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I have a little while to go before I finish my degree, but already I'm sensing that a very tempting offer may be made to go to Iraq and do work on one my technical focuses.
I'd really like the oppurtunity to help these people put there country back together (the money would also pay all my student loans and by a house), but of course, the threat of a humiliating, public execution also wears on my mind.
Thought from the tribe?
I'd really like the oppurtunity to help these people put there country back together (the money would also pay all my student loans and by a house), but of course, the threat of a humiliating, public execution also wears on my mind.
Thought from the tribe?
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Phoenix
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Re: Work in Iraq
Thu, October 14, 2004 - 5:56 AMI know someone who works for the Defense Intelligence Agency and is a former Marine Special Ops. He has made many visits to the Middle East and involved in counter terrorism.
He said Iraq is extremely dangerous right now. I would suggest Afghanistan if you are serious about doing something in that area of the world.
Of course, if we look at the probability of dying, we all probably had a higher chance of dying at birth.
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Re: Work in Iraq
Thu, October 14, 2004 - 8:59 AMWait a bit. If Bush gets another term, stay the hell away. If Kerry becomes President, then start considering whether or not to go. -
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Re: Work in Iraq
Thu, October 14, 2004 - 9:32 AMBoth wise suggestions. Thank you. Its a shame that politics plays such a big role in how much we can use our skills.
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Re: Work in Iraq
Sat, November 13, 2004 - 7:58 AMI have lived & worked in Qatar for the past 2 1/2 years and I would advise you to stay well away from Iraq right now. In fact, there are only 3 places in the Persian Gulf I'd even consider right now...Qatar, UAE, or Oman. Iraq, Iran, Saudi, Kuwait...NO WAY. Even Bahrain is dicey at the moment.
Iraq is extremely unstable right now and no one could guarantee your security. And being caucasian with (presumably) an American accent, you'll stand out like a sore thumb. (Not that it matters...those lunatics are kidnapping everyone, even fellow Iraqis.)
mark
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Re: Work in Iraq
Tue, November 23, 2004 - 7:52 AMI've heard that most American operations in Iraq are now being run from Amman, Jordan. So, if you can get an ironclad guarantee that you won't actually have to set foot in Iraq, or fly over it, you might be OK doing a project there.
However, things are so bad in Iraq right now that everybody I've heard from says the Iraqis (both pro- and anti-American) would prefer not to have help. One solider's story was about having built a new school only to have it blown up within hours of completion.
There are problems all over the world that are screaming for attention. Money and attention may be in short supply for most, but there may still be some good opportunities. What is the technical focus that you think you would use in Iraq? Perhaps others can recommend similar projects elsewhere.
Best of luck! -
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Re: Work in Iraq
Sat, November 27, 2004 - 11:28 AMMy biggest focuses will be in hydrology and contaniment removal. You're so right that I could go elsewhere. I just feel for the Iraqi people. They haven't had potable water in 30 years, they under threat from their environments unsanitary conditions daily. It just bothers me.
I believe the bulk of my work will be in the clean up of the Euphrates and restoration of the southern marshlands. A series of dikes and Dams were used to have them dried up in order to drive out political enemies of Saddam. The impact is rather substantial, affecting local fish population, migratory birds, and the of course countless life dependent on the marshes.
It would be impossible to repair the damage in our lifetimes, but our grandkids would benefit.
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