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| Iraq |
| Dane to run southern Iraq |
| 2003-05-02 |
| A veteran Danish diplomat has been appointed post-war head of one of Iraq's four administrative regions, the key southern province of Basra. Ole Woehler Olsen has worked in several Arabic countries in more than 30 years with the Danish foreign service. Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller said that Mr Olsen, who is currently ambassador to Syria, knew the Arab world "to his fingertips" and would "create the foundation to the new Iraq". Mr Moeller made the appointment jointly with his UK counterpart, Jack Straw, because British troops currently control the region. It is not clear when Mr Olsen will take up his post. Denmark has been involved in plans for the post-war redevelopment of Iraq because of its support for the US-led war. It sent a submarine and escort ship to the Gulf as part of the coalition's war effort. It is now also considering leading a 3,000-man mainly Eastern European peacekeeping force. You play, you get to have a say. Mr Olsen, who is a fluent Arabic speaker and a Muslim, began his diplomatic career in 1969. Mr Moeller said his background was an advantage, adding that it had been agreed that a Danish leader would meet less resistance than an American or Briton regarded as a representative of the occupying powers. Among other posts, Mr Olsen served as ambassador in Saudi Arabia for six years and has been ambassador to Syria since 1999. He is described as a keen traveller and adventurer. Anybody know anything about this guy? |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #8 Nothing on Google about Olsen. That could be good or bad... |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2003-05-02 10:23:13 |
| #7 This could have been yours, Dominique. But nooooh! |
| Posted by: Matt 2003-05-02 09:31:00 |
| #6 New anti-war headline: Yanks Allow Viking Occupation of Iraq Just Say No to the Horns |
| Posted by: Chuck 2003-05-02 08:45:07 |
| #5 dont know anything about him - glad to have a Dane aboard though. Would also like to follow up to my panicy post yesterday about Bremer, new head honcho for Iraq. Although an Ex-Dept of State guy, and formerly of Kissinger Associates, today's WaPo says he is close to civilian leadership of DoD. Seems like this pick was an attempt at compromise - someone more acceptable to State, CIA, and the Europeans but still able to communicate with and work with DoD. So its not as bad as I thought, but still bears close watching. |
| Posted by: liberalhawk 2003-05-02 08:31:10 |
| #4 The Danes don't seem to know much about him either. But I suppose Danish diplomats lead a rather quiet life. It's been a while since Vikings went plundering on Muslim shores... |
| Posted by: True German Ally 2003-05-02 12:26:38 |
| #3 He is described as a keen traveller and adventurer. You know, I think I'll quit my job and become an "adventurer". What's the payscale for adventurers? |
| Posted by: tu3031 2003-05-02 10:54:25 |
| #2 Did they give him any geld? You know what they say... |
| Posted by: mojo 2003-05-02 10:46:25 |
| #1 Nothing on Google about Olsen. That could be good or bad... |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 5/2/2003 10:23:13 AM |