled at the palace on one of the days he was filming so I was already scheduled to make the trip from the IZ to Camp Victory. That was certainly the entertainment highlight of my time over here thus far. I have attached a few photos from that day, including one of my transportation.
On a political and situational level, this is and will continue to be a fascinating time to observe the transformation of a nation. Iraq is rapidly moving from an occupied state, to a partnered state and toward the laudable goal of a sovereign nation. Self-determination is looming just over the horizon. While there is still much to be done, the impending June 30th milestone of the draw down of US combat forces from Iraqi cities, villages and localities is rightfully being viewed as a major step toward the sovereignty path outlined in the US-Iraq Security Agreement signed last November. We heard this morning that the Government of Iraq is calling for the June 30th milestone to be recognized as a national holiday. It’s hard not to draw comparisons between their anticipation of this date and our own celebration of independence and sovereignty just four days later. While so much is different between the circumstances and situations leading up to these events, one from our history and the other an indicator of Iraq’s future, the spirit of independence and hope that the United Sates is doing right in our partnership toward that independence, makes me proud to be here witnessing these achievements first hand.
Much remains to be seen, however, and fear of violent actions or general destabilization also looms as a real possibility in the coming weeks. Iraq’s democratization is young and tenuous. Factions of dissension and extremism still exist. News reports from the past week highlight the fragile nature of peace and stability. The tragic events in Kirkuk and Baghdad over the past days serve as somber reminders that there is still much to be done throughout Iraq; reminders that the work that lies ahead is every bit as (if not more) important than the foundation laid and progress made over the past several years.
June 30th will be a milestone indeed. Gallup will be here to document this milestone. There could not be a more important and vital mission for our organization at this time and in this place than helping people be heard. We are truly informing leadership of the opinions of these constituencies in a meaningful way.
I am humbled by the opportunity to work for Gallup in this capacity. I thank you and everyone in the tribe for your continued support. We should all be proud to be a part of this moment in history.
Regards,
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