Iraq fixing up buildings in D.C.

WASHINGTON – Iraq may be facing a deadly civil war, but the Iraqi government is initiating major, costly repairs to its diplomatic building in Washington D.C. and expanding its real estate holdings here.

The latest Iraqi government purchase for its U.S. mission is a $5.8 million mansion in Observatory Circle, across the street from Vice President Dick Cheney’s official residence. The three-story, 1920 Tudor-style structure will serve as Iraq’s temporary embassy during renovations to its fading Dupont Circle mission. Plans are to eventually turn the Dupont Circle building into a cultural center for Iraqi art.

The Iraqi government bought the building in October.

Overseeing the effort is Iraqi Ambassador Samir Sumaidaie, an electrical engineer by training, a poet and Islamic art connoisseur by inclination.

Asked about spending oil revenue on embassy buildings while Iraq is in the throes of a civil war, Sumaidaie replied: “Rebuilding is part of our recovery, regaining normalcy is part of our recovery. It is building, not destroying.”

Sumaidaie wants to repair Iraq’s image in Washington – or at least its public facade. After 15 years of neglect, the red-brick embassy off Dupont Circle is in disrepair, with corroding pipes, peeling ceilings and rusty wiring.

To repair the Dupont Circle building will take millions. Sumaidaie is currently soliciting bids.

Washington Post