Greetings,
 
Just returned from the Iraq-Syria border back to Mosul after an interesting day.  The progress in Iraq could not be clearer.  I've never seen so much hope among the Iraqis or our soldiers.  U.S. officers and senior NCOs caution me to be careful about sounding too optimistic, but the fact is I have never seen so much optimism in Iraq or about Iraq.  

I know they are right about their concerns for setting expectations too high;  they know many hard times are ahead.  But the fact is I have not personally experienced combat in months, Contrast that to times when we might get into fights several times per day and the optimism seems more grounded.
 
Had dinner today with a powerful Iraqi Sheik and U.S. soldiers.  The food was great, but unfortunately some goat brain was lopped onto my plate.  Somehow I ate it without incident.
 
Please click here for an intense story of urban combat.  The British make me proud to have gone out with them this year for nearly two months. 
 
V/r,
 
Michael Yon
Mosul

go to the online version