Jan. 07, 2007

Every day I have the privilege of enjoying some of the bes sunrises and sunsets that I have ever witnessed. This country is not as ugly as I had imagined it. Yes, the weather can be incredibly hot and cold, from one day to the next. But overall, it's not that bad. The Euphrates River is less than a mile away from us. It is as nice and as wide, if not wider, than the Columbia River. Along the banks of the Euphrates you will find acres and acres of lush palm groves, bamboo fields and other vegitation that I have never seen before but it is beautiful. At first glance the people out here are not openly friendly but once you give them an opportunity they open up, smile and will offer you just about anything that they own. But still...
If any progress is being made, we don't really see it. I understand why we are out here but the overall feeling is that once we leave this country there will be another Saddam ready to take over this country.