Debate Over Forced Iraq Service Continues: Diplomats Trading "Undiplomatic Potshots"

Debate Over Service in Iraq Turns Bitter


MATTHEW LEE | November 6, 2007 08:12 PM EST | AP

WASHINGTON — A bitter dispute over forced assignments to Iraq has erupted inside the State Department with diplomats taking decidedly undiplomatic potshots at one another.

The latest public salvo came Tuesday with a harshly critical post on the department's official blog in which a foreign service officer in Iraq skewered those who spoke out against the prospect of ordered tours of duty at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and outlying provinces.

The message, titled "A Letter From Iraq to My Overwrought Colleagues," accused opponents of being spoiled elitists whose revolt against so-called "directed assignments" is embarrassing.

"To my vexed and overwrought colleagues, I say take a deep breath and calm down," wrote John Matel, a career diplomat working in a provincial reconstruction team in al-Anbar province. "All of us volunteered for this kind of work and we have enjoyed a pretty sweet lifestyle most of our careers."

"This sound and fury at Foggy Bottom truly signifies nothing," he said, referring to the State Department's headquarters. "Get over it! I do not think many Americans feel sorry for us and it is embarrassing for people with our privileges to paint ourselves as victims."

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