tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99268282011-08-16T23:13:40.971-04:00From MSNBC.com: "There is actually good reporting coming from Iraq -- check out Michael Yon's blog, for example. And it's possible to get a clearer picture of the strategic picture than most big media accounts provide."Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comBlogger1121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1137473769198590712006-01-16T23:53:00.000-05:002006-01-16T23:59:07.700-05:00

National Geographic has published one of most intelligently written pieces on Iraq I have seen. I do not know the writer, Frank Viviano, or the photographer, Ed Kashi, but their collaboration entitled “Who's Winning in Iraq” is precise and cogent.A preview is available online here, but to actually read the article, please pick up a copy of the January 2006 edition.I traveled to these areas last

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1132722487115482982006-01-15T09:35:00.000-05:002006-01-17T19:30:58.400-05:00

Many people say this is the most important photograph of the Iraq war. Some have called it "a national treasure." The image most completely embodies my experience throughout Iraq.Countless people have asked for reprints, but I wanted to give the matter some thought. I did not want to diminish the symbolism of this photograph, and the American soldiers who risked their lives to save this little

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1136966790974930452006-01-11T03:05:00.000-05:002006-01-13T17:44:29.146-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:10-Jan-2006 CONTACT: Melissa Schwartzhttp://mikulski.senate.gov202-228-1122 Mikulski Urges Sec. Rice to Honor Slain Maryland Serviceman, Extradite Convicted Killer“We must make clear to Lebanon that it will not benefit from U.S. assistance and support as long as it harbors this brutal terrorist and murderer.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) and

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1136876002486984522006-01-10T01:52:00.000-05:002006-01-10T10:11:18.280-05:00

Catch & ReleaseHe was only 23 years-old but by any measure he was a man. A real man who stood up to the terrorists who were savagely torturing him on an airliner. Those same terrorists shot the young Navy diver and dumped his body onto the tarmac. I remember the day in 1985 that Robert Stethem was murdered.Fast forward: More than 20 years later, one of Robert’s murderers, who was in a German

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1136640940488207442006-01-07T08:29:00.000-05:002006-01-08T09:27:56.313-05:00

Retired Military Persons NeededThe difference a year can make is staggering. One year ago, the gap between the ground reports from Iraq from military friends prompted my travel to Iraq to see for myself just what was happening. The dispatches posted to these pages over the ensuing months were an attempt to bridge that gap. Now that I’m back in the United States for a time, trying wring every

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1135919694816900162005-12-30T00:14:00.000-05:002005-12-30T07:44:24.720-05:00

Please click here for details

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1135836575878998222005-12-29T01:09:00.000-05:002005-12-29T23:26:40.016-05:00

I cannot remember all the times I’ve seen Iraqi mothers put their children into the arms of American soldiers. Coalition troops and others are fighting to save another Iraqi child. They do this every day all over Iraq, and today we see an example of the Georgia National Guard going the extra mile. I caught the story today on the news and it’s always great seeing these kids get the help they need

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1135168321889532592005-12-21T07:31:00.000-05:002005-12-26T08:07:49.830-05:00

The election photo-montage I posted last week has a certain propagandistic feel to it. It has all the usual suspects: the waving flag, the iconic soundtrack (Fanfare for the Common Man, hardly on the Iraqi Top 40) and the sequence of photos selected to tell a story ALL IN BOLD CAPITALS. It seemed especially propagandistic given the fact that the United States government admitted to paying off

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1134737290066140692005-12-21T05:59:00.000-05:002005-12-21T17:02:24.986-05:00

The Truth was evident almost a year ago--Iraqi people were determined to voteThree times now—three times this year—millions of Iraqis have come out swinging and voting. Hearing the news about the high turnout (as high as 75% in some regions) and low incidence of violence during the elections in Iraq yesterday, I have to wonder how many times Iraqis have to demonstrate their commitment to freedom

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1134950140873785912005-12-20T18:54:00.000-05:002005-12-21T07:29:38.613-05:00

I am working on a dispatch about the incredible Iraqi elections on 15th December. Meanwhile, the following video was sent to me by a caring citizen who closely follows the events in Iraq. The video was not attributed, and I saw no information regarding the authorship to ask permission to run it. Apparently the author sent it out to be distributed by the winds, and so please turn up the volume

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1134491397162918692005-12-13T10:39:00.000-05:002005-12-14T02:35:25.556-05:00

Regular visitors to the Time Magazine website are probably familiar with a feature called "Photo of the Week," where readers vote to select the most compelling photographs from the news that week.The photo of Major Beiger cradling the Iraqi girl, Farah, was the people's choice the first week of May, 2005. Time Magazine titled it In his Arms and used this caption:"A US Soldier comforts a child

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1133760172781854702005-12-06T09:22:00.000-05:002005-12-07T00:07:44.203-05:00

Birds of Baghdad Standing Watch in BaghdadI love birds. Everywhere, I notice the birds; often I hear their voices before seeing them. To my ears, the most beautiful singers are the mockingbirds. I can listen to their songs for hours and hours, especially in the springtime, when the bachelors are courting and they sing all night during the full moons. In cities, lovesick bachelors often mistake a

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1132624620472987922005-11-21T20:56:00.000-05:002005-11-21T21:11:47.766-05:00

I visited at least 50 schools all over Iraq.These wonderful children greeted American soldiers at a school near Khanaqin close by the Iranian border.The teachers could hardly contain the kids.Iraqi kids love to talk with soldiers.These kids have better school manners than I ever did!Education is paramount in Iraq.“Too much math!”In this region, young girls and boys attend the same school.Lost in

