Comments on: Iraqi people everywhere

By: David M

David M — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:58:28 +0000

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 02/02/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.

By: grandma&bay

grandma&bay — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:54:58 +0000

Good morning, (Minnesota morning that is) Lots of snow and wind today. We are going back in the deep freeze below 0 this week. The mighty canoe boys have the CRUD so this grandma is babysitting. The little dog Leo sits at the top of the stairs waiting for some form of life to appear . I was so happy to hear Auntie Coke is going to send cool ties.I will help the ladies in her church make them and get them sent out. Is there anything else we can send (besides our love and prayers ? Please don’t hesitate to make requests. All is well here. Keep up the great articles. It helps keep us all connected. Baz is up and moving and says “hello Uncle Troy and be safe.Love you” Until next time God”s speed to each of you.

Love mom and the gang. p.s. Thanks to Del for his constant care and concern for all of us.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:42:34 +0000

Another interesting observation. I am sure the Iraqi’s have the same questions concerning us. I hope in the remainder of your time there you will be able to make a lasting impression. I hope to be able to see some photos you hard working soldiers are taking. We just had another week of -20 degree weather.Warm-up is on the way.Did you get the coffee grinder yet? Enjoy a good cup of java when it arrives.All is well. Take care and God bless you. See you in April.

Mom

By: SGM Troy Falardeau

SGM Troy Falardeau — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 06:26:40 +0000

That’s a good question Erica. I guess I need to explain a little bit about the International Zone (or IZ or Green Zone as it is also called). Most of the approximately 7 million Iraqis who live in Baghdad never come to the IZ. To get in, people need to have a legitimate reason (they work here, they have business with the Embassy or the Iraqi leadership, etc.). The average Baghdad resident probably goes through the day without any need or desire to visit the IZ (although there seems to be a lot of money in the IZ, so that might be the only reason to come here for most people — to make a better living). Even if a person has a legitimate reason to come to the IZ, there are many layers of security — checkpoints, searchs of the person and vehcile, and other means. It’s time-consuming and very thorough. It keeps most of the “bad guys” far away. On a rare occasion lately someone might try to get in, but normally they are caught or kill themselves in a suicide attack at the checkpoint on the outside of the IZ.

So, to answer your question, I am in the IZ and feel pretty safe talking and meeting every person I meet here. There is probably some risk here, but I think it is minimal. I feel much better talking to people and making friends (taking that very small risk), rather than keeping to myself (then never having friends when the really big risk appears).

I hope that answers your question.

By: Erica

Erica — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:42:51 +0000

I enjoyed this blog. It’s funny because it seems as if it would be dangerous to communicate with the Iraqi people. How would you know when you were in danger? Oh Well Nice to learn something new everyday.