The strategy and tactics that this group of combat veterans talks about seems far more grounded in reality than the statements emanating within five miles of the Potomac. Whether their answer to the problem is the correct one may be a little harder to say, but they provide an accurate picture of the situation on the ground. I'm sure there will be a rebuttal piece from the Pentagon, or with the Pentagon's blessing. The authors drew a line in the sand -- sand that has seen the blood of ... More »

An all-too-rare first hand look at the situation on the ground in Iraq. This kind of insight is truly the most valuable, and we don't get much of it in mainstream media. Bravo.

This is a well written op-ed piece authored by a group of soldiers still in Iraq and scheduled to rotate out soon. It is based on their experience and observations and may or may not be a majority view; nevertheless, it adds a valuable perspective to the current debate over our role in Iraq -- and does so in a civil manner. Op-ed as it should be.

These authors are Staff Sergeants, professional soldiers who have earned the right to lead. We should all listen carefully to what they are trying, very delicately to tell us. Professional soldiers without stars do not normally write op-eds while active. It is rare for an enlisted soldier to risk it all to help those back home understand the true battle. The thought that one of these guys is now struggling to survive, simply and poignantly adds a sad exclamation.

A well presented view from observant soldiers on the ground. The "benchmarks" designed by Bush/Cheney/Rove are not being met but a question remains why. Since the benchmarks largely legalize US ownership of the oil, the Iraqi government has to be careful about meeting benchmarks that will get them shot by their own. The suffering of the people is a side consideration of Bush policy. When the prize is oil, people and civilizations are collateral damage.

interesting journalism...but it fits the meme of the NYT...would 7 soldiers who supported the effort have had the chance to get such prime space? Doubt it...also, how many of you have really read the last graphs of both pages? Not sufficient lethal force...and they are in it to win...the real story is that the soliders want the freedom to prosecute the war as SOLDIERS, not as political footballs.

While talking head political spinmeisters such as Bill Kristol are allowed to dominate the airwaves, far too little attention is paid to the two of the key groups who actually know what is going on in Iraq, US soldiers and Iraqi civilians. It may startle some to discover that a group of US soldiers, who often find themselves shooting at, and being targeted by Iraqis, are far more sensitive and tuned in to the concerns of the Iraqi people than those who set US policy. This quote from ... More »

It's good to get the perspective of those who experience the 'realities on the ground' in iraq, doing battle every day. this is not necessarily the 'big picture', nevertheless it is an important counterpoint to the leadership, civilian and military, who believe (or at least say) that the surge is doing what it was supposed to, and that by continuing to be there we can make a change for the good

This moving and well documented commentary from serving soldiers will surely come as no surprise to those who regularly monitor military and veteran websites and read books such as the US army interpreter Tony Lagouranis' account of his time in Iraq or the more recent 'Desert of Death by the British Guards officer Leo Docherty on his time in first Iraq , then Afghanistan. The disillusion experienced by both these soldiers pushed them to write for publication and caused them then to ... More »