Women Shopping in al-Kadhamiya, a largely Shia district on the west-bank of the Tigris. (Photo by Rob)Friends,
As I write this, I am watching the beginning of Congressional hearings during which GEN Patraeus and Ambassador Crocker will testify to the military and political progress here in Iraq. I will let these men of honor speak for themselves, as it is simply not possible for me to communicate to you in the comprehensive manner the CG and Ambassador will, the state of Iraq today, and the implication for our future military and diplomatic engagement here.
As I write this, I am watching the beginning of Congressional hearings during which GEN Patraeus and Ambassador Crocker will testify to the military and political progress here in Iraq. I will let these men of honor speak for themselves, as it is simply not possible for me to communicate to you in the comprehensive manner the CG and Ambassador will, the state of Iraq today, and the implication for our future military and diplomatic engagement here.
In recent weeks, I have had the great honor to listen to both men speak to a small group of servicemen and diplomats. They are compelling in their assessment of progress and failure, and I have no doubt will speak with candor about Iraq's future, and America's role in securing it.
All that I can ask of our Congress is this: listen. Listen clearly. Listen intelligently. Listen critically.
And for a moment, put the interest of our nation ahead of the interests of your party and and ahead of your own personal ambition.
And for a moment, put the interest of our nation ahead of the interests of your party and and ahead of your own personal ambition.
And while Americans have been waiting for months for "the Patraeus report," for Iraqis, it's simply Monday. While long aware that September has been put forward as a month of decision about the future of the United States in Iraq, for the Iraqis I work with, it's another day to negotiate rush hour in this car-choked city, to be concerned about providing for family, to take joy in the preparations for Ramadan, which will begin Wednesday, and to pray for their safety, and for a peaceful future.
The choas of central Baghdad traffic. Before 2003, very few owned personal vehicles. (Photo by Rob)
In the heart of the battle-scared Bab al-Muadam neighborhood, near Medical City, al-Rusafa. (Photo by Rob)
Normal people; normal lives, at least for Iraq. But set those normal lives against the backdrop of Baghdad in September 2007. In the short term, for the millions who call Baghdad home, how important is today?
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