State Department delays forcing diplomats to Iraq.

Last month, the State Department announced that it would order “as many as 50 U.S. diplomats to take posts in Iraq next year” in “forced assignments.” The announcement was met with “anger and frustration” by several hundred diplomats, who likened the forced posting to a “potential death sentence.” Personnel were supposed to be chosen by today, but with 25 volunteers already approved in the positions, the department is now delaying the final selection until Friday.