News & Events

Grade 12 History class gets Green Zone insight

By Kelly O’Connor

The Grade 12 History class enjoyed a visit from Mr. John Carwile, father of Katie (Gr. 12) and Maddie (Gr. 10) Carwile, on March 22nd. Mr. Carwile is an American Foreign Service Officer currently posted in Baghdad and he took time out of his short stay in Ottawa to share some of his experiences with the class. In anticipation of the upcoming unit on conflict in the Middle East, Mr. Carwile started with a synopsis of conflict in Iraq and surrounding areas through the twentieth century. It was interesting to note how this conflict is both international and civil; the country has been plagued by conflict with its neighbours (especially Iran) as well as internal conflict stemming from the presence of different ethnic groups.

Mr. Carwile also gave the class insight into life for diplomats in Baghdad and preparations for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq by the end of 2011. Many international embassies and diplomatic residences are located inside Baghdad’s secure “Green Zone” which is protected by Iraqi security forces. Americans in Iraq are generally required to protect themselves with helmets and protective vests when leaving this zone. In terms of the military mission, American forces currently support the security efforts for the Iraqi military and are preparing to completely withdraw by 2011. It is hoped that by this time Iraq will be relatively stable and able to manage its own affairs. As an Economic Officer, Mr. Carwile is closely watching economic developments in Iraq. Financial obstacles are a large problem for the country which severely lacks basic infrastructure. Iraq hopes to exponentially increase its oil production in the next couple of years, bringing the government money to invest in much-needed road work and other projects. After the withdrawal of American forces, diplomats like Mr. Carwile will still be needed in the country. The United States has a larger embassy presence in Iraq than any other country and will continue diplomatic operations when the military mission ends.