Wars Taxing State Dept., Report Says

The State Department's resources and morale are being drained by the need to keep providing personnel for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to an independent report issued yesterday.

The report, by the Foreign Affairs Council, said that more than 1,000 new positions were created at State during President Bush's first term. But many of those job openings have been absorbed by the need to fill assignments in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots, leaving 200 jobs and 900 training slots unfilled.

Already, the report said, more than a fifth of current Foreign Service officers have volunteered to serve in Iraq, and soon diplomats may need to be ordered to serve there. In fiscal 2005, the State Department's budget was $3.52 billion plus an additional $734 million for Iraq; for 2008, the State Department is requesting $3.98 billion plus $1.88 billion for Iraq.

Adding to morale woes, about 750 positions overseas are "unaccompanied," separating employees from their families because of the dangerous working conditions, the report said.

The Foreign Affairs Council, a nonpartisan group that includes current and retired diplomats, every two years issues a report assessing management matters at the State Department. It does not tackle foreign policy issues.

Much of the 27-page report addresses a range of challenges faced by the agency, often offering praise for particular achievements under Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The report noted, for instance, that public diplomacy -- probably the "weakest program" in 2005 -- has greatly improved, though it is still hampered by staff and skill shortages.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said the report supports Rice's push for more staffing and funding.

-- Glenn Kessler