On my visit to Dubai (return to Iraq) I noted again the interesting architecture. Dubai will soon be home to the world’s largest airport (you wouldn’t believe the size of this thing) and perhaps the world’s largest skyscraper. They are building like gangbusters here…
Shooting to be the world’s favorite resort destination, enterprising investors are building “Dubai Festival City,” a place with shopping and spas and sports and schools--everything you could ever want to visit in one place. You can get a great job teaching English there and make lots of money while living in an exotic place! The Middle-East in general is really sprouting, perhaps in sympathy with the new stability promised by the removal of Saddam, for example. You will probably hear more and more about Dubai from other sources…did I mention Michael Jackson is there?
Statcounter
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
It all happened so fast...
I am overcome! Everyone has been so good to me. As I have traveled a bit thru the American West to meet friends old and new, I have been met with a buffet of love, hope, and concern for us over there in Iraq. So many mention their prayers on behalf of those of us over in Iraq and the work we are doing the moment we meet. I have no doubt that is in great part why we are so safe and in many cases so successful over there.
California itself loved me. The weather was perfect. Not the swelter of Summer, nor the chill of Fall, but temperature so perfect sometimes it couldn‘t be felt. Sunsets glimmered off the ocean in gold and hues of rose as el Sol slipped into his slumber. Only on the day I left did darkening clouds appear: the skies wept and the thunder seemed to roll out its lament. Fate itself appeared to become a willing accomplice in a home-trip come true.
Yes, I guess you could say the reprieve from the desert of Iraq has been nothing short of reviving and inspiring. Gotta love those purple mountain majesties, amber waves of grain, and fast-food drive-thrus in this great home of the brave, land of the free. Did I mention my awesome fellow country-men?
I was able to give a multitude of personal "presentations" and one formal slide-show presentation on the conditions I knew in Iraq. The questions were the same: Why did you go? (or WHAT POSSESSED YOU???) What’s the real story? How are we perceived?
I was proud to report: The Iraqis are beginning to trust that we will stay and not abandon them to their enemies. They are learning we are helpers, not plunderers. Their gratitude is less cautious and more mixed with optimism for a whole different future. The morale of “the troops” is up as we are finally starting to see some reciprocation and results of our efforts in building and training in this newly freed land (in the fine arts of democracy and the free market). The world’s investors show their understanding as well; billions and billions flow into this once forsaken land in hopeful enterprise.
It’s not all roses yet, of course! But you’ve already heard the bad. This, as an old favorite would say, is the rest of the story! As for why I went? For the adventure, of course! Now it continues…
California itself loved me. The weather was perfect. Not the swelter of Summer, nor the chill of Fall, but temperature so perfect sometimes it couldn‘t be felt. Sunsets glimmered off the ocean in gold and hues of rose as el Sol slipped into his slumber. Only on the day I left did darkening clouds appear: the skies wept and the thunder seemed to roll out its lament. Fate itself appeared to become a willing accomplice in a home-trip come true.
Yes, I guess you could say the reprieve from the desert of Iraq has been nothing short of reviving and inspiring. Gotta love those purple mountain majesties, amber waves of grain, and fast-food drive-thrus in this great home of the brave, land of the free. Did I mention my awesome fellow country-men?
I was able to give a multitude of personal "presentations" and one formal slide-show presentation on the conditions I knew in Iraq. The questions were the same: Why did you go? (or WHAT POSSESSED YOU???) What’s the real story? How are we perceived?
I was proud to report: The Iraqis are beginning to trust that we will stay and not abandon them to their enemies. They are learning we are helpers, not plunderers. Their gratitude is less cautious and more mixed with optimism for a whole different future. The morale of “the troops” is up as we are finally starting to see some reciprocation and results of our efforts in building and training in this newly freed land (in the fine arts of democracy and the free market). The world’s investors show their understanding as well; billions and billions flow into this once forsaken land in hopeful enterprise.
