The State Department has dramatically reduced staff in Pakistan, even though President Pervez Musharraf has became a valued ally in the US war on terror. That means
temporary personnel often make up the bulk of the staff. More than 7,000 temporary staffers have come through Pakistan since Sept. 11, a State Department record.
US Ambassador Nancy Powell admits the constant turnover puts a strain on contacts in a country where personal relationships with local officials are crucial. "For those working on economic assistance, or on our law-enforcement programs, making the contacts and getting up to speed on the political situation in Pakistan is absolutely key," she says. "And [turnover] is a detriment."
Employees also grumble about the fact that
Pakistan has been a singles-only posting since Sept. 11, meaning partners and children must stay home. Coping with loneliness is a common theme at the American Club bar, though most diplomats say they would make the same decision to come if they had it to do over.
"I think it is a question virtually everyone asks themselves," says Deputy Chief of Mission William Monroe, who left his family behind when he came to work in Pakistan. "You feel you are doing something so important that it is hard to say, gee, I wish I hadn't done this."
http://www.hvk.org/articles/0603/52.html
Date: June 3, 2003