When no fireworks is a good thing…

By popular demand (mostly from the girlfriend) I am taking a moment to write a quick update. It’s been busy… I’ve been a little sick (again)… And most importantly I just haven’t been in the mood to write.

It’s the 4th of July Baghdad style. And while I stand in this large Islamic architected ballroom listening to PM Maliki, President Talibani, AMB Crocker, and Gen Petraeus I am reminded of all the upheavals our United States went through to become the stable and secure democracy it is today. The struggles of a fledgling government taking on a War of Independence, the strains of a country divided by Civil War, the trials of injustice inevitably leading to several social revolutions, it’s taken us 231 years to get this point. The elected Government of Iraq is a little over a year old. The challenges before these people are enormous but not insurmountable. With our without our support I am confident they will find a way. We can only hope the road before them finds this sovereignty at peace with its neighbors, with a representative government that respects the rights of its people (culture norms accepted), and denies a safe haven for terrorist. But as I stand here listening to the Iraqi National Anthem followed by the Star Spangled Banner, one thing continues to run through my head. I hope that someday the people of Iraq can stand proudly and celebrate an independence day of their own.

While I typically spend this day at a BarBQ and finish it off with a great fireworks display… trust me when I say this is one time I am happy and willing to miss the “explosions.”
Best Wishes for great Fourth of July!

PS For my Brit friends – Thank you for your partnership - Thank your lucky stars you're rid of us! ;-p