Tension is in the air

It seems that everything in Iraq is aggressive. There is just something about this place that makes everything want to attack. This is true for the people, the animals, and even the bugs.

I am not even going to get into the mortar shellings, the bombings of innocent civilians, the IED attacks or the random snipers shooting our soldiers as they provide security patrols in the Iraqi neighborhoods. Operational security prohibits me from talking about the missions we undertake every day, besides this is all in the major newspapers. Just pick up a copy of the New York Times, Washington Post, or the Los Angeles Times they give pretty good coverage. Sorry, I digress...

What I am talking about is a behavioral assessment in other conditions, the type I have noticed when I was out on civil aide missions handing out food and supplies to the needy. We would pull up with a load of food, diapers, and clothing but would have to stop handing the stuff out because of the fights that were developing all around us. We would then calm them down, explain to them that everyone would get an equal supply, and then line them up. They acknowledged our rules and agreed to comply. We would again begin handing out the goods, but within minutes the lines would break down and the fights would start. There is nothing quite like watching women dressed like Jesus’ mother Mary in a WWF style brawl fighting over a $.99 cent ball. The crazy thing is after we had distributed everything and ownership had been established they could set that same ball on the ground and no one would touch it. I guess we just don’t understand their rules.

As I was running today I was attacked by Iraqi flies. Now back in “the world” we have annoying flies that try to bite you when you are out for a walk and even the bothersome house fly that buzzes around trying to get a bite off of your plate. I am sure you all have seen the picture of the poor third world kid sitting with flies crawling all over his face and wonder why he doesn't shoo them away. Well I am here to tell you that these little fellows over here are kamikazes. They repeatedly strike right at your face trying to crawl up your nose, in your mouth or lick you in the eyes with their nasty little tongues. Yeah, I know, disgusting. They do not give up. They are aggressive little buggers who when they have spotted a living being are set on getting their share of body fluids before the other creatures in the desert get theirs. I suppose the poor kid in those pictures just gave up on swatting them away.

Yesterday I saw two doves scrapping in the middle of the road. Feathers were flying as I walked by. I don’t know what the fight was about, but neither bird was giving up. I thought to myself, here are doves, the universal symbol of love and peace, locked in mortal combat in downtown Baghdad. Could it be a religious difference, or perhaps one was from the north while the other was from the south. Perhaps they were in an argument about the SOFA agreement. All I know is they were more interested in killing each other than me walking up to them. I made the peace by breaking up the fight and sending them on their way.

I have a theory. The Middle East and particularly Iraq is called the “cradle of civilization”. For humanity to survive and develop a working society there was a need for aggressive behavior to rise above the environment. Life is hard in this dessert. To survive creatures have had to aggressively pursue resources when they are available. Even though we are an increasingly developed world, the situation here has not changed much over the centuries. To survive requires toughness and tenacity in getting what you can. Modern society is a direct product of this aggressiveness that allowed our ancient ancestors to rise from a tribal existence.

I had a conversation with some state department officials yesterday and they said the people of Iraq are not rude, they are desperate, they always have been, and because of the environment this may not change.

Perhaps more than religious divisions, cultural differences, or even racial divides, it could well be that this area is simply prone to tension based on the environment. This is a tension we can thank for the development of our cultural ideologies, but we can be equally thankful our ancestors moved us to places where we can be at peace.

Sorry folks....

I appologize for the delay in postings. I have recently been put into a new position and have been learning the way the military likes best, "drinking from a firehose". As things develop with the new CG more changes are in store. The troop drawdown is directly impacting the way we do business. I will do my best to keep you posted.

Change is coming...

I awoke this morning to a blood-orange sky. This was the result of a strong sandstorm that blew in yesterday blotting out the sun, and producing a series of fantastic colors ranging from white-hot, to brown, to an ominous yellow.

These sandstorms are an interesting phenomenon. They take a beautiful day and turn it brown. Even the Americans wear face masks, transforming us into locals, but instead of the familiar red or black checkered face masks of the Arabic world, ours are of course desert camouflage. We still end up with our lungs filled with dirt and spend the day attempting to keep the dirt from filling our eyes. The advantage of the storm is it has dropped the temperature from 128 degrees last week to a very comfortable 108 today. The storm and resulting change of temperature is but a minor adjustment compared to what is in store for us.

I cannot say what the coming days will bring. The winds of change are in place in Iraq: we are getting a new commander, it is the month of Ramadan, attacks are at an all time low, we are drawing down our troop strength, and to top it all off we are getting a new commander in chief elected in just a few months.

What is the future of Iraq? We see agreements and disagreements every day. Violent incidents are at an all time low. There were an average of 1600 violent incidents per week one year ago, we are now averaging under 200. In contrast to this indicator of security improvement, we had yet another female suicide bomber yesterday to destroy the peace. We continue to hand over vast segments of the country to the local governments, putting the Iraqis in charge of their own security. This has been very successful. But it seems that just prior to the handover there is an uprising from the insurgency in an attempt to destabilize the area again. It is almost as though the extremists don’t want Iraqi control. It is almost as though they want a continued Coalition presence so they will have something to fight against. Could it be they need an excuse for their radicalism?

