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MALAYSIAN DIPLOMATS: OUR STORIES
close relationships with the ordinary Iraqis. As for me, the bomb attacks in
December 1998 was one of the most unforgettable experiences in my career
as a diplomat. It taught me that life is so short and fragile.
Despite the dif culties and hardship experienced by the Iraqis, they remain
hopeful that one day they would attain peace. Out of necessity, if for no
other reason, the Iraqis seem to have accepted their fate. As they adjust to a
new period of peace – at least for the time being – they continue to live in a
world that for nearly a decade since 1990 has not progressed much, and in
fact has slowly deteriorated.
Dato’ Jojie Samuel, currently Ambassador of Malaysia to T ailand, served as First Secretary
at the Embassy of Malaysia in Baghdad, Iraq from 1998 to 1999.
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