It’s not all roses yet, of course! But you’ve already heard the bad. This, as an old favorite would say, is the rest of the story! As for why I went? For the adventure, of course! Now it continues…
Sunday, September 11, 2005
In America
So, it’s been a year. That’s right, if you check the very first archive, I flew out of Houston after a week of training on September 4th. My year contract in Iraq has been fulfilled. Sorry I haven’t written sooner, I’m not dead, but I'm very busy trying to relax!
And yes, I’ve enjoyed the experience so much that I signed up for a second year.
In a way, my trip home for the first time in a year is treasure and torture. There is no way I can see all my friends and family. I have only 15 days “in country.” Renew a driver's license, see my optometrist, mail myself a few sets of clothes and take care of some other things all divide my ever-so-short time.
I am made aware again how complicated with little things the American life is, so tedious after the simple life afforded in Iraq. But the good food and good people make it so worth it. It took me an hour or so to remember and fall in love with San Diego all over again. But fall I did!
Listening to the news, it’s hard to believe that people with so much, compared to those in Iraq, for example, can be so negative about life in America. We have become accustomed to great blessings most people of the earth do not enjoy. Including the right to criticize our advantages, I guess!
But so far, I myself am having a very good time. Many old acquaintances and friends and even strangers, when they find out where I just came from, tell me how they are praying for myself and the others in Iraq. I am very grateful and proud that so many Americans consider and care for our efforts there. I still think the world is in really good hands if the kind of Americans I’ve been meeting are here; gracious, concerned, generous, and hopeful, and helpful. Love you guys!
And yes, I’ve enjoyed the experience so much that I signed up for a second year.
In a way, my trip home for the first time in a year is treasure and torture. There is no way I can see all my friends and family. I have only 15 days “in country.” Renew a driver's license, see my optometrist, mail myself a few sets of clothes and take care of some other things all divide my ever-so-short time.
I am made aware again how complicated with little things the American life is, so tedious after the simple life afforded in Iraq. But the good food and good people make it so worth it. It took me an hour or so to remember and fall in love with San Diego all over again. But fall I did!
Listening to the news, it’s hard to believe that people with so much, compared to those in Iraq, for example, can be so negative about life in America. We have become accustomed to great blessings most people of the earth do not enjoy. Including the right to criticize our advantages, I guess!
But so far, I myself am having a very good time. Many old acquaintances and friends and even strangers, when they find out where I just came from, tell me how they are praying for myself and the others in Iraq. I am very grateful and proud that so many Americans consider and care for our efforts there. I still think the world is in really good hands if the kind of Americans I’ve been meeting are here; gracious, concerned, generous, and hopeful, and helpful. Love you guys!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Michael Yon
At a very dangerous intersection in Mosul, there has been another huge explosion. A large American Stryker vehicle burns and it looks like no American soldiers have survived the burning wreck. AK-47 bearing men, when it appears no American threat remains --accompanied-- by camera crews, soon converge on the scene. Making like great victors, they shout and leer, firing “victory” shots into the air. This scene will make great propaganda for aspiring terrorists! But this clip will never make it onto Al Jazeera TV…it is actually was a cleverly designed trap sprung by the Americans. Our snipers start taking out those who won't surrender. The damage, explosion, and sand-bag dummies with uniforms were the perfect ploy.
Michael Yon is quite the journalist here in Iraq. His stories, like this one, are astounding. He goes just about anywhere the soldiers go, riding shotgun, er…with camera and keyboard that is, straight into danger. Much of Iraq is moving forward in the healing process, taking advantage of the stabilizing situation. But Mosul is one of the remaining hotspots and unarmed Yon is here, reporting in top, honest form.
I highly recommend a read of some of his experiences. He records it as it is, the mindset and professionalism of the American soldier, as well as some mistakes inevitable in war. And, the cunning, cowardice, and avarice of the terrorist and their tyrannical nature, all laid out in straight-shooting form. If you want an unfiltered look at the realness of this war, he is on the frontlines. I hope you will pay him a visit and experience for yourself the nature of this battle and the honor of the American soldier.