As I have noted before, stability breeds stability. Once areas become safe everyone wants to move there. We heard reports today from young professionals complaining that land prices are too high in the safe areas. Strangely, this is a positive indicator. The market has always been dictated by desirability. So if prices are rising in segments of Iraq, this means there are areas that are very desirable. People are returning to neighborhoods they abandoned years ago only to find squatters living in their homes. It has been pretty simple to solve though. Usually no litigation is even necessary. People want their old neighbors back regardless of their religious beliefs. What was a stable neighborhood before the war can safely become stable again when the same people live there. So the locals are literally driving the squatters and insurgents from their streets.

Of course the question is, can it last? Will be stay here long enough to ensure the improvements can gain a solid footing. I can assure you everyone wants to go home, but we want to make sure the work we have given so much of our lives to will last. The soldiers who have served in Iraq want the pride of a WWII veteran, not the pride mixed sorrow of those who struggled in Vietnam.

We are almost there in Iraq, but changes are happening.

The dreaded "sheeb"...and Elvis spotted in Iraq

We hear sheeb are on the loose in Anbar, preying on the local Iraqi population.

Local Iraqis in the Anbar province are reporting that the U.S. military has introduced predatory animals called “sheeb” into the area. They claim the sheeb have wounded a number of local people.

That’s right folks, “sheeb” not sheep. The locals insist that these animals resemble wolves and have collars proving they are not wild animals but rather animals used by U.S. forces in search operations. Others insist the sheeb have “a ring in their neck” to allow the military to control their aggression.

They said the animals attacked at dawn a few days ago in the Garma area, 15 km north of Fallujah, injuring five people and “acting in a brutal and very frightening manner”. A medical source in Garma hospital said “five people including a woman were injured as a result of an attack by predatory animals called sheeb.”

Last summer, local Iraqis near Basra were reporting the British had introduced “giant man-eating badgers”. The local media gave the story a good deal of attention.

And you wonder where some of the conflicting reports that come out of this war originate.

This is the kind of fun reporting that makes my day brighter. Don’t laugh too much, though. The next time you are in the checkout line at the grocery store, look to your right and left. See all of those sensational stories. I think the Iraqis are just learning from us. Everyone likes a good story.

I am going to ask my Iraqi friends if they have spotted any UFO’s, Bigfoot, or maybe even Elvis. I hear he is doing shows up in Ba’qubah.

Selling live bait...

Every waking moment over here is filled with work for anyone in a leadership position. It seems the only time our mind is allowed to wander is during meals and that is because most of us choose to sit by ourselves so we can have a little “alone time”. When the guy I replaced was familiarizing me with my duties he pulled me aside and told me to make sure I took some time for my self every day. He said those who do not are broken by this place. I have taken his advice and make sure I get that time as often as possible.

Today at lunch I went by myself. The “chow hall” is always packed with thousands of people coming and going. It is an impressive operation that produces really good food for a massive number of people. I went right at noon to try to avoid the crowd but really that is not possible. Today they were serving baked trout, Hungarian Goulash, and the ever popular Arabic Bar which is daily during the month of Ramadan. Not a bad spread at all.

Usually you can get a small table to yourself but not today. From across the room I spotted an open seat, went to it and placed my tray on the table. As I sat I looked up at the gentleman across the table from me. He was the second in command for all of Iraq. I said to myself, “Crap!” Then I looked right and left noting the table was filled with stars and eagles - Colonels and Generals - not the quiet meal types. Out of politeness I said, “You boys don’t mind if I sit here do you?” and then gave a nervous smile. Lunch suddenly became tense for me. I decided to quietly sit and listen. It is not every day you get to interact with a guy who regularly makes conference calls with the president of the United States.

The first few minutes were all about business, but then even their conversation shifted to going home. Many at the table plan to retire after the war. Each was talking about the executive level jobs they would take when they returned to the states as so many others have done. But the top general just laughed and said all he planned to do when he got home was to open a bait shop in the middle of nowhere, Georgia. The others said, "Oh yeah there is a lot of money to be made in marketing lures." He laughed again and said, “Oh no, I don’t plan to sell anything except live bait so I can throw it all out a the end of the week.” He then added, “If I sell lures I have to take inventory, and when I get home from this I don’t want to have to think about anything ever again.” He was dead serious.

I remember the hero from "Band of Brothers", Maj. Dick Winters, said when the war was over all he wanted to do was move to a quiet location and spend the rest of his life with his mind at peace, just enjoying the company of his wife and children. That is exactly what he did.

Time in war takes its toll on us all. No matter what the level of responsibility the experience wears on us. Weekly I see fresh optimistic soldiers arrive and watch worn our soldiers leave. In the closing weeks the faces look blank. How you deal with it when you get home makes all the difference in the rest of your life.

The general has a plan; I have a few ideas myself.

