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…