Well, I arrived in Baghdad today. It’s got that shabby totalitarian look about it, thanks to decades of grandiose “planning” and rule by psychopathic thieves. (It reminds me of the last days of the Soviet Union, except for the presence of foreign troops, of course.) I’ve had little contact with Iraqis outside of the airport and hotel and have been briefed by some very serious and impressive security experts (former French Foreign Legion, Royal Marines, etc.) about what to do (mainly, what not to do). Most Iraqis are friendly, I’m told, but it only takes one unfriendly person to ruin your whole day.
We had a planning meeting today to go over the conference on civic education. I am really looking forward to it. More later.