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Even though Jassem has helped them tremendously, the soldiers keep a close watch on him. In Iraq, even informants as nice as Jassem can turn, with enough money or threats. The last thing they want is to have Jassem provide intelligence to the guerrillas about Dragon Base.

Spies have numerous ways of turning individuals. During my late 80's tour in Korea, our squadron driver turned on us. Mr. Kim drove us from the squadron building to our planes. He was a friendly fellow, and would sometimes share beers on Friday nights. Unknown to us, he fell into debt and came under the influence of DPRK agents. He ended up selling information which put some of us in danger. When his debt situation was discovered he was fired and subsequently we were able to connect the dots of several past security incidents. He went on a drinking binge and was crippled in an truck accident. Even knowing what he had probably turned on us, several of the guys went to visit him in the hospital.

It is an extremely delicate dance. This young asset is going to have a limited useful time. His expertise is going to be limited to his immediate area. Once his intel is exhausted then what happens to him?

I see a lot of well-meaning posts about relocating him & his family to the USA, but is that really the answer. These people do not appear to be exactly world wise. The cultural shift may be more than they can adapt to.

Publishing his face, name and where he lives has jepordized him and his family.

Welcome to the real world. Every asset can become a liability. Even if its only your conscience.