On Reaction from soldiers

Posted on March 12 at 9:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Bob,

I really enjoy your blog! This entry reminds me of my experience from the region during the first Persian Gulf War (1990-1991). I was an Air Force Meteorologist and spent 7 months all over different areas of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. After a few false chemical attacks, the threat of being missile attacked, and a small incursion with some razor wire, I can understand the soldiers angst about people worrying about what color shoes to wear. Those sort of things have been the root of my angst ever since. For instance, the Western Worlds current obsession with celebrities, such as Britney Spears, just drives me insane. In addition - I learned a new perspective on poverty and being poor when I traveled the region. I know we have the less fortunate in the United States but I am reluctant to call them 'poor' after what I saw in the Middle East.

Keep up the good work! Your observations are incredibly valuable. There are few sources available for those of us who acually want to know what is really going on over there. The World could use more forms of independant reporting such as yours. Thank you!