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1132238890712117522005-11-17T09:47:00.000-05:002005-11-18T23:45:56.076-05:00

Deuce FourOn Ice: “The Punishers” are Back in TownAfter a hard year of fighting and nation-building in northern Iraq, the Deuce Four has finally and completely returned home to the United States, where they threw a party to mark the occasion. Distinguished guests flew in to attend what was officially called the Redeployment Ball.I flew from Iraq and stayed in the beautiful home of Command

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1132011986161344112005-11-14T18:42:00.000-05:002005-11-15T19:16:05.606-05:00

Walt GayaI had yelled goodbye to Walt just before the mission, and some hours later when a bomb tore through the bottom of his Stryker vehicle, every man in it--including Walt--was wounded.Lying in the hospital, still in Iraq, Walt Gaya was in the United States Army, but he was not an American. Not on paper, anyway: Walt was born in Argentina. He survived the blast, but his new wounds would

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1131652571514614522005-11-10T14:52:00.000-05:002005-11-10T14:58:56.766-05:00

Much has occurred since my brief return from Iraq. I have so far been unable to post a dispatch about the return of the Deuce Four, and Bruce Willis’ appearance at the Deuce Four Ball where he was so warmly welcomed by the soldiers.I was honored to be invited to the Senate in Washington. Senator Santorum invited me and several other independent writers to speak at the Capital yesterday. Also,

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1131454624154500462005-11-08T07:50:00.000-05:002005-11-08T15:03:49.063-05:00

Over the next few days, beginning November 8, 2005, my work will be used on the floor of the Senate to describe the actions of our soldiers in Iraq. Between 9:30 and 10:00 am, Senators will be reading my dispatches and showing some photographs I took in Iraq. I am honored that my work will be used to demonstrate the progress our soldiers are making in helping Iraq secure and maintain its

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1130772069312598662005-10-31T10:20:00.000-05:002005-11-01T09:29:12.056-05:00

Bruce Willis is one of the finest and most successful actors in the world. Further introduction would be redundant. Mr. Willis has been to Iraq with his band and the USO, and has been following the events in Mosul through my dispatches. He has expressed his desire to support our troops to me on numerous occasions. One need only read his website to see how strongly he feels about this:

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1130140188575048942005-10-24T03:49:00.000-04:002005-11-22T00:43:17.173-05:00

BaghdadThe PerchI was in Baquba during the January elections. I’d hitched a ride with the US Army to a polling site. There were bombs exploding, mortars falling, and hot machine guns. The fact that the voting was going great despite the violence was something few people expected. When the soldiers dropped me off along with a CNN crew, they couldn’t believe we were willing to go alone. Neither

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1129875424665178842005-10-21T02:15:00.000-04:002005-10-22T11:37:37.943-04:00

My dispatch entitled “Purple Fingers," covering the Iraqi Constitutional Referendum, is finished. An excerpted version will be published in “The Weekly Standard” on Monday, 24 October 2005. The complete dispatch will be published here on the same day.On the evening before “Purple Fingers” is published, Sunday October 23rd, I will conduct a live radio interview from Iraq. Listeners can tune in

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1129506553275648302005-10-16T19:48:00.000-04:002005-10-16T23:15:30.796-04:00

Witnessing the critical Iraqi referendum Saturday, I saw such a breadth of events that some time is required to compose a dispatch equal to those historic proceedings. Accurately capturing the experience is more important than quickly delivering a statistical summary. The newspapers can handle the summaries. A surplus of reporters has kept an ongoing tally of high voter turnout and low insurgent

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1129184579593360672005-10-13T02:22:00.000-04:002005-10-13T14:54:11.273-04:00

BaghdadI've returned to Iraq.People ask how journalists get embedded. This seems a fair moment for synopsis of some firsthand experience.The process begins with an application to the Combined Press Information Center (CPIC). This is simple to complete with emails. If a journalist works for a credible media organization, and can pass some kind of background check—quick and transparent—in all

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1128444777213344412005-10-04T12:52:00.000-04:002005-10-19T01:37:24.916-04:00

Soldiers, Spies, and SheepCharles Ford and “Jeff” at the sheep marketThey fled. It was all over the news. When the bullets flew, they fled. Leaving stations, abandoning posts, forgetting duties, hundreds of police fled. When the police response to gunfire was to simply run away, the city fell into lawlessness. Pundits rushed to the airwaves, proclaiming the city’s future hopeless. When the news

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1127982059477818152005-09-29T04:19:00.000-04:002005-09-29T04:20:59.486-04:00

Much world travel has convinced me that the “average American” is a good person. But even a good person needs information in order to act effectively on their best impulses. Oftentimes, good things do not happen simply because information does not make it to the right people.I believe this was the case for a sick little Iraqi girl named Rhma. American “Deuce Four” soldiers found Rhma one night

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1127452729039706152005-09-23T01:10:00.000-04:002005-09-23T12:26:16.990-04:00

PreludeDeuce Four soldiers receiving Purple Hearts.“Deuce Four,” is on its way home. I attended their departure ceremony, presided over by the much respected Brigade Commander, Colonel Robert Brown. Purple Hearts were awarded to soldiers wounded in action. The commander of the Deuce Four, LTC Erik Kurilla, was not there to pin the medals on his soldiers; Kurilla was the last Deuce Four solider

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1126309233345481262005-09-09T19:40:00.000-04:002005-09-11T07:03:36.410-04:00

