[Justa]

I went from Hillah, to Najaf, to Karbala and back to Hillah today and everything seemed o.k. It was neat traveling the pilgrimage route up to Karbala from Najaf.

My impression was most people were glad to see a US HumVee convoy, likely figuring we were there for protection of the pilgrims. I didn't know about the suicide bomb in Hillah but we went thru towards sunset and the people were sorta extra nice, so now it figures. My guess that was probably a Shiite on Sunni attack. I did notice the Iraqi police had abandoned most of their posts on the way back which kinda unnerved us. But all was well. I'm sure the SAWs helped out there though. Down here I'd guess 80% or so are glad we're here.

[Eagle Eye]

SAWs, .50's, etc all make for a nice road trip. Don't leave home without them.

I like the mail runs best. Very aggressive drivers ready to nudge or muscle their way through traffic, even had them shoot their way through for us once.

But don't stop at the local Hadji Mart for directions...

[livius]

Are you actually over there, Justa? Interesting descriptions, thanks!

Stay safe!