Unbelievable that the drum beats for Syria now that Iraq has been checked. I suppose that there was a fixed cost in bringing men and might halfway around the globe. Economics 101: Such cost could be halved if some other mission presented itself. Bad timing to piss off the US government at this particular moment. The military machine is in high gear, on a roll and being that ‘well since we’re here…’ expect that there will be some mop up ops.

Our forces made a big show for media benefit — of a bank heist thwarted. The insides of this building had already been cherry picked, but money remained. Late coming unfortunates, on the floor assuming the position, were caught with the loot. Stacks of Iraqi 3 dollar bills contrasted colorfully against the drab dirty dusty destruction. At first glance you’d think: nice bust! But as pretty as the money was, it would take a wheel barrow full of it to buy even a loaf. The latest black market exchange is 1 USD to .01 and I would assume likely to be discarded in favor of an all new denomination anyway (less the face of S.H.) Nice show though.

Quarterbacking Americans have been complaining that the military was not doing enough in the way of policing. Example: The Baghdad Museum of Culture and Art was a shambles. By contrast, and for some reason (?), the Ministry of Oil was intact AND well guarded! Actually, if you look closely at the pictures of the wasted museum, note that all of the glass table cases were not broken. Covered with thick dust and empty — but plundered? Hardly. The artifacts were removed early on ( for safe keeping ), by the curators. Not all Iraqis are savage desperados… Some of the heavy, awkward items might have slipped away but it’s not like they have vaporized into the ether either. They will reappear on the art market (ebay:-) to be ransomed and restored to their rightful place. Culture is saved / spared for a happier day.