The **U.S. Embassy in Baghdad** is the largest American diplomatic mission globally, sprawling over 104 acres—comparable in size to Vatican City—and serving as the central hub for U.S.-Iraq relations[3][1]. Established in its current form in January 2009 after replacing the earlier 2004 embassy in Baghdad’s Green Zone, it represents a significant U.S. commitment to Iraq’s political, economic, and security landscape[3][4]. The Embassy’s multifaceted role includes advancing U.S. interests through diplomatic engagement with the Iraqi government, local officials, NGOs, and international partners. Its **Political Section** addresses a wide array of issues such as Iraqi domestic politics, regional relations, human rights, and religious freedom, ensuring that the Ambassador and Washington leadership are well-informed[1]. The **Economic Section** promotes bilateral trade, supports economic reforms favoring open markets, and advocates for Iraqi businesses[1][2]. The **Consular Section** provides essential services including U.S. passport issuance, visa processing, and emergency assistance to American citizens in Iraq[1][6]. Security is paramount given Iraq’s volatile environment. The Embassy houses a **Regional Security Office (RSO)** staffed by Diplomatic Security Service agents, Marine guards, and local personnel, coordinating comprehensive protection for the compound and consulates in Erbil and Basrah[1][5]. Despite stringent security measures, the Embassy has faced attacks, notably during late 2019 and early 2020 amid regional tensions involving militia groups and Iranian-aligned forces[3]. Historically, the Embassy has played a pivotal role in supporting Iraq’s reconstruction, rule of law, and capacity-building efforts, transitioning from a primarily military-supported presence to a civilian-led diplomatic mission as U.S. forces have drawn down[2][4]. Staffing peaked at around 16,000 in 2012 but has since decreased to under 500 personnel by 2020, reflecting evolving U.S