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You can follow Laura’s journey through Iraq here.
You wouldn’t know it by reading the New York Times, but IED attacks are actually down since December. I headed over to the Iraqi side of the base, where I saw the Iraqi troops being trained, with interpreters on site, of course. The men-about 30 of them-were friendly and seemed dedicated. They also risk their lives just by being part of the new Iraqi security forces-so most didn’t want their pictures taken. Their American counterparts seem genuinely fond of these men-and not happy that the whole story is not being told by the “major media.” More of the battlefield control is being turned over to the Iraqis later in the spring. “When the Iraqis see one of their own on top of a tank, they seem really proud,” said one of the military trainers. “We need that to be the norm, as quickly as possible,” commented one of the smart young majors riding with us. After checking out the the 4thID Aviation Brigade’s helicopter fleet, chatting with the pilots (all of whom are poised and impressive), and seeing the Air Force’s digital weather center, I was driven back to the air field for the Blackhawk flight back to Baghdad.
Journalists visit Iraq all the time. What makes Ms. Ingraham’s visit significant is that she a) cares about our troops on a human level and b) would prefer that the United States and the new Iraqi government actually accomplish their stated goal of making Iraq a country that respects human rights and is hostile to terrorists. I’m sure this upsets many people, but it makes me grateful. I like being supported.
Thank you for what you do for us Laura.