CorpComms Magazine

A Facebook page aimed at 'reaching out to Iraqis' has been launched by the US embassy in Baghdad, the world's biggest and most expensive embassy, complete with an 'English-language corner' where users can learn American expressions and grammar. Within the first day over 800 people had joined the page, with the total now exceeding 1,500.

Christopher Hill, US ambassador to Iraq, said he hopes the page encourages Iraqi 'fans' to learn more about American culture and society. In his video address posted on the webpage, he emphasises the changes to come in Iraq, with US military presence being replaced by outreach programmes and cultural exchanges. US combat troops are due to withdraw by 31 August and all other soldiers by the end of 2011.

'This is our way of reaching out to people, understanding what Iraqi problems are, what Iraqi concerns are,' he said, adding that he hoped the page would be popular with young Iraqis 'who know all about Facebook'.

So far, users' feelings are mixed about the webpage. One person has commented that he hopes it will be a good channel for more understanding, while another wonders whether the page is propaganda or whether the US really wants to know how Iraqis feel.

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