IRAQ: The popcorn war

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The U.S. Marine base in the Iraqi town of Qaim on the Syrian border is a former railroad yard with spacious buildings. Employees from the U.S. contractor KBR provide some of the best recreation programs and one of the best chow halls of any base in the country.

But problems arose when rec employees began serving popcorn to Marines watching movies in the big space that also doubles as a chapel. Chow hall employees complained that the rec employees were not trained in food preparation and were imposing on their turf.

Much discussion ensued between the two groups of KBR employees. Finally a compromise was reached: The rec employees would make the fixings available on movie night, but the preparation had to be left to the Marines.

Trained in artillery, assault weaponry and high-tech intelligence gathering, the Marines were deemed capable of handling a small microwave oven.

— Tony Perry in Qaim