Nothing says permanent U.S. occupation of Iraq more than the construction of the largest embassy in the world, a $474-million compound with 27 different buildings, 619 apartments and an Olympic-size swimming pool — all, of course, for a country with 26.7 million people and 115 billion barrels of proven oil reserves.


The World Tribune:

On April 14, the State Department issued a certificate of acceptance for the 104-acre, 27 building compound.

The $474 million facility is the largest U.S. embassy in the world, with 619 apartments for staffers as well as restaurants, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, volleyball court, and indoor Olympic-size swimming pool.

After years of delay, First Kuwaiti General Trading and Contracting completed the design and construction of the new U.S. embassy in Baghdad. The project, plagued by faulty construction and scandal, was certified by the State Department and independent consultants.

“This is a remarkable accomplishment for our company and for the thousands of individuals whose hard work has made it possible,” First Kuwaiti managing director Wadih Al Absi said. “We are proud of our record of achievement in Iraq and regard the completion of the new U.S. embassy compound in Baghdad as an absolute success.”

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