“Bad timing," explained LTC Erik Kurilla, lying in his hospital bed at the Madigan Army Hospital in Fort Lewis, Washington, recovering from gunshot wounds suffered in combat in Mosul on 19 Aug, 2005. Titanium replaces part of his shattered femur, while the wounds in his other leg and arm are healing quickly. Kurilla, whose warrior stature on the battlefield is fast becoming legendary, is

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1124498589757419562005-08-31T20:36:00.000-04:002005-10-24T07:01:49.946-04:00

The top leaders of the Deuce Four: CSM Robert Prosser and LTC Erik Kurilla making the call to Daniel's Mom outside the hospitalMosul, IraqCombat comes unexpectedly, even in war.On Monday, while conducting operations in west Mosul, a voice came over the radio saying troops from our brother unit, the 3-21, were fighting with the enemy in east Mosul on the opposite side of the Tigris River. Moments

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1124859668261386392005-08-24T00:53:00.000-04:002005-09-03T05:58:36.790-04:00

Air Force SSG Will Shockley relays news that an American soldier was just killed nearby in Mosul. (15 August 05) One week later, memorial services were held at a Fort Lewis chapel to say goodbye to Jose L. Ruiz, 28.--------------------Please stand by for the "Gates of Fire" dispatch explaining the circumstances of the firefight wherein LTC Erik Kurilla was shot. "Gates of Fire" should be

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1124434436112900742005-08-20T02:36:00.000-04:002005-09-06T15:36:47.223-04:00

Mosul, IraqDuring radio interviews, listeners sometimes call in with questions for me. People who follow the war closely and read my dispatches might ask about events covered by mainstream news but about which I've posted few details, if any. Thousands of emails pour in."Did you know about the letter to Zarqawi?" (Yes, I was in the Deuce Four daily briefing when it was first displayed and read,

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1123855562204112892005-08-16T10:04:00.000-04:002005-09-06T15:53:29.713-04:00

[Click here for video of small IED attack. Probably a "two-banger."]Mosul, IraqFor more than a week, I've been trying to finish the Battle for Mosul Part IV. Meanwhile, the battle for Mosul is still on. Writing about this war takes a back seat to living it. Yesterday, for instance, there was fighting and one of our brother units lost a young soldier in battle.Part IV will focus on the Iraqi

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1124016159785085972005-08-14T18:42:00.000-04:002005-09-06T15:54:03.240-04:00

I conducted a radio interview on Sunday, 14 August with WRKO in Boston. For an audio recording of the discussion, please click here.Respectfully,Michael YonMosul, Iraq

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1123665365791489562005-08-10T04:55:00.000-04:002005-10-04T00:49:27.720-04:00

Combat PhysicsMosul, IraqThe first person to use a shield might have been a hairy man who, days earlier, barely survived a barrage from the stone-throwing man in the cave next door. As the use of weaponized sticks and stones spread, improved shields probably were not far behind. Throughout recorded history, bigger and better shields always play catch-up to their bigger and better ballistic

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1123382078016698782005-08-07T22:28:00.000-04:002005-09-04T01:56:23.006-04:00

Mosul, IraqOn Thursday August 6, we headed out the gates to meet with police officials in downtown Mosul. As we rolled in, a handful of Iraqi police ran across the road, back towards the barracks. Terrorists had just shot the mother of a police officer, and the police said she was dead. But Captain Scott Cheney, the Charlie Company Commander, rolled there and found she wasn’t dead, just shot in

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1122994146330080022005-08-04T10:49:00.000-04:002005-09-03T06:05:40.956-04:00

Mosul, IraqThe three most dangerous places in Iraq are Baghdad, Mosul, and Al Anbar province. While most of Iraq is functioning peacefully, a civil war sizzles and pops in these important areas.The key to long term stability in Iraq is the Iraqi Security Forces, which are comprised of the Police, Army, Navy, Border Police and similar organizations. From a ground’s eye perspective, the ISF

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1123060539226082782005-08-03T05:09:00.000-04:002005-09-03T06:06:28.670-04:00

This morning there was a knock on my door delivering news:On Wednesday, an American freelance journalist was found dead in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, the U.S. Embassy said.Police said Steven Vincent had been shot multiple times after he and his Iraqi translator were abducted at gunpoint hours earlier.I had just contacted Steven asking when he might come to Mosul. Steven Vincent was an

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1123079585594207492005-08-03T03:31:00.000-04:002005-09-03T06:06:07.776-04:00

Mosul, IraqA big “thank you” to people who have supported my work in Iraq. I've been working out of my own pocket for the past seven months. Operating here is as expensive as it is dangerous. The generosity of readers enabled me to replace my damaged camera. I am in the process of thanking by email each and every person who has sent in even one dollar. This task has left a considerable backlog,

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1122822354191888522005-08-01T11:03:00.000-04:002005-09-03T06:34:28.276-04:00

MosulSuccess or failure for the emerging Iraqi Government will depend on Iraqi Security Forces. The ISF must establish and maintain order along and within the borders of this country. By extension, the outcome of this war will rest on the ISF. Other crucial regional governments are subject to the hurricane force political winds blowing from Iraq. The global implications are potentially enormous.