His link can be found permanently in the right column near the top of my blog. HOT TIP: If you go to his blog, scan down, and right-click on the title of his article called “The Battle for Mosul: Reality Check” you can download a 30-second video of soldiers driving along and experiencing a failed IED attack. Caution: the language is uncensored (but runs about PG+), but it gives you a taste of what our boys face. Watch at the end of the video as the soldiers keep their heads and immediately approach two suspicious on-lookers…
Michael Yon is quite the journalist here in Iraq. His stories, like this one, are astounding. He goes just about anywhere the soldiers go, riding shotgun, er…with camera and keyboard that is, straight into danger. Much of Iraq is moving forward in the healing process, taking advantage of the stabilizing situation. But Mosul is one of the remaining hotspots and unarmed Yon is here, reporting in top, honest form.
I highly recommend a read of some of his experiences. He records it as it is, the mindset and professionalism of the American soldier, as well as some mistakes inevitable in war. And, the cunning, cowardice, and avarice of the terrorist and their tyrannical nature, all laid out in straight-shooting form. If you want an unfiltered look at the realness of this war, he is on the frontlines. I hope you will pay him a visit and experience for yourself the nature of this battle and the honor of the American soldier.
His link can be found permanently in the right column near the top of my blog. HOT TIP: If you go to his blog, scan down, and right-click on the title of his article called “The Battle for Mosul: Reality Check” you can download a 30-second video of soldiers driving along and experiencing a failed IED attack. Caution: the language is uncensored (but runs about PG+), but it gives you a taste of what our boys face. Watch at the end of the video as the soldiers keep their heads and immediately approach two suspicious on-lookers…
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Iraqi "Cops" and "Oprah"
My own little city of Kirkuk has a TV show about COPS. How they catch the bad-guys and, well, get killed themselves. Viewers can call in and cheer or complain. See the news article here: NEWS This is an incredible sign of the new freedom, the great change in the way things are done in Iraq. Note this last quote from the TV station’s manager Mohammed:
"After liberation, many things changed. Many dreams were realized. We use freedom and democracy," he said. "Our duty is to show people that freedom."
There is also a radio show by and for women in the Baghdad area called “Cup of Tea.” If you know anything about the historical place of women in Middle-Eastern culture, you know this is UNBELIEVABLE progress!!! Here is quote from an article about that show:
Three years ago, Majda Jabouri earned a small living as a housekeeper, the only job she could find after being imprisoned because of her family's opposition to the regime of then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Today, she hosts a popular daily call-in show on Radio Almahaba, Iraq's only station dedicated to women's issues, called "Cup of Tea." Most episodes are devoted to relationships, parenting, and other topics that would be familiar to any "Oprah" viewer. The show is also a product of its environment: a recent episode dealt with women's feelings of jealousy and powerlessness when their husbands take second wives. Link: Cup of Tea
Iraq may be a new example in the Middle East to make a better life for women here. Things like this could never occur in the old Iraq. And another sign of the failure of the terrorists to daunt the people of Iraq!
"After liberation, many things changed. Many dreams were realized. We use freedom and democracy," he said. "Our duty is to show people that freedom."
There is also a radio show by and for women in the Baghdad area called “Cup of Tea.” If you know anything about the historical place of women in Middle-Eastern culture, you know this is UNBELIEVABLE progress!!! Here is quote from an article about that show:
Three years ago, Majda Jabouri earned a small living as a housekeeper, the only job she could find after being imprisoned because of her family's opposition to the regime of then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Today, she hosts a popular daily call-in show on Radio Almahaba, Iraq's only station dedicated to women's issues, called "Cup of Tea." Most episodes are devoted to relationships, parenting, and other topics that would be familiar to any "Oprah" viewer. The show is also a product of its environment: a recent episode dealt with women's feelings of jealousy and powerlessness when their husbands take second wives. Link: Cup of Tea
Iraq may be a new example in the Middle East to make a better life for women here. Things like this could never occur in the old Iraq. And another sign of the failure of the terrorists to daunt the people of Iraq!
