Working in Iraq

[Greenbhoy]

Be told about a job in Iraq..........money should be spectacular but have a young family. Would be able to give them an amazing start in life with getting �1,500+ a day for working there.

Anyone know if it is "safe" enough?

I know there have been some kidnappings but they are only a small percentage of the Civilians that are working over there just now.

[becks]

Two words: KEN BIGLEY. What an amazing start in life your children would have if you got kidnapped and beheaded. Hmmmm. Is any amount of money worth it? Why do you think they are paying so much?

[Pootle]

Whats the money like for a similar job elsewhere in the world? That should give you an indication of how dangerous it is. Contact the foreign office if you are still keen.

[JOEYSHABADO]

I turned down a big money job in a similar situation.

Good idea is to start browsing the net for chat from people who work in these areas. Mid East is 'no go' at moment.

My guiding force was not that I might get killed so much as I new that I was really losing that time in my life and would never recover it. Life is too short to throw sections of it away just to make money. It's just not worth it. Risks in Iraq are enooormous. If they can take you, they will. This is quite unique. In many other ME countries, they plan, then choose. In Iraq, they can make a lot of money from any westerner they choose to take and hand over to Al zaqwarbi or whoever.

[cassimer]

It is a personal decision for you and your family. Iraq is NOT a safe place to work at the moment. Some jobs would involve higher risk than others, but none the less it is always a massive risk.
However many people are working in Iraq and earning lots of money. They judge that it is worth the risk to provide for their families. However... I would not go, nor would i let my partner, nor my family. It is so so dangerous. But it remains a personal choice for you and your partner.

[morg_monster]

All foreign nationals who work in Baghdad stay in the 'green zone' which is a high security area of the city, where there have been no bombs etc.  Ken Bigley was staying in the green zone and was kidnapped when he left the area during the night (not advisable - they have a curfew).  I'm sure there are things you can do to keep safe and if you find out as much as possible before hand and are sensible then at least you can make a balanced decision.  How long would you be out there?

Although it is a lot of money - you should look at the other benefits, eg if god forbid you should be kidnapped or killed, would you have any insurance from your job for your family?  �1500 a day wouldn't go very far if your wife had to bring up the kids alone.

[Andy008]

You are not promised a daily rate of �1500 out of generosity, or because you are great at your job. You are offered such a rate only because Iraq is the most dangerous place in the world. Whether you go there to help finish George Bush's little adventure is up to you.

Just don't come crying for help when your wife and kids see you on the news in an orange suit with a sword held to your throat.

A word of advice: never, ever, think it won't happen to you.