Sunday, July 29, 2007
Enemies Unseen
Somebody brought to my attention this recent article in TIME magazine. I mention it because, even though the January 20, 2007 attack it centers on occurred before our arrival in country, we came to develop an intimate relationship with the events of that day. We also met and/or got to know many of the individuals mentioned in the article. It hits close to home.
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3 comments:
Lee-- I've been reading your blog with great interest. Thanks for taking the time to put together such well-written and insightful pieces.I don't mean to put you on the spot, but can you update us on your overall sense of how the so-called "surge" is affecting things. I realize that your vantage point probably prevents a broad strategic perspective, but do you see effects in your daily encounters? Stay safe. Ned
Ned, I generally try to steer clear of opining about such things here, but I can give you some very general impressions. Bear in mind that these are MY thoughts only, and not representative of anything else. We were definitely seeing effects of the "surge" months ago when we were located South of Baghdad. Bad guys were being forced from Baghdad, and al Anbar province, into our area. So, as security conditions improved there, they worsened where we were. This was no surprise, and was anticipated. We arrived in Baghdad just as the last of the battalions comprising the "surge" forces arrived, so I'm not sure I have a basis for comparison in Baghdad. However, the job we are doing now in terms of establish security, training Iraqi forces, and handing security responsibilities over to them is proceeding apace. I cannot emphasize enough the complexity of the situation, or the variables involved. However, there is a palpable "sense" that we are clearly making forward progress.
Thanks, Lee. I was really pleased to see from your latest entry that you were able to make it back home for awhile. The transition out of and then back into your life in Iraq had to be pretty amazing. Thanks for the incredibly difficult job you and your buddies are doing there. Stay safe. Ned
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