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Very Sheik
Good News time!! Lately I’ve been sharing local direct word-of-mouth news from my friends here in Kirkuk. Soldiers like Sgt. Scown are not unique in the way they bond with the local leaders. Respect flows in both directions. But I’d like to take a moment to share wider-spread news:
Another great American soldier whose success working with Sunni’s for a better Iraq has earned himself, from local tribal leaders, the title of American Sheik. Read his interesting story here: American Sheik
The amazing news continues. As the promise of stabilization in Iraq increases, Iraq is in the process of implementing many infrastructure projects: Two new huge airports, a national cell phone business, and huge foreign investment by countries like Iran, Japan, and even South Korea go into the billions of dollars in developments, to name a few.
Morale is up amongst soldiers as they begin to see the fruition of their efforts. Iraqis seem to be catching the vision of working together to take advantage of freedom, with reports of Sunnis, no less, defending their Shiite bretheren from Al Zarqawi-sponsored terrorists and chasing them out of local neighborhoods!
Good news is just not interesting to most media outlets, but there are some things you should know. I think you owe it to yourself to spend 10 minutes to check out this summation of the OTHER Iraq news at the Wall Street Journal’s Opinion Journal.
Another great American soldier whose success working with Sunni’s for a better Iraq has earned himself, from local tribal leaders, the title of American Sheik. Read his interesting story here: American Sheik
The amazing news continues. As the promise of stabilization in Iraq increases, Iraq is in the process of implementing many infrastructure projects: Two new huge airports, a national cell phone business, and huge foreign investment by countries like Iran, Japan, and even South Korea go into the billions of dollars in developments, to name a few.
Morale is up amongst soldiers as they begin to see the fruition of their efforts. Iraqis seem to be catching the vision of working together to take advantage of freedom, with reports of Sunnis, no less, defending their Shiite bretheren from Al Zarqawi-sponsored terrorists and chasing them out of local neighborhoods!
Good news is just not interesting to most media outlets, but there are some things you should know. I think you owe it to yourself to spend 10 minutes to check out this summation of the OTHER Iraq news at the Wall Street Journal’s Opinion Journal.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Bunker Bucks
When something gets lobbed into the base by the bad-guys, the siren goes off. We have to trot off to a bunker and then we all report in by radio. When the all-clear code is given, we go back to "normal activity," which in the case of last night, was sleeping!
The calls often last 1/2 to an hour but can go much longer. If it is outside work hours, it counts and goes on the clock. The extra pay is affectionately referred to as “bunker bucks.”
In other local news, our “other” employee-vehicle (not the bus) lost a second air conditioning compressor to the heat; the bearings burned up again. So here is a picture of your favorite AoA mechanics working on our own vehicle. Gotta have that A/C!
And finally, we have seen clouds! That’s right, and temperatures have dropped down to as low as 105 in the day and around 80F at night. A taste of Fall and milder days ahead. It appears we may have survived the Iraq Summer. But it’s not over yet.
The calls often last 1/2 to an hour but can go much longer. If it is outside work hours, it counts and goes on the clock. The extra pay is affectionately referred to as “bunker bucks.”
In other local news, our “other” employee-vehicle (not the bus) lost a second air conditioning compressor to the heat; the bearings burned up again. So here is a picture of your favorite AoA mechanics working on our own vehicle. Gotta have that A/C!
And finally, we have seen clouds! That’s right, and temperatures have dropped down to as low as 105 in the day and around 80F at night. A taste of Fall and milder days ahead. It appears we may have survived the Iraq Summer. But it’s not over yet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)