Cots available for Baghdad embassy personnel who wish to sleep there for security reasons..

[madfloridian]

according to a memo from embassy officials. But only a few cots.

It is just so safe there in Iraq now.

A "Duck and Cover Alert" from the embassy security office yesterday offered important tips on what to do

More signs of progress in Iraq. In response to the recent increase in mortar and rocket attacks in Baghdad's Green Zone, U.S. Embassy officials announced yesterday that "a limited number of cots are available for use by authorized . . . personnel who wish to sleep in their offices for security reasons."

Why? Offices tend to be in concrete buildings, affording better protection against mortars and other projectiles than the metal-roofed trailers commonly used for housing.

..."Remember, though, the notice continued, "cots will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to the time stamp on e-mail requests received," and you needed to pick them up between 2 and 5 p.m. yesterday. But, if you missed the deadline, not to worry. A "Duck and Cover Alert" from the embassy security office yesterday offered important tips on what to do if you're in an "unfortified structure (e.g. trailer, self-serve laundry facility, etc.) or outdoors."

"If there is a nearby Duck and Cover bunker" -- echoes of an earlier era? -- "quickly seek cover within and remain there until the All Clear signal is given." But "if no fortified structure is near-by, get as low as possible and protect your vital areas." (Of course, these may vary from person to person.) "Remain in place until the initial salvo has ended," the notice says, then hightail it to "the nearest Duck and Cover bunker."

Meanwhile the same WP blog mentions, the State Department is looking for "an energetic, self-motivated U.S. citizen to serve as a Senior Rule of Law Advisor in Embassy Baghdad." That person will "play a central role . . . in developing policy and programs to assist in developing the Iraqi justice system."

Sounds so good on the surface.