Baghdad - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Environment usually prevents frequent departure from compound. Occasionally there are opportunities to leave the compound, and I'd say to take them if invited. - Apr 2019
Yes. Does everyone take them seriously? No. - Jul 2018
In addition to the "Yes, it's Baghdad" guidance, take all the precautions you would at any other high-crime post. This place attracts a lot of people of lesser character, and thefts/assaults/rapes do happen on BDSC. - Jan 2016
Yes, about a million. The Embassy gives us a false sense of security but restrictions are very high. - Feb 2014
We're in Baghdad. This country is experiencing levels of violence unseen since the "bad old days" of 2007-8, yet our differential has been slashed by 15%... a curious, and I think very political, decision. Other benefits are being cut too, notably the number of days you're allowed out of country and the number of R&R's you can take. Meanwhile, travel restrictions are tighter than ever in the IZ and Red Zone (if your movement is even approved) and violence has skyrocketed. This is not a safe place to be, for anyone. - Jan 2014
Many. The embassy compound hasn't had any indirect fire since I've been here, but it's still Iraq. Very restricted movement is still the norm here. Even in Erbil, you'll have a PSD with you wherever you go. In Baghdad, forget getting out of the IZ unless it's "Mission Critical". - Jan 2013
Hmmmm...yeah. The main concern at the moment is the military leaving. As previous posters have stated, there is indirect fire quite frequently directed at the green zone and embassy compound in particular. Having the military around has provided a buffer and obvious security blanket for the embassy community. Come January 1st 2012, it all falls under the Chief of Mission. It remains to be seen what this will mean....I am hoping it will be just fine, as I am here for a while. - Nov 2011
IDF is a great big deal. I cannot stress this enough (and I am a security person). You should take the IDF threat seriously. We have Duck and Cover alarms sound every day. We have had major rocket hits, with significant damage, happen on a weekly basis. - Sep 2010
A few... - Aug 2008
