America Presents

“Living and working in the Green Zone of Baghdad”

Steve Bitner and Bonnie Weaver

The American Embassy is pleased to announce the appearance of Ms. Bonnie L. Weaver and Mr. Steven R. Bitner as the speakers for our American Thursday program, to be held on March 17 at 3:00 P.M at the American Embassy. Ms.Weaver will discuss what it was like living and working in the Green Zone of Baghdad and her experience during that time. Mr. Bitner will discuss his experiences working with Polish soldiers and civilians to assist Iraqis in their transition to democracy amid a dangerous and changing environment [Photo Gallery].

Bonnie Weaver is a U.S. Diplomat working as an Office Management Specialist in the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. She joined the Foreign Service in 2003. Poland is her first posting. During the months from September 2004 to January 2005 she served in the International Zone (Green Zone) in Baghdad, Iraq on a temporary duty assignment. During this time she worked in several different offices and was able to experience the variety of working environments with in the Embassy.
Before joining the State Dept. Ms. Weaver worked for Maricopa County Government in Phoenix, Arizona for over 13 years. She grew up in a military family and traveled throughout her youth. After becoming an adult she wanted to continue traveling so she joined the State Department. This summer she will finish her tour in Poland and will go on to her new posting, returning to Baghdad, Iraq for a one year assignment.

Steven Bitner is a U.S. diplomat working in the Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. He joined the Foreign Service in 2002 and from December 2003 to June 2004, had the opportunity to work as a Political Advisor in the Iraqi provinces of Al Anbar and Babil. During his time in Iraq he worked closely with Polish soldiers and civilians in the city of Al Hillah to help rebuild that part of the country.
Prior to joining the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Service, Mr. Bitner was a Fulbright Fellow in Kuwait, where he researched the cultural impact of the Internet on Kuwaiti youth. A graduate of Brigham Young University, he studied International Politics and Arabic. He speaks Arabic, Dutch, and Polish.

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