(How much did President Bush say was too much for a modest children's healthcare program?)
The new American embassy in Baghdad was to cost $600 million. But it will cost at least $144 million more, according to a report in today's Washington Post. The mammoth construction site "will open months behind schedule because of poor planning, shoddy workmanship, internal disputes and last-minute changes sought by State Department officials, according to U.S. officials and a department document provided to Congress."
But wait! This is not an embassy -- not welcoming home of a diplomatic mission to a friendly country. This is an armed fortress.
Completing the sprawling, 21-building compound is viewed by some officials as a key element of building a sustainable, long-term diplomatic presence in Baghdad. It will allow U.S. personnel to vacate their offices in Saddam Hussein's former Republican Palace and consolidate operations that are spread across the Green Zone. The new facility is also intended to provide diplomats with housing that is better protected to withstand mortar and rocket attacks.
What's the difference between Saddam Hussein's governing offices and those of the American government? Probably the American government's plant is larger and better fortified. Can you think of a better way to celebrate the success of the mission to free Iraq from tyranny?
