The $592 Million U.S. Embassy in Iraq

[snappyturtle]

Due to open in September! Links to architect's site with drawings of 104 acre compound.

From THINK PROGRESS:
Construction of the U.S. embassy in Iraq, set to open in September, is projected to cost $592 million, with a staff of 1,000 people and operating costs totaling $1.2 billion a year. It will be a 104-acre complex, which is the size of approximately 80 football fields. On May 10, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) criticized the ballooning size and cost of the embassy in a hearing with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice:

Now, having said over and over again that we don’t want to be seen as an occupying force in Iraq, we’re building the largest embassy that we have — probably the largest in the world — in Baghdad. And it just seems to grow and grow and grow. … We agree that we should focus our aid locally not in Baghdad, but we have 1,000 Americans at the embassy in Baghdad. You add the contractors and the local staff it comes to 4,000.

The architectural firm designing the embassy, Berger Define Yaeger, has posted the designs for the colossus on its website. Some previews of the compound’s planned swimming pool and tennis courts:

More...
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/05/29/photos-embassy-iraq/

[rec_report]

1. Gee, it's so big - I'm sure the 'insurgents' will be able to find it... LOL!

n/t

[rug]

2. And the complaint is about Edwards' house.

[Toots]

3. If terrorist ever get the bomb I suspect this will be their first target

It will not stay there very long I would venture. It will be the most despised buildings in the Arab world..

[Grandrose]

4. How Gross!

What a waste of the taxpayers' money! We look like Saddam wannabees, it is absolutely disgusting!:mad: :kick: