April-- A BLOG is shorthand for WEB-based LOG. It's a personal log or journal that is posted on the World Wide Web. Kevin's Blog is viewable by anyone who clicks their way to it. The Blogger can log on and share their experiences with whoever chooses to read. Pictures, graphics, even audio can be added to enhance the Blog. Don't ask me how it's done though cuz I'm no techie.

Kevin was able to share quite a bit about his experiences with the 4th Infantry--I think--in Tikrit today on MSNBC. Sounds like he's been gaining lots of firsthand info about what's going on with the US troops.

Marley

I am the mother of an MP in Iraq. He sends home very interesting letters when he gets the chance. My frustration is that I seem to miss ALL news about reconstruction, and only hear about the latest fatality. Does it have to be about all or nothing? Can't we hear about the sacrifices and the progress? I missed the school opening and the sewer treatment plant. My son said they went out to police an accident and saw Iraqi's with guns at the site, so were very nervous, then discovered the Iraqis were American trained police handling the accident with integrity and professionalism. That was his first sign of hope, as the old police were so corrupt they were orchestrating most of the convoy hijackings. He said the American trained police seemed very proud of their job and doing it well. Is it a hopeless mess or is there progress? I'd like to know. I certainly don't expect it to take less than 10 years. Thanks for the personal perspective and the photos. PS What is a BLOG?

That was a long wait!! I'm a brazilian reporter and my first - and until now only - experience in war zone was one year ago when I spent 33 days in Israel and in the West Bank. So I read your blog I think: Wow!!! This is why I love so much journalism. I look up to you as an axample and hope one day I also have so many experiences to share as you have now. Take care, Kevin. It's good to have you back. Oh! And I loved the latest photos.

Great to see your blog back Kevin, looking forward to hearing a first hand account of things!

Kris
Scotland

Kevin, thank you for all you do. I just found this site thanks to my husband serving in Tikrit...I appreciate all the news I can get regarding what is going on over there.
Take Care
Cyndi

Hi Kevin..
good to have u back..finally :)
all the best!!

Hmmm. It's very quiet in here. It's not like there's nothing going on in Iraq you know. It's still a very dangerous place to be, yes? Kevin are you still up North? Didn't see you on MSNBC today. Only Aspell.

Greetings back to you, Donna. Lance? Jimmy? Jyl? Someone jump in here!

Marley

Hello Marley Can you believe kevin finally appeared again on this site. I just looked on this site the other day and havent for quite a while to see some of the same people are still checking in on this site how great is that. Are you enjoying the school year. I think the last time I checked in we were talking to the musician julian I believe that was her name and the school year was comming to a close. How time flys good to hear your back we can check in a line to eachother if the subject permits take care marley, Donna in ca.

Kevin, glad you're back doing what you love to do. It was great to see you on MSNBC earlier this week. I, or should I say, We, look forward to reading your musings, catching your news stories and moving on to some new and lively discussions.

Lance,JP, Donna,et.al. Missed you guys!

Xeni--THANX!

Onward and Upward...Marley

Welcome back to the blog. Please consider reporting on what the Iraqi people think about the "foreigners" infiltrating their country from Iran and Syria. Also, schools that are open, businesses that are now open and especially those that have started their own business since Saddam is no longer telling them what to do. How do they feel about their future chance at making a living with this business? Thanks for your interest in what WE the people of the US want to know about.

Great to have you back. I saw your report on NBC News last night and wondered, "Now that Kevin's not with CNN any more, is his blog back up?" Then today, Glenn Reynolds linked to it, so that answered my question. Awesome news. I can't wait to read more of your observations and insights.

So glad you're back!

As to coverage, watching NBC Nightly and the Lehrer Report, I mainly see demolished vehicles, damaged buildings, bomb craters, bloodied Iraqi men, frightened Iraqi men, angry, marching Iraqi men, our troops, Mr. Bremer, and, occasionally, the governing council.

Where are the women and children? Who are these Iraqis? How are they getting along, coping in their daily lives? They seem to want our military out of there ASAP, so in what ways are they working with the coalition to assume responsibility for their own security and governance? What do they hope for? We've seen what brings them sadness. What makes them happy?

Welcome back!! I hoped you would return sometime ... :)

How about some coverage of attempts at building the foundations of democracy and liberalism?

1. We hear snippets about local counsels (e.g., town, city, and presumably larger). Why not cover the issues they are dealing with -- from substantive issues to issues related to trying to implement a representative government.

2. What about the rule of law? We hear bits and pieces about the Iraqi courts. What is their organization? What laws do they follow? How does this compare to the situation under Saddam? Once a constitution is in place, are these judges prepared to deal with issues of individual liberty (i.e., freedom of speech, protection of minorities, freedom of religion)? Will there be a supreme court with ultimate authority?

3. What is the state of economic freedom? Is capitalism taking root? Was it present under Saddam? Do the Iraqis understand the link between economic freedom and political freedom?

4. Is there any discussion regarding the need to weaken clan/tribal loyalties? Is this necessary to create a civil society (i.e., loyalty to some fundamental values, rather than just to the tribe)? What about encouraging marriages among different groups (rather than to cousins)?

Good to have you back! I look forward to hearing how you view the current climate in Iraq.

Would like to know the opinion of Iraqis on how the Council is coming along. Specifically, whether the Iraqi people feel that the council was well chosen. The Iraqi government has been a secular one. Presumably in an effort to be pluralistic, the U.S. government clearly used strong religious affinity as criteria for council membership. What are the ramifications? Will this result in a less secular, more religiously motivated government? Do Iraqis think this is a good thing?