Dear Raed is a blog published from Bahgdad. It’s still being updated. Todays entry made me stop and think.

On BBC we are watching scenes of Iraqis surrendering. My youngest cousin was muttering "what shame" to himself, yes it is better for them to do that but still seeing them carrying that white flag makes something deep inside you cringe.

I don’t think Salam Pax, the owner of the blog, wants to see the Iraqi army engage the Coalition forces but I can understand how seeing his fellow countrymen surrendering could not set well with him. I feel for their self-esteem after this.

Shelley, I just want to say that I really love your book. Perhaps it’s because we grew up during the same era but most likely it’s because you really know how to write. I suspect both of those reasons are the key to my enjoyment of this book.