Resolve

     There are many fronts on the war on terror – and the most lethal aren’t always our engagements with the insurgents.  Our troops are patrolling the grinding crucible of Iraq on a day to day basis – but we have never taken losses as severe as the attacks on London this past week.  And our total losses here in Iraq still pale in comparison to the loss in life we incurred in the attacks of 9-11. 

     After losing so many innocent lives there is a natural tendency to view the terrorists as little more then blind and bitter zealots – but doing so would discount the true depth of their depravity. If you take a glance into their merciless ideology two things become readily apparent.  The first is that they are in this for the long game.  The second is that they have grasped an ancient truth – that the key to any fight is mercilessly hammering your enemy’s weak point.

     A perfect example is the mission here in Iraq. The insurgents arrayed against us aren’t brave fighters or great warriors.  In fact every time we fight toe to toe in a direct fire engagement they limp away like scared dogs.  But the insurgents aren’t dumb, they have learned to hide their weakness by relying on IEDs, the modern equivalent of a bear trap.  In the dead of night they skulk out of the shadows and lay their volatile traps, then lay in wait for one of our vehicles to roll into the blast radius.      

     When those brutal devices blossom into roaring, rending splinters they gouge men and machine alike. When those white hot pieces of metal find flesh to chew into they strike America's sole the gift of prescience; I don’t know what Iraq will look like when we do decide to pull out. But I do know that if we let the insurgents plan the timeline then we will have lost a key battle in this war without borders.  My heart aches for the losses in London, but those horrible losses have only strengthened my resolve to help cut out this cancer. 

     If I could take the average citizen along with us on a combat patrol I have no doubt they would feel the same way. But I can’t.  All I can do is hope that America will continue to support this mission and let us win this war. Is it costly?  Very. Is it painful? Even more so. But in the end it comes down to this – in the entire history of the human race, from the dark avenues of prehistory up to this modern “enlightened” age, there are precious few instances where bowing to an enemy seeking your annihilation did anything but lead to a much uglier world. And I for one don’t plan on letting that come to pass.

Comments

[Dianne]

The majority of Americans ARE with - just seems like the nuts are covered more in the commie media to make them look like the majority. You guys are doing a GREAT job and we appreciate it very much.

[Ghost of a flea]

God bless and keep you safe. "Lonely men are we, Rangers of the wild, hunters - but hunters ever of the servants of the Enemy; for they are found in many places, not in Mordor only. If Gondor, Boromir, has been a stalwart tower, we have played another part. Many evil things there are that your strong walls and bright swords do not stay. You know little of the lands beyond your bounds. Peace and freedom, do you say? The North would have known them little but for us. Fear would have destroyed them. But when dark things come from the houseless hills, or creep from sunless woods, they fly from us. What roads would any dare to tread, what safety would there be in quiet lands, or in the homes of simple men at night, if the Dúnedain were asleep, or were all gone into the grave?" - Aragorn

[Fyodor Garibaldi]

An excellent post. It should be tattooed backwards on the face of every Senator and Representative so they can read it every time they shave.

[Fyodor Garibaldi]

An excellent post. It should be tattooed backwards on the face of every Senator and Representative so they can read it every time they shave.

[PrimoDonna]

I pray that you and other Soldiers are never treated like my husband was when he returned from Vietnam. Generally, I think 40 years later that Americans here at home are better to our heroes. I will not forget what you and others are doing for us and freedom just like I've never forgotten what Soldiers in other wars have done. Sir, please stay safe! God bless you.

[CJ]

We're behind you, however long it takes... I hope that you can all feel our love and prayers and caring!

[MissBirdlegs in AL]

Jamie, I agree that it's maddening. It isn't fair that T6 and all have to fight two wars. I pray that hearts will begin to turn before we have another 9/11. T6, you & your buds have our utmost respect, admiration, and love!

[chevy Rose]

As long as I draw a breath, you will not be forgotten or dishonored for the job you all do for our country and for the world, matter of fact. May God continue blessing you all and keep you safe.

[Edward]

T6, You do take us along with you, as best you can, through your blog. Those who are not blind know this is a war without borders, actually a blood feud. The enemy has no agenda but to destroy all civilization pre-8th century. Negotiation is not possible with such. They consider civilians and non-believers to be fair game. What you are doing in Iraq is vital. We must succeed there. Thank you all for taking the fight to the enemy, while still showing a compassionate face to those trapped in that nation.

[Jamie Good]

Capt. B — It angers me that you feel that not only do you need to defend yourself against the insurgents, but that you also need to defend yourself against those narrow minded enough that they cannot see the benefit of this war. It is those folks that take your sacrifices for granted, but will reap the rewards when you return home successful. You, your men, and all of the men and women of the Armed Forces are utmost in our thoughts. We are ghastly aware of the dangers you face daily. We will shield our concern for you, rather provide you with our strength and love, so that your missions will be triumphant.

[YankeePaPa]

..Got this via Hurl's blog..Daily grind..Hope this wasn't part of you or yours..Then again I wished it wasn't at all..Be Safe out there..A good disciption of the lowly cowardly dogs..Semper Fi.. http://news.yahoo.com/fc/world/iraq