I awoke to news today that Iraqi forces were claiming victory in Mosul. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi arrived in Mosul to personally deliver a message of victory to the world: ISIS had been driven out of the city in northern Iraq that had been the extremist group’s crown jewel. Victory. Yes. But at tremendous cost. The ancient city of Nineveh will never be the same. ISIS … Continue reading Iraq: Victory in Mosul, but at what cost?
Amid all the political noise of today, I want to stop and think of all my soldier friends I met in Iraq and back here at home in all the years I covered the military. Today is Veterans Day, a time for pause and reflection about the courage and sacrifice of our men and women who served in uniform. I am afraid that they will … Continue reading Stop the politics today — and remember
I woke up to extremely sad news today. NPR photojournalist David Gilkey was killed in Afghanistan, along with interpreter Zabihullah Tamanna. Another friend who worked tirelessly in the world’s most difficult places, gone. David and Zabihullah were traveling with an Afghan army unit, according to the report I heard on NPR this morning. They came under fire and their armored Humvee was hit by a rocket-propelled … Continue reading David Gilkey: remembering an incredible photojournalist
My heart breaks every time I read news from Iraq. So much so that I find myself clicking away or turning off the radio. Ramadi, the capital of al-Anbar province, has fallen to the Islamic State. I think of the people I met there during the height of the Iraq War and have to stave off tears. Ramadi and nearby Fallujah were the two most … Continue reading If you throw your hat into the air in Ramadi, it will come down with 12 bullet holes in it
I first met the boys of Charlie Company, 1/121 Infantry, in December 2005. I was an embedded reporter, a lost soul among the rough and tumble men of the Georgia Army National Guard. What did I know about the military, about the U.S. Army? Very little. I arrived with trepidation in my heart. But the soldiers of Company C welcomed me. One of them was … Continue reading Farewell, Sgt. Denny
Here’s to you, Blacksheep — 3rd platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment. Thinking of that hot day in April, 2006, when you completed your last patrol. I was with you in the worst of times and you showed me the best. I feel proud to know all of you. Saluting your courage on Veterans Day. ERC. Continue reading Rembering Blacksheep on Veterans Day
I fought off tears as I read Sunday’s New York Times. The news from Iraq was horrifying. A vicious civil war seems imminent as fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) point their guns toward Baghdad. They are men who make al-Qaeda look like nice guys. And the Taliban, wimps. They have taken over much of Nineveh province — Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, … Continue reading Remembering Ramadi as Iraq suffers again
Occasionally, I pick up my iPhone and am pleasantly surprised to see an incoming call from a soldier I met in Iraq. The other night, it was Mike Brown, who helped train Iraqi security forces for a year in Baghdad. He wanted nothing in general, nothing in particular. Just to say hello. His call was a good reminder, just ahead of Memorial Day. There’s … Continue reading Memorial Day is not National BBQ Day
I just read an excerpt from Peter Baker’s new book, “Days of Fire: Bush and Cheney in the White House. It’s being touted as the most comprehensive account of the Bush-Cheney years, at least until historical archives are opened to the public. What’s clear from the book is that Cheney was a major driver of the Iraq War. And a senior administration official is quoted … Continue reading Iraq's forgotten tragedy
Thursday evening, I drove out to Loganville, Georgia. I suppose it’s not a tremendous distance from downtown Atlanta but during rush hour, it took me more than an hour before I turned right onto Georgia Highway 81, named the Michael Stokely Memorial Highway. It was the eighth anniversary of Mike’s death. He went to Iraq with the 48th Infantry Brigade and was killed by a … Continue reading Every day is Memorial Day
