Iraq: Carrots to Kalashnikovs- The Dangers Faced by Oil Workers Abroad

Nov 4, 2014 | The Guardian
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As international oil companies begin to restart full operations in Iraq despite the continuing threat of attacks by Islamic State (Isis), one lifelong oil worker has spoken about what it is like to be regularly flown in to some of the world’s most dangerous places.

“On a Sunday I can be weeding carrots, and the next thing you know I’m sitting in a car in some remote part of the world with a guy sitting next to me carrying a Kalashnikov,” said Richard, speaking by Skype from a militarised compound near Zakho in northern Iraq, 10 miles from the Turkish border.