Images of Iraq in June

If you were in Iraq this month this is what you might have seen. This is a nation that is both ancient and modern, is in a state of war but often welcomes us in peace, yet there remains a mistrust between us all.


This little boy is showing his stuff to the soldiers patrolling in their MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) armored vehicles. He is a welcome site to American soldiers who know this part of the patrol will be safe.

Even as children play in the streets, the war goes on as we train the Iraqi army to defend itself against bordering nations and threats on their own streets.

Every time we patrol the communites in Baghdad and throughout the country, the children rush out to greet us. We often give them treets, toys and piggy back rides. It also makes the soldiers feel good to know they are helping these kids to have a better life through the work they do.

But as I have said before, it is an uneasy peace. We are wanted yet they wish we would go. I suppose it is embarrasing for them to have us patrolling their streets every day. Yet they know the streets are safer and more free than they have been in a long time.

Every day we find cashes of weapons, explosives, rockets, and mines which we detonate safely. They do make one hell of a great show.