Just when I think I'm out...I get an assignment to cover Iraq.  But since the assignment is to cover the 1st Infantry Division as part of a project for the Cantigny First Infantry Division Museum, I couldn't say no.

The Headquarters of the 1st Infantry Division--The Big Red One--is running the United States Division--South out of Basra.

I flew from Kabul to Dubai on Kam airlines and stayed the night at the Holiday Inn Express Airport.  I'm becoming an authority on the H.I. Expresses of Dubai, so far I like the Airport one the best.  I flew Emirates Airlines to Kuwait and then took a Blackhawk from the military transit point Contingency Operating Base Basra.

The second largest and most economically powerful city in Iraq, Basra is key terrain in the current stability operations in Iraq.  Basra is Iraq's only port, and for a oil producing nation, ports are essential.

In the 1980s, the Iran/Iraq war was fought,in part, over access to the Persian Gulf.  Iraq's access is limited to a narrow confluence called the Shaat al Arab--more of wide, deep river mouth than anything else.

Being so close to Iran, checking the persian influence is a key component of the work of US Forces and diplomats in Basra.  US Forces also work with Iraqi forces on border security.

Here are some snapshots with my little digicam from the helicopter flight from Kuwait to Basra.

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