"The Nazis steal your life; the Russians steal everything and take your soul." -Warren … and of course, "Two people can keep a secret if one of them is dead.” -Mark Twain
In April 2004, coalition forces in Iraq estimated around 500 hardcore non-state actors living in the city of Fallujah. Within seven months, however, that number increased to around 3,500 armed insurgents representing just about every extremist group in Iraq, including al-Qaeda Iraq (AQI), the Islamic Army of Iraq (IQI), Ansar al-Sunna, the Army of Mohammed (AOM), the Army of the Mujahedeen, the Secret Army of Iraq, and the National Islamic Army (1920 Revolutionary Brigade). Assisting these committed extremists were an additional 1,000 part-time insurgents.
Within that seven months, the insurgents prepared fortified positions in anticipation of another coalition forces assault. They dug tunnels, trenches, spider-holes and set into place numerous IEDs. They also set in the so-called Jersey Barriers, creating strong points behind which they could fire on approaching enemy. In some areas, they filled empty homes with bottles of propane gas, drums of gasoline, ordinance, and wired…
Great piece. Some sobering remembrance. I recently added up the years I’ve spent in Iraq and wished I could have traded it for more time with my family. That country is no better off today than in early 2003.
PoliticsRewritten 
Thank you for the reblog.
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My pleasure.
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Great piece. Some sobering remembrance. I recently added up the years I’ve spent in Iraq and wished I could have traded it for more time with my family. That country is no better off today than in early 2003.
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That is so sad CI. I am sorry that happened to you and many who participated in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thank you for your service.
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