Kevin writes "But it seems somewhat cyncial, unforgivingly opportunistic to feed a career on carnage of war. But we do. If I'm forced to rationalize it, i'll do it like this--the motivation will make me to work harder to take more chances on the story."

Perhaps further motivation for you is the fact that you're providing so many people with straight-shooting facts and personal observations of the struggles of the Kurds and activities in Northern Iraq. I'm grateful to learn more about the people and have confidence that you are neither sugar-coating or avoiding unpopular issues. It's frustrating to sift through other print and broadcast media trying to decipher what is real and what is propoganda submitted to throw off those "evil doers." Just wanted you to know I appreciate the honest, real, human stories you tell.

The Brits are becoming so annoying. All you ever hear from them is "The US was late to WW11" and "The US didn't really go to the moon."

Have an original thought, will you?

Kevin can we hear from you on this site. keep up the good work!! Write a hello if you can to let all on this site a thumbs up your o.k. & safe take care Donna.

Graham 'Baka yaro'

You didn't denigrate the Canadians, British nor the New Zealanders, etc, etc. So how is it they would be relevant to my response to you? However, if your ungrateful comment had been directed at any of them, I would have responded similarly.

On your other point, a threat in the Pacific is hardly a grounds for entering a war in Europe.

I get the impression that even though the US involvement would have meant Western Europe's subjugation to tyrannical powers, twice over, you would be perfectly happy because it would satisfy your penchant for Russian and German.

But, I understand your mindset all to well - certainly anything would be better than having your skin saved by those successful Americans.

Sean 'Dubya'
For your info,Sean,I am fluent in both of these languages,and also Spanish.Pearl Harbour wasn't a direct threat??? My grandfather spent five years in a German pow camp.He may have spent less had Uncle Sam thrown their lot in earlier.As for American war graves,what about the Canadians,British,New Zealand,Australian,etc etc? America throws it's weight around when it suits them.I am not anti-American,I just think their involvement is for all the wrong reasons.All war is madness.

Glanz,
When are Canadians ever going to realize that America is not responsible for our inferiority complex? When will we realize that criticizing, in such self evidently groundless ways, a fallible yet basically decent nation like the US only impacts our own dignity in a detrimental way?
I'm growing increasingly ashamed of my fellow Canadians - and no, the urban myth that the world loves visiting inconsequential Canadians and despises the prouds Americans offers me no relief.

Grow a spine will you?

Sean Walker
Toronto, ON, Canada

Graham from Scotland,
I hate to participate in this tangent but your effortlessly idiotic comment compels me.
Thank goodness my grand neighbours to the south were roused to save Europe from itself in WWII - Otherwise you'd not be able to make your ungrateful comment.
American's weren't directly threatened, but they came to sacrifice one in every fifteen boys they sent to defend your smug ass. But forgive me; perhaps you rue the lost opportunity to have learned German or Russian?
Before you make more puerile comments, consider the endless rows of American graves you defile with them.

Sean Walker
Toronto, ON, Canada

Glanz Shame on you.How can you say that about your neighbours to the south.The Americans obviously feel so guilty about being late in pitching in with the rest of us during WW2,that they are determined to be first in line to start WW3!!

My first visit to a blog. Kevin you offer a sense of the unfiltered story at your own perrel I should think. Your insights and observations are helpful. Keep up the good work.
Thanks from Thousand Oaks, Ca, USA

Just to clear it up I am Kevin H.

Glanz. Be glad you arent in iraq with your family being murdered by saddam. Big brothers arent necessarily a bad thing.