Yesterday, as I was making final preparations to leave for Iraq, I received a phone call from one of my stateside managers, telling me not to get on the plane, and that my in-country manager wanted me to stay stateside for a while. Today I went into the office to discuss details, and the end result is that I am not returning to Baghdad and am no longer involved with the Iraqi Justice Integration Project.

I am limited in what I can share of the situation without endangering my career, but suffice it to say I feel a grave injustice has been perpetrated. It breaks my heart to think I will not see my Iraqi development team again, and I feel as though I’ve somehow abandoned them by my absence.

I hope I can stay in touch with the Iraqis, and that they still find success despite the turmoil.

The search for another job will commence presently.