That's my favorite line for every news story coming out of Iraq these days. Makes you wonder about their sources.
It has been a good week for the Brigade. This week was the Shiite Muslim holiday of Shabaniya, which involves yet another pilgrimage to Karbala for a celebration of the birth of the 12th Imam, who never really died, and who is supposed to come back like Jesus. Not as many walkers as Arba'een, maybe the heat has something to do with it. It was a big show in Karbala, and one that involved a tremendous amount of security along the march route, which was right outside our door. There were no incidents in the Brigade's sector, another tribute to their growing ability to execute and provide security for their area. We as Americans decided to lay low on this one, and the IA had complete autonomy, with little to no Americans present outside. While there was violence in the country (some smaller bombs in Baghdad, and one up north) the march overall went off unopposed. As callous as it may sound, it is a Muslim country, and things do tend to explode from time to time in Muslim countries. In our area, security continues to improve.
Here's me on an aerial recon of the pilgrimage:
We even did two things at once this week! The Brigade's Mortar Battery was selected in a competition to "compete in the finals" against another Brigade for top Mortar Battery Honors. The Battery has been working hard, and two guys on our team have been in the shadows advising as needed, but they aren't needed much. Not sure what the winners get, but I bet it involves a big trophy for the Brigade Commander's office, and not much of anything for the soldiers. Such is the way of the IA...
I'll be honest; we are getting bored and running out of ideas and stuff to work with them on. What they do isn't perfect, but it works for them.
We have a week before Ramadan (yet ANOTHER Muslim holiday) starts. It will be another big test for the Brigade, but I think they will do ok.
Hope all's well- take care.
Ron
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