The opportunity of a lifetime! The government is paying up to $144,000 for a "business development/tourism" expert to "work with private sector businesses and local governments in fostering business development with a particular focus on tourism and related services."
The 13-month job also offers a 35 percent "danger pay" premium and other bonuses because it's based in Baghdad.
Yes, as the surge continues to calm things, the State Department figures it's time for the tourists to show up. But Iraqi tourism has been on the skids for many years and jump-starting projects will not be easy.
So one of your jobs will be "recognizing and reporting on obstacles to business development" -- small-arms fire, roadside bombs, for example -- and to be "a catalyst for new ideas."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/04/AR2007120402048_2.html
So, dear readers, should I apply for this job? Why or why not?
BTW, I could always use P.J. O'Rourke's slogan "see the ruins".
8 comments:
Congrats on the 900th. They say the first 900 are the hardest.
Best regards,
Tengrain
Tourism? TOURISM? They're being just a little ...(POW pop pop pop) optimistic...(BOOOOM!)
And no. Don't take the job. Because.
maybe thats what we need...mandatory Iraq vacations for Americans...get to visit bombed out towns, families who have had loved ones collaterally damaged...see freedom and goodness at work.
gandhisxmas
I had an opportunity to go there just after the war started. I thought about it for about a nanosecond. This was when they were starting to behead contractors though.
You know Py, I have not been around as much, but I am as fond of you as ever.
As a result, while I think that the Baghdad tourist "gig" would make for some great blogging and decent cash, I say no.
We prefer you alive and in one piece.
Or at least I do!
Tourism??????????????????
Thanks, gang. I was kidding about the job, as I already know they wont hire me. Right after 9/11, I tried to get a job with the state department because of my knowledge of Arabic, but was turned down because I have a (minor) drug conviction on my record.
Py--
I've been looking for this post for you. Here's something on which you can build when you land this most important job...
http://monkeyfister.blogspot.com/2007/07/come-visit-your-souls-treasures.html
Iraq's Tourism Commission...
Your soul's treasure!
Cheers!
--monkeyfister
A minor drug infraction! And look at the Ass In Chief.
Ugh.
We will be glad to keep you here and alive, but you would think that your Arabic would be of use to someone.
My Arabic is limited to shukran!
Post a Comment