Posted: 4/22/2004 6:49:19 AM EDT
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I just got a serious offer to do engineering work in Iraq starting in May. Not sure where the work is. I will include construction support/engineering. NO QUESTION I would be armed and living in a military compund. No travel other than to the site. Any thoughts? |
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IMHO, fighting in Iraq will get worse before it gets better. When the transitional government takes over in the summer, I think the real power struggle will begin. Most security in the country at that time will be private and not US mililtary. On the other hand, I think the risk is probably determined by where in Iraq you are likely to be sent. It seems to me that parts of southern Iraq are pretty calm as are parts held by the northern alliance (Kurds). So I guess, if I was you I would find out as much as I could about where I would be sent and then start researching what exactly is going on in that area. Then one would have to weigh money and adventure against the risk and decide. I recently had a 65 year old friend come back from Bagdad. He was there for 3 months as a consultant to the State Department. He said certain parts of Bagdad and other cities are full war zones, while most of country isn't. He also said that if he were 30 years younger he would go back as part of the security forces. If I was 20 years younger and un attached, I would consider going. It is history in the making. |
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Well I suppose it come down to the pay… is it worth it? 10 years money in 1 year can make the risk doable. If you do go some advice from my days in the Gulf pre GW1, (Iran etc). Don't wear paramilitary gear… combats, Timberland Boots, sweatshirts, and baseball caps are a no-no. Wear casual pants/shirts like the locals so as to blend in. Spend $10 on a shemagh, an Arab scarf (still got mine). If the SHTF it can be a lifesaver, wear it round your head and face and it can buy you time to blend in/melt away. And finally, grow a beard/moustache, most Arabs have them, its a macho thing, clean shaven says 'westerner' to your average Arab.  Spot the Westerner… see what I mean? Best of luck and be safe. Andy |
I posted a similar thread a little before you. Still trying to find info.
And here I was thinkin my Arab lookin ass should get rid of my beard to keep from US shootin at me! |