May 05 2008
Site Visits in Western Ninewa
I spent Saturday and Sunday visiting projects in Western Ninewa province along with Mike Miller, MSG Phil Baker and our security team. One of my two security escort teams was recently fielded the REVA armored personnel carrier vehicles. After spending approximately 18 hours on the road in the REVA this weekend, I can testify that the REVA is a tough vehicle, especially on my old bones! When I would comment on how uncomfortable the ride was, MSG Baker would reply “Yeah but the armor is really thick!” He has his priorities set correctly. We linked up with a local US Army Civil Affairs detachment for a little additional firepower during our visits. The first village we visited is in the Sino sub-district of Sinjar, in Western Ninewa Province (approximately 20 miles east of Syria).
In this village and the others we visited on Saturday, we inspected a series of wells from a recently completed project. The inhabitants of this village are Yazidis. Many Muslims view the Yazidis as devil worshipers at the worst or anti-Islamic at the best. Shortly after I arrived in Mosul in August 2007, approximately 800 Yazidis were killed in this region in a series of coordinated suicide bombings. The people in this village were extremely friendly and appeared very pro-American. I felt safer in this village than any other village I have visited in Ninewa Province. At some of the wells we visited, we found families that had taken up residence. One gentleman we encountered reminded me of Willie Nelson. In addition to him and his wife, I counted at least 7 kids living in a tent next to the well pump house.
It’s very humbling to compare this to my life in Northern Virginia.
Dale, great picks. Have you thought about buying one of those massage bead seat covers that cab drivers use, as often featured in bad sitcoms ? It may make travel more pleasant. I would guess the only other option would be a camel?
cheers, Karl
At the office, we received a couple of those neck pillows that people use on planes. These are battery powered and give a neck massage. I suppose I could use one of those as a seat cushion!