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1122448246675897142005-07-29T03:05:00.000-04:002005-09-03T06:35:05.990-04:00

Mosul, IraqAcross Iraq, I keep running across American troops who are not Americans. Many of these soldiers and Marines are working towards attaining U.S. citizenship while in uniform, under fire, in Iraq.I was privileged to witness the award ceremony for 12 new American citizens in Deuce Four recently. I hope America makes them feel welcome. If the folks at home could see what these people are

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1122282716260266582005-07-26T21:09:00.000-04:002005-09-03T06:35:23.870-04:00

Kashmir: thenExtensive travels across central Asia have taken me up the plateaus of Tibet, across the meandering middle of China, around the mountains of Nepal, and along India's littered river banks. Although each has had the power to captivate, India, without a doubt, is the most beguiling land I have ever seen. From India I journeyed North, into Kashmir-- a land of wealth and beauty, shredded

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1121358505856364662005-07-25T20:28:00.000-04:002005-09-03T06:35:45.726-04:00

Stand by: Next Dispatch is on the way.Special Note: American experts who examined the 26 Surface to Air Missiles captured in "The Devil's Foyer," say 23 of those missiles could have been used to attack aircraft.

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1121856235597012852005-07-21T06:41:00.000-04:002005-09-03T06:38:38.723-04:00

The Devil's FoyerMosul, IraqAmerican gyms in Iraq are excellent. Whoever selected the gear and outfitted these facilities deserves accolades. Maybe the gym-outfitters are in a top-secret Pentagon office called GYMCOM (Gym Command), where people meet to discuss GYMOPS, and its effects on troop readiness and morale. On this base in Mosul, the gym is so well outfitted that if it were in Chicago, I

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1121375948446357092005-07-16T17:18:00.000-04:002005-09-03T06:50:55.980-04:00

Walt and PlumMosulSixty Stryker tires were strapped five-high into the belly of a C-130 cargo plane heading for Mosul. After weeks of riding in a Humvee with CSM Mellinger and crew, at times sharing a dusty but air-conditioned tent in Baghdad with bold mice, it was time to go "home."Each day Stryker tires get blown off, sometimes sailing hundreds of feet before landing smoldering on a rooftop, or

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1121279847931614212005-07-14T14:20:00.000-04:002005-09-03T06:53:24.340-04:00

MosulEmails coming in by the bucket, soldiers stopping me on the road, all asking if the leadership in Baghdad really knows what is going on with soldiers in combat. I cannot answer whether the top generals know what is going on; I did not ask. I can say, however, with complete confidence, that CSM Jeffrey Mellinger, who is the top non-commissioned officer in the theatre, knows more about the

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1121173210817395652005-07-13T08:59:00.000-04:002005-09-04T02:23:56.060-04:00

One Journey EndsRoads to the future: Iraqis gain freedom to choose their courseMesopotamiaSix months of patience paid off, when I finally had the opportunity to ride along with Command Sergeant Major Mellinger as he traveled across Iraq on his continuous mission to assess conditions of the troops. For three weeks, as we traveled in Iraq, Kuwait and on the North Arabian Gulf, he diligently

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1120899845805293542005-07-11T05:03:00.000-04:002005-09-04T02:28:18.560-04:00

A Dispatch for Medical Professionals and others wishing to help Iraqi PeopleSalah al Din Province, IraqThe imagination to see, the initiative to act, the energy to do; when a person has these essentials, a great journey can begin.The successful bondage of man depends, at least in part, on equal measures of ignorance and intimidation. These are the twin towers of both tyranny and terrorism.

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1120768590622715582005-07-07T16:20:00.000-04:002005-09-04T02:29:30.850-04:00

The American soldiers here in Iraq who have seen the news about the attack on London, are angry. When the United Kingdom is attacked, our family is attacked. We are seeing news here in Iraq that civilians and children were killed in London. This is very distressing, as when we see the savages killing children here in Iraq. It is also clear from the messages I am getting from London, that the

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1120398624479430402005-07-04T09:47:00.000-04:002005-09-04T02:30:22.766-04:00

Camp FallujahAl Anbar Province, IraqOn 23 June 2005, the enemy rammed a vehicle loaded with explosives into a truck carrying our troops, ending the lives of one sailor and five Marines.The 8th Regimental Combat Team of the United States Marine Corps held a memorial for six fallen comrades.The attack gained worldwide attention, threatening to turn the memorial into the customary frenzy, so the

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1120209779249680562005-07-02T04:57:00.000-04:002005-09-04T14:03:15.750-04:00

LT Noah Harris in BuhrizThe Fine LineBaghdad, IraqIt's a dusty walk through blowing heat to the crowded mess hall at Camp Victory. I don't really know anyone here. To pass the time while eating, I sometimes imagine I'm sitting alone in a jungle with insects chirping and birds singing through the thickness, the fresh smell of green jungle and running water. It could be Costa Rica, or the jungle of

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1119952374750623612005-06-28T05:52:00.000-04:002005-09-04T02:50:52.980-04:00

The FeathersNorth Arabian GulfA strange white helicopter landed on the ship to fly us to Kuwait. It was a Puma, with "04" painted on the nose. A few sailors and soldiers boarded the Puma along with CSM Mellinger and company. I was sitting facing left, and as I strapped the lap belt, I fumbled with the shoulder harness. I was not alone in the confusion--the crew chief crouched around the cabin

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1119440674203728762005-06-25T07:43:00.000-04:002005-09-16T04:28:35.586-04:00

Critical NodesNormandy screening ABOTUSS Normandy, North Arabian GulfJeffrey Mellinger is the Command Sergeant Major responsible for the Multi-National Force in Iraq, including all Coalition officers, enlisted persons and civilians. Every canal and precipice in the battle space, from posh offices to combat-mired swamps, falls under his watch. Across deserts and over mountains, he checks the

