Taking up a cushy ambassadorial position may be a worthwhile career change for an accomplished businessman. But how advisable is it if it involves moving from Moscow to Baghdad? Especially amidst warnings that Iraq's security situation may further deteriorate as the US wraps up its campaign there?
Russia-based millionaire Murad Muradian, who was appointed yesterday as Armenia’s first-ever ambassador to Iraq, appears to have no qualms. Muradian's appointment left Armenian media guessing why the construction tycoon would trade the comforts that Moscow offers the rich for the prospect of proving his mettle in a city ranked as the most dangerous in the world. Muradian has made no public comment yet.
Armenia’s first diplomatic mission in Iraq opened and closed in 2003 ahead of the US-led invasion. Before the invasion, up to 25,000 ethnic Armenians are reported to have lived in Iraq, but many left the country during the war.
Giorgi Lomsadze is a journalist based in Tbilisi, and author of Tamada Tales.
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