But Are The Trains Running On Time?

One of the biggest signs that we plan to keep a footprint in Iraq for a very long time has been the construction of a U.S. super-embassy in Baghdad. This $592 million, 104 acre compound is the perfect place for the choppers to evacuate us from when Baghdad falls.

Two articles check in on the progress of this monstrosity. First, the Washington Post-

The massive U.S. embassy under construction in Baghdad could cost $144 million more than projected and 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...

...While some of the new costs could be covered by an existing supplemental funding request for Iraq, the State document said the department is still searching for ways to pay for nearly $70 million of the additional work.

McClatchy news services has a look of their own. Turns out even the sprinklers don't work.

A perfect metaphor for the entire war/occupation itself.