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1119003822507637842005-06-19T05:52:00.000-04:002005-09-04T14:34:04.406-04:00

The Big PictureBaghdadSam was, by all accounts, a practical hands-on man whose grip had the grit of hard work. He started it all with little more than a barren field and some air in his pockets. Through hard work, he turned that into a store. Unfortunately, hard work alone wasn't enough to overcome beginner's fumbling, and Sam lost that business, but not his drive for success. So on the next

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1118515874345386032005-06-13T14:50:00.000-04:002005-09-04T15:27:27.893-04:00

Progress in Iraq MosulIn war as in politics, gerrymandering makes all the difference. In Iraq, which side of the line people find themselves on determines more than just what precinct they vote in. People residing north of the "green line" now live in peace and enjoy a prosperity unique in this country. Below that line, in the city of Mosul for instance, there is civil war.Defining Civil War:

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1117859304021376872005-06-06T09:27:00.000-04:002005-06-09T23:07:10.006-04:00

Yezdinar Village, IraqDohuk is a welcoming place. After walking or taking taxis inside and around the city for two days, I covered enough ground and talked with enough people to see that while the welcome is clear for American, British, and other visitors, troublemakers can expect an entirely different greeting. People in Dohuk say they have no intentions of going back, or of carrying useless

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1117419140120830792005-06-02T22:12:00.000-04:002005-06-05T19:21:58.650-04:00

Just MarriedDohuk, Northern IraqApproaching Dohuk, a short drive north of Mosul, brings to mind the countryside in Italy. The war is over in Dohuk. After suffering perhaps a half century of fighting, the people have finally gotten the peace they wanted long ago. With the old Iraqi government vanquished, Dohuk is thriving. In fact, this Iraqi city appears to be doing at least as well as--perhaps

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1117476998013477832005-05-31T14:16:00.000-04:002005-09-16T06:28:05.320-04:00

Mosul, Northern IraqAn American soldier told me today that he has been telling kids to stay away from his unit so they won't be killed. This is harder, on all parties, than it might seem to anyone who hasn't seen firsthand how much the kids here love the soldiers. The sound of heavily armored trucks rumbling through the streets has the same effect on these kids as the tinkling bells of the "ice

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1117030869673680722005-05-25T10:16:00.000-04:002005-06-13T05:23:37.823-04:00

Recent messages and articles have promulgated a belief that I work for the Associated Press. I have no affiliation with the AP or any other organization. I am a freelance author, by choice.Michael YonMosul

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1116912317846757552005-05-24T01:11:00.000-04:002005-06-10T00:08:33.010-04:00

Mosul, Northern IraqThe media is an industry; but their business is not to report news. The industry needs a captive audience to beat the bottom line. The product is advertisement.This is not a right or wrong. It's just a business concept for moving merchandise, and every profession or industry has one. Doctors, soldiers, preachers, lawyers, journalists: everyone needs to earn a living. Only a

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1116525750184075402005-05-21T13:50:00.000-04:002005-09-06T01:38:31.013-04:00

The PlayersThere is the perception that fanatical insurgents bubble like oil from the Iraqi sands. Yet, having traveled in Iraq for nearly half a year, I have seen little real desert, and true fanatics are rare.In an effort to be culturally sensitive and almost compulsively polite, we've mangled the meanings of words like: "martyr," and "suicide" to such a degree that we're using them to label

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1116540531970667172005-05-19T18:05:00.000-04:002005-05-20T06:52:52.816-04:00

Liebe deutsche Leser: Danke für die vielen ausgezeichneten emails aus Deutschland. Ich lebte für ungefähr sechs Jahre in Europa, viel dieser Zeit in Deutschland. Die Anzeigen aus Deutschland veranlassen mich, die deutsche Kultur und die Landschaft zu vermissen. Ich hoffe zum Besuch Deutschland nach dem Krieg zurückzukommen, und ein anderes Jahr in den bayerischen Alpen möglicherweise zu

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1116530125525315702005-05-19T15:15:00.000-04:002005-05-20T09:31:19.280-04:00

Even the kids love to show off babiesMosulI have never seen a people in any land who show off their kids more than the Iraqis. Every time I go downtown, someone asks that I photograph a baby. Often I pretend to snap a photo, and the people smile and walk away.This girl saw the camera and chased half a block, insisting I photograph her little sisterCrazy Iraqi Kids. Always up to something.

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1116010469917884332005-05-18T14:52:00.000-04:002005-06-15T14:33:43.313-04:00

Folks at home have been asking if they can send care packages to Mosul. Army officers have said that care packages can be mailed to the Chaplain, who will ensure that any goods are distributed properly. I appreciate your not contacting me in regard to care packages, lest I spend hours each week answering emails about them. Personally, I do not need packages, but I greatly appreciate the thought.

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1116180093715341672005-05-15T14:01:00.000-04:002005-05-16T20:50:00.926-04:00

Girl who surived car bomb after Farah and a little boy diedSoldiers in Mosul are rounding up insurgents by the dozens every week. The next posting will describe some of the fascinating methods they are using to track down insurgent cells.Please join the mailing list to be alerted when this story is posted.