Earning U.S. citizenship the hard way

One of the surest and fastest ways gain U.S. citizenship is to earn it by serving a tour with the U.S. military in Iraq or Afghanistan.

At a ceremony just a few days ago at al-Faw Palace on Victory Base 192 service members from 54 different countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens. At the ceremony each new citizen was presented with a certificate of naturalization to make it all official.

We who are guaranteed this privilege by our birthright take for granted what many are in the world see as the ultimate goal. What speaks more loudly than "I am willing to give my life to be able to call myself an American"?

One of our translators is from Tunisia. Both she and her husband decided they wanted more for their future children than north Africa could provide, so they joined the U.S. military together. We have a heavy demand for anyone who is fluent in both English and Arabic. These linguists patrol with us as we move through the streets of Iraq to allow us to interact with the people. This is an important yet dangerous job. Some have been killed, but died in pursuit of their lifetime dream. It is moving to know what some people will do for their future generations.

This is a great plan. There are millions of people wanting to become citizens. So they are allowed to prove thier committment. Nothing speaks more loudly than putting your convictions on the line by serving the nation you wish to call your home. It seems a small price to pay for a lifetime of freedom and the freedom of your children. What a great immigration plan.

Recruiting stations are struggling to lure American citizens to do the work our elected officials have called us to do. Statistics show that seven out of ten 17-24 year old Americans are deemed unfit for duty due to physical, mental, or moral limitations. Perhaps the international community has something to offer beyond products for the shelves at Wal-mart and at the gas we put in our cars. They are providing human capital to fill another niche we cannot.

So if you know someone who says they are willing to do anything to become an American. Tell them to give Uncle Sam a call and they will be sworn in as a U.S. citizen about as far away from America as you can get. But when they return to their new home when their deployment is over, they will have realized one dream and can begin at a whole new level that is only offered in America.

Sunnis pledge peace in Anbar

We handed over control of Anbar Province in a ceremony today in Ramadi, a city which has seen some of the heaviest fighting of the war in Iraq. The handover of a province means the Iraqi Security Forces take the lead in the governmental and security issues for the area.

My role in this event was to facilitate media coverage for the event. This has made me very popular and hated at the same time. Because of the need to transport so many government officials and military leaders we could only provide transportation to eight members of the media. My first task was to invite those eight reporters to join us in an Osprey flight out to Anbar. The road to Ramadi is still pretty dangerous so flying is the best option. Because of the security surrounding the event; I had to get them to commit to attend “a major media event”, without knowing what it was.

FOX news immediately replied,”Yes!” and got two of the seats but one major network would not commit unless we gave them specific details. They were just being difficult. The rumor mill over here is unbelievable, so they had to have a pretty good idea what was coming up. I asked again. I then got a call from the their bureau chief still saying if I would not give specific details they would not commit. I just said, “OK”. I scratched them off the short list. I simply cannot put the lives of our soldiers in jeopardy just so some members of the media cannot operate without details. We had already gotten a commitment from BBC for two of the seats, Associated Press had committed to one, and Reuters to the last. A New York Times and AFP reporter had been begging, but I told them it did not look likely. But with the noncommittal of the major network I called them and talked to two of the happiest reporters in the world. The next day the network called back wanting to know if the seats were still available. They were stunned when I told them they had been taken, but I was adding their name to the waiting list below The Christian Science Monitor, NBC, Time Magazine, and NPR.

We build the list based in hopes of achieving the broadest coverage possible. BBC and AFP are watched much more in the international community and FOX is “fair and balanced”. Right. But that was why we wanted the other major network, so we could cover the U.S. with the two extremes in reporting.

In the end I was able to get one additional seat for a “pool video reporter” who had agreed to provide reporting for all of the networks. And in a last minute surprise AP gave up their seat for a “pool photographer” from Getty Images. I was impressed by the willingness of AP to support all of the media in the war zone, and disappointed in AFP who called repeatedly refusing to share their product. That was until I reminded them we were providing free travel and access and there were many others who would gladly take their place. They decided to share.

The handing over of Anbar is exciting news for Americans who wonder when the war will be over. This is the 11th province we have returned to Iraqi control. It is significant because it is the first Sunni majority province to pass back to the Iraqis. If this goes well, the rest will follow quickly. We are looking at handing over three more before the end of the year. Once the Iraqi government has proven it can govern fairly and control the insurgency, we will all be going home. We are finding that peace produces more peace; the idea is spreading throughout the country that has grown weary of fighting.

For Michigan readers, you will be interested to know there are over 1000 Michigan Army National Guard members working out of Anbar. The Marine Corps would like for everyone to believe they are the only ones in the province. What is great is the Marine command put the Flint National Guard Infantry unit in Ramadi, the most difficult location in the province. I guess even Marines know tough when the see it. "We are from Flint, Michigan." says it all. I know most of the soldiers in the 125 because I commanded their Headquarters Company for two years. There are some damn fine soldiers in that unit and they have definitely proven themselves here in Iraq. After the sacrifices Michigan has made to Iraq, it is fitting our boys play a role in the significant event of the year.