Iraq: Now with More Democracy (and Cookies)

February 23, 2012

Tags: Bombs, Cookies, Koran
Posted in: Democracy, Embassy/State, Iraq

What was to be America’s 51st state, still the proud location of the World’s Largest and Most Expensive Embassy without Purpose, Iraq took some more baby steps toward democracy.

Today’s democratic acts included a series of explosions and shootings that killed 44 people and injured more than 200 in Baghdad. The bombings were all coordinated/timed and took in both Sunni and Shia neighborhoods. 2012 is well-placed to outperform 2011 in civilian deaths.

Luckily the World’s Largest and Most Expensive Embassy without Purpose wasn’t just shuffling papers as these terrible acts unfolded across Iraq. After what was no doubt hours of consultations, the Embassy released a statement saying it “strongly condemns” what it called terrorist attacks. The US Embassy also continues its planning for a concert in honor of Black History Month, as well as a reception and art exhibit featuring five Iraqi artists who took part in programs sponsored by the U.S. government. According to the Embassy, “The event not only created opportunities for people-to-people interactions but also celebrated our shared values, including freedom of expression. Such interactions are crucial to forging the strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect that we seek.”

So, it is apparent that the $5 billion a year it costs to operate the World’s Largest and Most Expensive Embassy without Purpose in Baghdad is not going to waste. At least they aren’t burning Korans. Pass the cookies, please.

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