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1115243397914808322005-05-14T17:49:00.000-04:002005-09-06T02:11:50.016-04:00

(Media please contact John Mason: jmason@bktc.net) MosulMajor Mark Bieger found this little girl after the car bomb that attacked our guys while kids were crowding around. The soldiers here have been angry and sad for two days. They are angry because the terrorists could just as easily have waited a block or two and attacked the patrol away from the kids. Instead, the suicide bomber drove

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1114881021094119402005-05-14T01:09:00.000-04:002005-08-01T05:25:26.723-04:00

The Deuce-Four Fighting for MosulMosul, Northern IraqAs the new map of Iraq unfolds, a picture of progress emerges. The Iraqis who want freedom and democracy are gaining ground. From what I hear about the news back home, this might sound unreal. Nightly tallies of roadside IEDs and suicide car bombers driving headlong into crowds, like the Vietnam body counts on the Huntley-Brinkley Report, are

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1116008926032470522005-05-13T14:28:00.000-04:002005-05-15T20:57:48.520-04:00

Michael Bordelon and Anthony Davis fought together, and were killed in action in Mosul, IraqFOB MarezFirst Sergeant Michael J. Bordelon was conducting combat operations in Mosul, Iraq, on 23 April 2005 when a suicide car-bomber rammed into his Stryker vehicle. Though mortally wounded, Michael Bordelon lived for another two weeks before the injuries claimed his life. With every passing day, here

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1115872883860536952005-05-12T00:31:00.000-04:002005-05-15T20:55:03.430-04:00

It was noisier than usual last night on Marez; our soldiers were firing 120mm mortars. When large cannons or mortars are fired around you daily, like they were in Baquba, it's easy to start sleeping through the racket. But since outgoing fire is not common on this FOB, the booms kept some people awake. Then, shortly after sunrise, two rockets flew into base and exploded nearby, causing more

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1115601963930376932005-05-10T21:26:00.000-04:002005-05-10T06:00:25.913-04:00

"Shoot me, shoot me"MosulWith an up-tick in insurgent activity these last two weeks, Deuce-Four is focusing on inserting themselves a few links further up the chain reaction that is the typical car bomb attack here in Mosul. Deuce-Four rolled into a car service garage, following a tip that had them searching every car. There they found a car bomb, on the scale of the one that detonated in the

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1114971068410023692005-05-03T14:03:00.000-04:002005-05-15T14:56:40.960-04:00

MosulDespite his easy smile, Sergeant Davis was an experienced combat veteran who’d seen plenty of fighting. Knowing the risks, he would volunteer for dangerous missions, his kit always ready. One of the most dangerous jobs in Mosul is to ride right-rear air-guard in a Stryker vehicle, and this was the position he preferred. On 23 April, 2005, Sergeant Davis, Ace, was riding right-rear

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1114596058485420362005-04-27T06:00:00.000-04:002005-05-08T02:20:12.786-04:00

This boy, working in a Mosul sheep market, did not seem to understand when I said, "Go Gators!" [Please join the email list for alerts about important dispatches.]

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1109043404947267582005-04-14T22:36:00.000-04:002005-09-16T06:13:32.486-04:00

Viana, young girl with big dreamsMalakshah, Iraq The interpreter stayed back with American soldiers, so I walked around, saying hello to Kurdish people until I heard a reply in English. As I wandered through the tent village, I spotted a family down the way. One girl, standing by a tent with her parents and teenaged brother, replied to my greeting with a clear and confident "hello." As I

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1112887121746957642005-04-14T11:18:00.000-04:002005-04-14T17:12:37.520-04:00

Children of Umar BillKurdish people often ask me to say "hello" and "thank you" to Ameriki, as if Ameriki is a person I speak to privately. Yet, I will do my best to fulfill a mounting string of promises by heartily conveying these greetings from my Kurdish hosts: "Hello Ameriki" and "Thank you, Ameriki." In the Kurdish villages threats from suicide bombers or random RPG attacks begin to

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1113253183183865062005-04-12T23:59:00.000-04:002005-04-14T11:16:11.330-04:00

Charlie DanielsThe night was dusty, very dusty, dark, clear and warm. Midnight had faded, another day gone. Another raid was ending, new prisoners had been awakened to altered futures, as they and a handful of captured weapons were loaded onto the vehicles. Men of the 3/278 from Tennessee were folding back to Cobra, their base near the Iranian border. They needed sleep.Then came the IED.

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1113091693127018562005-04-09T19:31:00.000-04:002005-04-11T18:14:45.523-04:00

Stephen Kennedy Memorial (Photo SSG Russell Klika, US Army)Camp Caldwell, IraqThe primary goal in training Iraqi forces is that they can resume control of a more stable Iraq, freeing Coalition forces to go home. Every day we move closer to that goal. Some days we pay a high price for progress. Earlier this week, a small element of the 278th Regimental Combat Team, along with US Special Forces,

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1112095577623293402005-04-07T06:26:00.000-04:002005-04-08T14:55:02.763-04:00

Nashville Near Iran Minefields everywhereIraqi Sheepboy: His "cows" are sheep, his horse is...well, this thing[Please join MichaelYon.blogspot.com for information not available to visitors. Subscription is free.]

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1112371499613820932005-04-05T11:04:00.000-04:002005-04-06T19:22:51.626-04:00

.IRANIAN BORDER REGION, IRAQLTC Jeffrey Holmes, the commander at FOB Cobra, recognizes a truth of man: fighting can reduce tensions, and thereby improve fighting ability. Any soldier at FOB Cobra is allowed to challenge any other soldier to step into the ring. Two by two they entered the ring, while soldiers with smiles and automatic weapons rooted for their buddies, but mostly for a good fight.

