to Sandra: Turkish troops are not trying to claim "Kurdistan for themselves." I would just like to remind you that there actually is no Kurdistan, as your geography does seem a little shaky :) Turkish troops are only trying to protect their borders. American troops are "supposedly" not even ALLOWING Turkish troops into Northern Iraq. So no need to fret.

Thank you Kevin, for posting such a forum for your readers. Keep safe.

The Kurds are fleeing to Turkey where they are being welcomed with food and shelter. I think this is important to note, given the incredible bad press that Turkey gets regarding her "treatment" towards Kurdish people.

Your reports have become very important in this household. We are very concern for the Kurdish people.Thanks for bringing the real story.

This is the first time I have listened to one of your entries and I think it is wonderful. It is nice to know what is going on over in Iraq since we are about to attack. Stay safe over there and God bless!

Kevin,
Can't tell you how much we appreciate this effort on your part. Thanks for bringing it home. You're in our prayers. Stay safe.

Thank you for your reports. I'm not sure if we are doing the right thing with this war, but we need to know what is really happening minute by minute. In addition, we all need to support our troops and the president. How many of us sitting here in the USA would want to be walking in their shoes? I remember Viet Nam and the protests. My husband was in the 3rd Marine Division and fought there. He did his duty and didn't defect to Canada and was spit on. Don't let this happen again!!

From what I understand, the Kurds are fleeing because they fear that Saddam will bomb them again more than they fear the American invasion. At least that is how the AP is reporting it.

Kevin:
Keep observing and writing for us. This is very valuable stuff for those of us who are following closely what is going on. Resist the Geraldo syndrome and keep your head down.

Martijn,

I am not sure about the US/UK' tactics, but I don't think they're gonna bomb the whole country. I suppose they just bomb what seems to be vital for Saddam's army and head on to Bagdad afterwards.

Gr, Herman (another Dutchy)
ps. I am also against the war, whatever the Dutch government says!
pps. Kevin: I discovered your site today and think it's a great thing that you do this, even though I am not that keen on CNN.

Thank you for the great reports! I read your blogs - I don't feel that we are getting the full story from our government about what is happening in Iraq. I am one of those Americans who wonder if war is really the solution.

I admire what you are doing, keep up the good work, and as so many others have said - keep your head down!

Paula from Texas

Hello,

Do we realy need War now to solve the Saddam problem?
Why dont they just go for him instead off bombing the whole country.
and who is next?
and what could you do with all that money iff you dont have a war ?
in holland we dont know

Or is it Diyala? *confused*

I realize that the primary sentiment now is to run for cover. Are you being threatened while existing with those who are about to be attacked, just because of your Western nature and employer? Are reporters being seen as observers, liberators, or as another of the enemy?

Very strange situation. It seems, from this great distance, that there are at least two Iraqs, if not more - the military/governmental Iraq, and the one where people actually live and love and die. How engaged are the latter people in the defense of their government?

Thank you for being in harm's way to report these things to us. May you evade those who would harm you, as well as those who would censor your words and observations.
Keep your head down.

-metropolitan

Your post brings a few things to mind. First, Where is Kifri / Kalar? I'm thinking Kirkuk? How way-off am I? *Northern Iraq* is quite a broad term of definition!

Secondly, I was wondering if you had any thoughts about the Turkish troops that are (supposedly) in Kurdish areas of Iraq. Are there any hints that they might want to take advantage of the Iraqi war and claim the Kurdistan for themselves?

Keeping you in my thoughts, S

Fear is palpable here in the U.S., as well. Since 911, the notion that war is "over there" and can't touch us here and that we are protected is gone. Whether our fear originates from media hype or from a real sense of danger does not matter. Every family member and friend I talked to yesterday after the President's speech expressed fear and ruminations of this being the beginning of a new kind of global war. We are connected globally now more than ever before in history. My heart and prayers are with the people of Iraq, as well as all people who will feel the ripple effect of the coming war.

A Roa, Snoqualmie, Washigton