An Eye-Opening Perspective of the War in Iraq

If you're looking for an eye-opening, independent view of the ground war in Iraq, check out http://www.michaelyon-online.com/; a freelance journalist, Michael Yon has taken to the frontlines of the war, camera in hand, offering a perspective he articulates via print as well as anyone I've read recently.

Not lacking a healthy set of gonads, Yon walks the walk along with U.S. and Iraqi soldiers risking life and limb. He captures firefights in progress -- occasionally trying to jump in to help -- and details each story from beginning to end. Yon, who includes a large dose of common sense in his articles, brings a humanistic side to the conflict from both Iraqi and American viewpoints.

In many instances the clarity with which he reports puts you in the battle -- your sphincter puckering, and your respect for those doing the dirty work climbing as you read the passages. He paints a picture of courage, evil, devastation and of political change in country that much of the U.S. population doesn't hear about.

Short of being on the ground yourself, his work will have you questioning your own manhood -- I know I felt like a pussy afterward reading a few installments. If your stomach can handle the "truth," give his site the once over. I specifically encourage you to read his report entitled "Gates of Fire."

Yon, by the way, is not sponsored by any news, political or social entity -- relying solely on the support of readers via sales of photography and donations.

U.S.: Chose your friends wisely

In recent decades the U.S. has put together a pretty impressive record of backing the wrong horse in international affairs; the backlash of which it may now be suffering through.

There was the Shaw of Iran throughout the 40s-70s; Saddam Hussein of the late 70s and 80s; Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines; Panama's Noriega and the list goes on. Unfortunately, each of these men were well known for their abuse of power, if not outright disregard for human rights.

And as is the case on the local political stage, if you back the wrong people, there's a price to pay. This is especially the case in the Middle East were memories of wrongdoing or perceived wrongs, go back centuries. Not only does the U.S., apparently, not understand the dynamics involved (as the British were guilty of during their colonial days), but it seems unwilling to adjust tactics. This arrogance, of course, will make it difficult to foster better ties in the region.

It may be beneficial to forgo the big-brother stance for a more respectful approach for national sovereignty -- and negotiate with national counterparts instead of at them. The next few years will tell the tale.

Athletic indifference: Iraqi soccer feels the pain

On Aug. 4, the Iraqi soccer team returned home to Baghdad as winners of the Asian Soccer Cup -- an impressive feat given their lack of a stable training environment.

According to news reports, the Iraqi team hasn't played a home game in 17 years, basically since the first Gulf War.

Not on hand were three stars: Team Captain Younis Mahmoud, Nashat Akram and Hawar Mulla Mohammed. Each were undoubtedly fearful for their lives should they partake in the celebrations back home. It's a twist to other sports culture around the world where the losers may receive death threats or be the target of violence in other ways.

Since the Iraqi political situation remains impotent, however, even winning the Asian Cup couldn't ensure political foes would put their petty bickering aside to enjoy the moment. Instead, fans and the average Iraqi alike felt obliged to forgo the "party" as they assumed such a gathering would be targeted by, you guessed it, another suicide bomber.

The fact is, it may take a withdraw of U.S. troops before political heavyweights in Baghdad feel the need to step up and take control. It's also clear that once they do, they won't be playing by the same rules concerning civil rights that the U.S. tries to adhere to -- they will, for a time, return to stomping out violence by any means necessary. But then again, sometimes you have to step back a few yards to ultimately gain a mile. And maybe, just maybe, the end will justify the means.

Vietnam II: America Might, Middle East Insanity

Today's news highlighted Shiite militias who have now turned to rooting out Al Qaeda forces in and around Baghdad. This is good news given that, maybe, they have finally realized that even with America's penchant of sticking its nose in world affairs, it does not deliberately try to harm innocent civilians.

I have done some research and found that the U.S. spends many hundreds of millions of dollars on research and development of what they call "smart weapons." My understanding is that these weapons limit collateral damage (injuries/deaths to civilians); that the American military machine now uses more such weapons that at any time in its history. This is hardly the work of those who would marginalize life ... as do the insurgents there.

As each day passes I read of bombings, shootings and attacks by insurgents who kill indiscriminately. I may be somewhat biased here, but my country was -- in large part -- rebuilt by the generosity of America following WWII, as was Germany and much of Europe. Today, we live in a prosperous nation with elected officials. I think the same would be true in the Middle East if local leadership could end the bitter rivalries between Shiite and Sunni Muslims.

And I am perplexed (I wanted to use that world for a long time) as to why many Americans don't see the realities of bowing out now. Even in Japan we realize that such extreme zealots were being trained and sent abroad many years ago, before 9/11, the embassy attacks overseas etc.

The difference between Iraq and Vietnam, of course, is that the Vietnamese never attacked America (or any other nation) on its home soil. This can't be said true of Al Qaeda -- there's no doubt among those of us who discuss such things that the cancer must be dealt with now, before it spreads. Pandering to Al Qaeda would only embolden them to do more.

Personally, I hope the U.S. remains strong willed and keeps at it because there seems to be a lack of strong-willed leadership elsewhere in the world.

And I think those who would vote to withdraw from Iraq would be the very same people who are outraged when an unchecked Al Qaeda reemerges in New York, L.A. or Washington D.C.

I see them asking: "Why didn't you do more?"

I'd also like to point out that Middle East states tend to have long memories, so when you back Iraq in their war with Iran, or train/equip their version of insurgents, it shouldn't be much of a surprise when they respond in kind when provided the opportunity.