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1111779829665308542005-03-31T14:43:00.000-05:002005-04-03T11:50:47.500-04:00

Iraqi Translator watching accused Iraqi TerroristDiyala ProvinceIraq has a smash-hit television show: "Terrorism in the Hands of Justice." The hour-long episodes without commercials are shown six nights per week on a government-owned, US-sponsored station.I watched an episode with nine Iraqi translators working for the US Army. The translators say they "love the show," "watch it every night,"

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1110575778108470722005-03-27T17:15:00.000-05:002005-03-31T02:15:58.323-05:00

Iraqis with Guns Smoking Dope on Iranian BorderDiyala Province, IraqA couple of weeks back, a combat patrol from FOB Gabe came into a tea café in Baquba. The Iraqis were surprised, and several American soldiers reported seeing the Iraqis "swallowing their weed." "What do you mean they were swallowing their weed?" asked a soldier over breakfast."You know, they were just swallowing their weed.""I

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1111785657659559932005-03-25T16:20:00.000-05:002005-08-13T13:38:17.323-04:00

Terrorist leaves trail of Tangled Tales to foil US Soldiers. Plan doesn't work.Camp CaldwellIran Border Region, IraqA platoon from the Tennessee National Guard was preparing to creep up to the Iranian border during the night. Using night-vision equipment, the soldiers were to employ ground surveillance radar to locate smugglers crossing the mountains into Iraq. But as the platoon prepared their

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1109843285544135782005-03-17T16:48:00.000-05:002005-08-13T13:35:53.736-04:00

Suffering suspect: plastic cuffs cause intense pain when cinched too tightlyBaquba, IraqThe treatment of suspects and prisoners could be improved without sacrificing security. A professional police force can maintain safety without themselves engaging in behavior that would get the average person arrested. The secret is in the smallest of gestures. That's where everyone notices the little things,

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1110140939132673122005-03-14T01:00:00.000-05:002005-08-13T13:34:32.750-04:00

The Shadow[Please click the title for video. The original file was several Gigabytes, but is reduced here for web-transmission to less than 10MB. Video quality suffers, but the audio is there. I obtained this footage from enemy video captured in Baquba, and US Army files.]Baquba, IraqThe attack began just after dark. Approximately 16 enemy guerrillas arrived in two vehicles. They pulled up and

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1110462752333631442005-03-11T08:35:00.000-05:002005-03-25T17:53:55.953-05:00

 Scott Helvenston, former Navy SEAL: Contractor Killed in ActionBaquba, IraqA friend emailed me from the United States this morning. He said ABC Nightly News and 20/20 had contacted him. Friday night, they will broadcast shows about the four contractors who died in Falluja last year. The public display of brutality by the killers prompted, in large part, the "invasion" of Falluja. My friend

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1110301626926714452005-03-08T12:07:00.000-05:002005-03-25T17:39:10.600-05:00

American Soldiers rehearse Operation Rock-HammerBaquba, IraqSFC David James Salie was killed recently when an IED exploded near his Humvee during a patrol in Baquba. Units from the 3rd Infantry Division launched from the gates of FOB Gabe at 4 a.m. this morning to capture or kill persons responsible for his death. During pre-mission planning, Captain Bobby Toon, a former Army Ranger and veteran

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1110299629339928792005-03-08T11:33:00.000-05:002005-03-10T00:18:28.503-05:00

Iraqi Man takes advantage of Sunny Sunday to wash his Ford...or Chevy...in Baquba.

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1109871992989325912005-03-07T12:34:00.000-05:002006-01-02T16:39:18.716-05:00

Please click title above for video of Police shooting at usBaquba, IraqIt will come as no surprise to readers of my posts that Iraqi police frequently shoot at us. Sometimes they fire just a bullet or two, but other times the fire is heavier.I made the video for this post one night about a month ago while riding with Ghost Platoon. We stopped a suspicious car near an IP station, and soon came

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1108610714164718812005-03-05T08:25:00.000-05:002005-03-13T11:52:14.696-05:00

Solider in Iraq wearing the Petzl with 3 LEDs. The TacTikka Plus model, with 4 LEDs, is a better choice.Baquba, IraqTroops rotating into Iraq should try to avoid dying needlessly.Our troops in Iraq are increasingly prepared; the new up-armored Humvees, for instance, are routinely shot at and blown up by roadside IEDs and usually the troops walk away. I saw one vehicle yesterday where the front

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1109843551724936472005-03-03T04:52:00.000-05:002005-03-13T11:50:31.776-05:00

Short FuseBaquba, IraqCoalition forces capture enemy grenades like this every day. There can be a temptation for people unfamiliar with munitions to pull a pin and toss it, like fireworks. Some of these grenades come with ZERO-delay fuses. The instant the spoon is released, the grenade will explode. [Please join MichaelYon.blogspot.com for information not available to visitors.]

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1109499445713021542005-03-01T05:17:00.000-05:002005-08-13T13:31:15.980-04:00

"Controlled detonations" is one way to reduce the supply of explosives available to insurgents. (Please watch the video after reading the following post.)

