Christian Isely, MS 03
Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad Dispatch #6
Baghdad - May 17, 2004
The past few days have actually been pretty nice here in Baghdad. Sunny and warm but not hot. Occasionally, the sky will fill with dust. I've never seen anything like it. Looks far worse than the smoggiest day in LA. Kicks up the allergies and coughs real good. Thankfully, today is clear.
Just fetched a communal refrigerator for our new office space. (Can't rely on the government for everything.) Everyone was amazed when I took their money and returned with the fridge within an hour. I had a connection who had a connection. Got a glimpse of the "Baby Assassins Gate" when ferrying the fridge across from the Red Zone. The area was filled with Iraqis filing in and out beside the tanks which guard the Green Zone. Sometimes, it takes hours for them to cross. It has to be nerve racking waiting in line. After all, some bombers have blown themselves up at these checkpoints.
Things seem pretty grim in the news lately. All I can say is that it seems only the negative gets through. When I see the words "quagmire" and "Vietnam" mentioned, I am disappointed. For starters, Vietnam bears no comparison. Both wars may perhaps be lumped into the category of "optional". Of course, the decision makers would beg to differ. However, this war we now cannot afford to lose. People should debate how it is to be won, not if we should still try to win. It can be won. At least from where I sit, it is a challenge but winnable nevertheless. Recently, the Economist had an article entitled "Without Peace, Reconstruction Stalls".
My work involves seeing to it that the PMO (Program Management Office - the department responsible for the $18.5 billion allotted for reconstruction) spends its money quickly and efficiently in order that Iraqis will be employed and the infrastructure rebuilt. The PMO is mentioned in the article. The contracts are waiting to happen. Hopefully, they will happen soon. None of the media focuses on what is really trying to be accomplished and what may be accomplished soon. Of course, the media should always be around to critique. The drawback is that it never encourages. In a way, maybe I can serve some of that function. Bridges, roads, airports, communications systems, hospitals, schools, ports, and railroads are all on the verge of construction - God Willing (as Muslims say) or Government willing in this case. But government is motivated by political will and none will exist if most people despair.
I had drinks the other night at my favorite saloon (actually it's the only I know of). Talked with an army major who was convinced that we will lose. I looked him in the eye and told him to keep that opinion to himself. I stressed that if he spread that despair to his fellow soldiers, his prophesy would certainly prevail. I believe self fulfilling prophesies of failure are the ultimate tragedy.
And who would be the real victims of this tragedy? America, yes. The world, yes. And Iraqis, definitely. The recent beheading of Berg reveals one of the possible fates of Iraqis should the US give up on its commitments. In the meantime, the US soldiers who carried out the recent atrocities must be brought to justice. Their acts have only further endangered the Iraqis, Americans, and others who wish to do the right thing.
Hope you are all well!
Christian