The usual crew visiting with some judges in Khan Bani Saad
This week we had an attack against members of our Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) as they visited a government building in Baqubah. As a result, two members of our team died and two more were injured along with eight U.S. Soldiers. It was a pretty devastating blow and certainly reminded most of us that even though things are improving, danger is always a suicide vest, rocket or car bomb away.
As for me, I have been trying to get a few projects up and running before I take my final R&R in May. When I return from R&R, I will have approximately seven weeks until I am out of here for good. Things have been crazy here lately. Since the election results were certified (many weeks late) there has been a lot of uncertainty in the provincial government. Additionally, they attempted to arrest three members-elect of the Provincial Council on the same day they were to be sworn into office.
I was in Baghdad last week. Everyone at the Embassy is wearing suits and ties and you barely know that you are in Iraq. Then I come down from the hinterlands in my 511 tactical pants, wrinkled polo shirt and muddy boots. Maybe it is just my imagination, but they seem to stare at me like the village idiot who just peed in the punchbowl. They usually ask where I am working and when I tell them "Diyala," they all give the same "yikes!!!!, better you than me" response. Truth be told I much prefer FOB Warhorse to the Embassy, despite the lack of creature comforts. Although, they did have $1 Schlitz beer night while I was at the Embassy. The bartender stood there stunned when I asked for one, I don't think Schlitz has a strong following amongst the diplomatic corp.