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1109499125904516222005-02-28T05:12:00.000-05:002005-03-13T11:49:11.026-05:00

Too dangerous to move, these explosives were gathered for "blow in place"Baquba, IraqThe bomb world swims in alphabet soup. Consider the ubiquitous IED--improvised explosive device. These homemade bombs are the most lethal weapons being employed by the enemy. More troops are killed by IEDs than by any other weapon in Iraq. Given the lethality of these bombs, a reasonable person might assume that

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1109121724355777042005-02-27T14:11:00.000-05:002005-08-13T23:00:10.283-04:00

IEDs Up Close and Personal; or the other way to reduce the supplyBaquba, IraqAn IED sweep consists mostly of riding down the roads trying to induce explosions, or, if the platoon is lucky, spotting the device first. Most IEDs are found when they detonate. The fact that bombs are common doesn't diminish the danger: we lost a soldier here last week to an IED.The idea behind the sweeps is to send

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1109514820518121722005-02-26T06:23:00.000-05:002005-03-13T11:46:00.810-05:00

Major information sources such as CNN and the Associated Press continue to file reports such as the following:Alleged al-Qaida-linked leader captured in IraqArrest comes a day after attacks killed 30, including 3 U.S. troopsBaqouba, Iraq, on Friday.The Associated PressUpdated: 7:19 a.m. ET Feb. 25, 2005BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi forces captured the leader of an al-Qaida-affiliated terrorist cell

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1109170867346694522005-02-23T10:01:00.000-05:002005-03-13T11:42:40.526-05:00

Soldiers from the US Army 1st Infantry Division begin the long road home after successfully completing what many considered an impossible mission: ensuring a secure election for Iraqis.Line of DepartureBaquba, IraqThe last of the 1st Infantry Division pulled out of FOB Gabe just a few minutes ago. It was a bittersweet scene as they piled into trucks and the convoy slowly rumbled out the gate.

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1108894840346714842005-02-20T01:08:00.000-05:002005-05-18T13:50:49.020-04:00

A Woman with Two GirlsMalakshah, IraqThey live in a cluster of 450 tents, each with blue UN letters stamped on the sides. They call this place Malakshah, it's a village of tents. Officially, it is an IDP camp; a camp for Internally Displaced Persons. But Malakshah is a no-man’s land if ever there was one. The whiplash of reality in this war-ravaged region has left the families who find themselves

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1108876064965221232005-02-20T00:07:00.000-05:002005-03-13T11:37:35.496-05:00

Peaceful Tea in KhanaqinIranian BorderFOB CobraKhaniqin, Iraq I’ve finally returned to Baquba. My week-long trip to Tikrit was followed by a Blackhawk jaunt over to FOB Cobra near the Iranian border. It was the normal long helicopter journey in Iraq: flying below power-line level in daytime, slightly higher at night, until finally landing back at FOB Warhorse in Baquba. Stuck. I wanted to get

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1108066146714814412005-02-10T15:05:00.000-05:002005-03-13T11:36:23.536-05:00

The Face of Security: An Iraqi PolicemanBaquba, IraqTonight I rode downtown with Ghost Platoon under skies so clear that each star seemed to be individually lit. The air was still and chilly, like sometimes just before it snows in New England. Snow in the desert? I shook off that thought with a little of the chill and settled in for the ride downtown. We were heading out on patrol, with a

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1107981476095552872005-02-09T15:37:00.000-05:002005-09-04T13:49:22.756-04:00

Iraqi Kids Brighten a Rainy DayBaquba, IraqIt was 0400 when local units limped from their tents and slogged through the mud to assemble for this morning’s mission: sweeping a restless area of Baquba called Mufrek. The operation would begin by securing a square section of eight roads, several blocks deep. Bradley fighting vehicles and dismounted Iraqi and Americans would establish the cordon,

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1107804771193855772005-02-07T14:07:00.000-05:002005-03-13T11:27:06.523-05:00

Baquba, IraqThe sound of the latest car bomb in Baquba easily reached FOB Gabe today. During the initial attack, fifteen people were killed and seventeen wounded. There was a second attack with mortars, but no injuries were reported. Although our forces live at this police station, there were no US injuries there today. During a post about one week ago, I characterized this police station as

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1107730803013029302005-02-06T17:47:00.000-05:002005-03-13T11:25:27.960-05:00

Baquba, IraqSunday has been quiet for the soldiers here on FOB Gabe. Captain Lee at the TOC said there was only one IED today, that it was big, but that it mostly missed a Humvee and all our guys are fine.The rains came back making this place a muddy mess again, just in time for the replacement soldiers to begin arriving en masse this week. During about the next two weeks, the 1st Infantry

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1107645173013683502005-02-05T18:12:00.000-05:002005-03-13T11:17:53.260-05:00

My Favorite VoterMichael YonBaquba, IraqThis closes a week in Baquba. The story of the week is definitely the success of the elections last Sunday.Tonight, Saturday, I accompanied Cobra 1-6 to continue to retrieve barriers that had been erected for the elections. I think this is the first day in more than a month that I did not hear shooting or explosions. There were attacks around Iraq today,

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1107554902850686632005-02-04T17:08:00.000-05:002005-03-13T11:16:15.426-05:00

Fashion InsurgencyMichael YonBaquba, IraqThe air is cool and moist from the rains. The streets are so muddy that after just a short walk, soldiers are made two inches taller from cake on their boots.Tonight’s patrol was simple. Patrols usually start that way. The platoon Cobra 1-6 was to drive around Baquba, stop here and there, and ask people how things are going. Did you vote? What did you

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9926828.post-1107515793465554962005-02-04T06:16:00.000-05:002005-12-03T19:34:20.413-05:00

Mosque ManMichael YonBaquba, IraqThe media reported that about 28 people were killed in Iraq by insurgents Thursday, including three Marines. Two of the Iraqis murdered yesterday were killed because they work with the US in Baquba. A particularly tragic death seemed to somehow escape media attention: a child was shot by Iraqi security forces, when the car he was riding in failed to stop at a

Michael Yonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11966708140642965887noreply@blogger.com