After the American troops departed in December, life became more difficult for the thousands of diplomats and contractors left behind.

Within days, the salad bar at the embassy dining hall ran low.

Sometimes there was no sugar or Splenda for coffee. On chicken-wing night, wings were rationed at six per person. Over the holidays, housing units were stocked with Meals Ready to Eat, the prepared food for soldiers in the field.

(via Inside the American Embassy in Baghdad - NYTimes At War)