Not Ready to Fly, Yet.

So, we are sitting around talking with the Iraqi Army Battalion leaders, minus the commander, and the conversation turns to politics, as it inevitably does. More specifically, Iraqi politics: who the insurgents really are, why Kurds and Arabs don't get along that well, Iran's motives in sending weapons and ammunition into Iraq, and other high-level concerns. It is impressive how aware these guys are about all the implications of each of these topics compared to each other and the influences of one to the other. I've said it before, these guys are not stupid, not by a far stretch. Anybody that thinks that the Iraqis are ready to be puppets or cannot think for themselves is seriously misguided.

There is an Iraqi Army major that I particularly like. He is very dedicated to a free Iraq. He does not believe there should be divisions in the government based on ethnicity nor religion. He believes those things should be reserved for one's personal life, not public service. Those that serve the Iraqi nation, whether as Soldiers, policemen, or politicians, should focus on what is best for the country not individual interests or groups. This major can get very emotional when talking about it, too. You can see the anguish and hope and frustration and ambition he has for his country in his eyes and in the way he expresses himself. He is truly inspirational.

Towards the end of today's political discussion, my favorite Iraqi major asks my boss, "would you let a taxi driver fly an airplane?"

"Of course not," is the answer.

"Iraq is in the same position. We are not ready to fly, yet."

My boss tells him, "you are a very wise man, you should be a politician when you leave the Army."

He's right.

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Military Iraq War

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