[Allegra]

I do believe we could call the last two or three months the Battle of Baghdad and it is getting worse. I know that leaving the battle to the Iraqis is something we said we would do; but it is not working.

It'll get under control eventually. This latest ramping up is the result of Operation Together Forward. The good guys went on the offensive and the bad guys are responding, but they are also being drawn out of their rat-holes. That was the intent all along.

The U.S. is still very much involved. We hear air cover all day and night long now - helicopters and warplanes. The U.S. is manning some checkpoints around the city, but are mostly taking a more covert role at this point. If our troops have to become more "in-their-faces," they will.

The last three or four days have seen things escalate and I wouldn't be surprised to see a tactical change very quickly.

[mcvey]

I am glad to have your response. We can only do so much off blogs and such and, as they say, everybody has a story. It is good to hear from a Freeper who is on the ground.

Stay safe over there. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

And God Bless,

McVey

[sarasota]

It's always refreshing to hear your comments, Allegra. Stay safe.