I think the troops are ready for the chemicals.
Not having lived in Iraq, I have no personal experience with Iraqi weather. I do have some experience with the desert weather in the southwestern part of the US. While every year has its own particular nuances, a frequent scenario is that it remains relatively cool, and then, sometimes associated with a front and sometimes not, the temperature suddenly skyrockets. As I understand Baghdad weather, it remains cool, followed by a brief period of turbulence (sandstorms), and then the temperature rapidly ramps. I've seen one report that had temperatures as high as 105 degrees by this weekend. As to whether that occurs - well, I have enough trouble trying to predict the market. I leave the weather to others. However, I do have some experience with NBC suits. If a chemical agent is dispersed in region with 105 degree heat, people are going to die - whether they remain in their suits or not.
It's postwar USA soil that I worry about
As do we both. The pervasive ignorance in this country, of what is significant in the Muslim world, is going to cost many lives. It is not like the modern secular western world. In many ways it is more like Europe in the 12th century. Religion isn't just important, it's dominant in a way that is alien to modern western man. In 12th century Europe, if some pipsqueak prince in the Rhineland called for a crusade, most would scoff. If in the 12th century, the Vatican were to sanction a crusade, then expect a crusade. Similarly, when Bin Luddite called for a jihad, only the already radical heeded the call, but when Cairo's Al-Azhar calls for jihad, we are in one. Washington either doesn't know it, or isn't talking. Either way, you are right to be worried.
JMO
lurqer |
