12/04/2006

Received very bad news today...one of our interpreters, who comes in here often, went on holiday last week in Mosul to get married. We were all so happy for him, his excitement was contagious.

It now appears the AIF, (Anti-Iraqi Forces), knew of him, knew he was helping us, and were doing recon on his movements.

Two days after he was married, while he was away from his home, AIF came to his house and shot his new bride in the back of the head. They then went to his father's house found him outside working on his car and shot him. The following day they found his brother and shot him.

This is the problem here. Why Iraqis are so scared to turn anyone in that they know is a bad person and causing trouble. It is the major reason why this is not over already.

This fear that not just you will be killed, but your family.

Through all his heartache he has returned to us today to continue the mission.

My God. What do you say to a person that has suffered loss like this....dammit...