I flew home from a Boston writing conference this afternoon. The skies were cloudless and blue. Earth looked so serene from 33,000 feet up. In the world’s busiest airport, there was not a trace of the wars that are now history for the United States. No more soldiers returning home from bloody tours of duty; no more family reunions that would make the hardest and … Continue reading 20 years of tears
I felt proud when I first saw Khizr Khan on the stage of the Democratic National Convention last year. Not because of his politics but because of his courage. He lost a son in Iraq and because of that, he felt compelled to remind Americans of the greatness of this country. Of the rights and dignities afforded to all of us in the Constitution. I … Continue reading Khizr Khan has a message on Veterans Day
A few months ago, I traveled to a place I’d never visited before: Mbale, Uganda. I wasn’t there to marvel at the vastness of Lake Victoria or spend a day at a safari park, though I wished I’d had time to see mountain gorillas. I was there to Meet Noor, a girl I met 11 years ago in the midst of the Iraq war. She came … Continue reading What I learned from a girl in Iraq: Human being first, journalist second
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?
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 had a dream last night. It was the same one I’ve had since August 20, when I learned of Jim Foley’s death. A man in black holds a small knife in his left hand. He is too cowardly to show his face. But he holds up Jim’s face. For the world to see. I have been told that if one uses a small knife … Continue reading Death, dreams and dread
A few months ago, my friend and colleague Lateef Mungin died quite suddenly. This morning, more shocking news awaited me. CNN photojournalist Sarmad Qaseera passed away. He was 42. Here’s the thing. Like Lateef, Sarmad was always smiling, always cracking jokes. His joy in life was infectious. I never heard him get bitter like so many other journalists in the war zone. He came to … Continue reading Courage in journalism, Part II: RIP, Habibi
Honoring the courage and fortitude of James Foley today. Rest in peace. I had intended to write more about him but words are failing me now. So I am posting a few links for you. I hope you will think about how so many journalists put themselves in harm’s way so that you may know the truth about our sometimes vicious world. The Committee to … Continue reading Courage in journalism
