Update from Baghdad

I’ve become a victim of my own success. Now that the MNF-Iraq.com web site is up and rolling, I’m going to be participating in lots of trips “outside the wire.”

This leads me to reflect somewhat on the nature of safety. In the months that I’ve spent in Iraq, I’ve noticed that a lot of people are pretty carefree and relaxed when they are inside Iraq’s biggest forward operating base - the fabled Green Zone. There isn’t much that’s green about this place. Rocket and mortar attacks are frequent. I don’t see any advantages, safety wise, to living where I live.

So I’m not sure what there is to worry about outside the walls of the Green Zone that I shouldn’t be worried about inside the walls of the Green Zone. Maybe snipers are a bigger concern, but snipers have a much smaller chance of killing me than a direct hit by a mortar or rocket. I’ve been outside the wire a number of times now, and not once has a rocket or mortar attack occurred. Iraqis are generally either reserved or friendly, but none have been openly hostile. Most are struggling to maintain a life, a family and looking for opportunities in a country that has long denied them such.

The vestiges and trappings of millenia old religious memes are still the driving force behind so much of society here. Everything that happens is “inshallah” or God’s will. Life is cheap, and the citizens of the country are reminded of that constantly by the sectarian fighting between Shia and Sunni. I met an Iraqi colonel the other day who represents the future of what I’d like to see Iraq become. He is a Sunni married to a Shia and they have two children. One is named a Shia name, and the other named a Sunni name. He leads Iraqi soldiers from both sects of Islam, and does not tolerate strife between the two.

For Iraq to become a modern, prosperous state, it must become a nation where Sunnis can marry Shia and vice versa, without having to worry about being murdered for it. Who do we blame for the current environment? Religious zealots from all over the Muslim world, but primarily from inside Iraq and Iran. Who will save Iraq? People like Colonel Ali, who refuse to judge people based on their names, or their religious sect.

Thanks to all my readers

Several of you have noted recently that I seem really busy. You’re right, and I am. This doesn’t mean I don’t read your e-mails or comments. I’m just behind, and unlikely to catch up until long after I return to the United States. But thank you so much. Especially those of you who have sent soccer balls and other gifts. They will be distributed to Iraqis and if I can, I’ll post some pictures here.

I’ve been getting postcards and care packages and personal notes in my in-box that have really meant something.  The support of several of my regular readers and commenters has been absolutely invaluable to helping me maintain a healthy mental state on days when I just wasn’t coping very well. This year has been very hard on my wife and I, and support from back home has really been important. Thanks. It makes a difference.