25 December 2009
16 December 2009
Camp Ashraf
I took off this week to help out on a situation brewing at Camp Ashraf. Ashraf is occupied by the Me K, a dissident Iranian group that left Iran in the 1980s to help Saddam against the mullahs in the Iran-Iraq War. They are a crazy lot.
The have marriage, but abstain from contact with their spouses, choosing instead to live in barracks type conditions separate from each other. They are led by women, which is odd in this culture. They are very disciplined, conducting group exercise every morning and evening.
They are, however very intelligent, with many doctors and engineers among them. You might say they were cultish--some have described them that way. If you want some more detail, then Google them, but the bottom line is, the current Iraqi government wants to move these people to a new location and they don't want to move. They have spent over 20 years in the camp and have spent $22million to make it nice...and it is. Much nicer than many other Iraqi towns I've seen.
The issue is also that there is a US FOB co-located with Ashraf. The US used to give these people protected status, but it is a sovereignty issue now, and the Iraqis need to work it out.
The Me K don't want to go quietly, so there is the possibility for violence (as happened in July 2009).
Point is, I went to help the unit deal with what we see as a potentially hot event, with plenty of media attention. I would assist to develop talking points, set up interviews, address questions, and report on the event with our own broadcast journalists.
The Iraqi's plan was to do a "soft move" and bring in buses to the camp, and invite the Me K to get on board. "Hey, these look like nice buses...I think I'll climb aboard and let these guys drop me off 100s of miles from my home and put me in a tent to live." How does that plan sound to you?
Actually it's an honest attempt to do this peacefully. It's not our problem to fix--they have to be able to work out these difficulties within the framework of humanitarian treatment of these people and the rules outlined in their constitution. I expect to go out there again.
04 December 2009
I wish I had better news...
I just received word that my lovely Grandma Allen passed away yesterday. I am grateful that I had her in my life for so long. She filled my childhood with many wonderful memories of warmth and love. I will cherish those memories and pass on those experiences to my own children, so they too can appreciate everything she meant to our family.
I remember as a young boy visiting her at the jewelry store where she worked in downtown Lincoln, Illinois. She seemed to take real joy in her work...the kind of joy that she showed in all areas of her life. Sure, everyone has a bad day and not everything is wonderful all the time, but I never knew her to be angry, cross or bitter about anything. She was always cheery and fun-loving, sharing her love for people and life.
PawPaw and Grandma are together again. That makes me happy to think about. She so loved my grandfather. It was obvious in so many ways, but became painfully apparent after PawPaw passed away in 1989. I was a senior in college and I remember how from that time forward Grandma would always talk to, and about PawPaw. She talked about the good times we all shared together, and while the rawness of the loss eventually healed, she never lost that affection for my grandfather.
Her other true love was her family. She would frequently remark that she couldn't believe how large and successful her family had become, with great-grandchildren, grandchildren, and children all bringing her pride. It is true we all sprang from this humble couple from central Illinois, but to me they were the root of a family of character and love. Their demonstration of hard work, tolerance, and love speak to me even today.
So now, as I reflect on her life and the influence she has on me, I send my condolences to the rest of my family. I know you will soon gather to share memories and celebrate her life. I'm sorry I won't be there with you, to share in the celebration. Please know that it's only distance that separates me, but the bond of Grandma's memory draws me close.
Grandma, I love you. Rest peacefully, brimming in the rich reward in our Lord, Christ Jesus.
I remember as a young boy visiting her at the jewelry store where she worked in downtown Lincoln, Illinois. She seemed to take real joy in her work...the kind of joy that she showed in all areas of her life. Sure, everyone has a bad day and not everything is wonderful all the time, but I never knew her to be angry, cross or bitter about anything. She was always cheery and fun-loving, sharing her love for people and life.
PawPaw and Grandma are together again. That makes me happy to think about. She so loved my grandfather. It was obvious in so many ways, but became painfully apparent after PawPaw passed away in 1989. I was a senior in college and I remember how from that time forward Grandma would always talk to, and about PawPaw. She talked about the good times we all shared together, and while the rawness of the loss eventually healed, she never lost that affection for my grandfather.
Her other true love was her family. She would frequently remark that she couldn't believe how large and successful her family had become, with great-grandchildren, grandchildren, and children all bringing her pride. It is true we all sprang from this humble couple from central Illinois, but to me they were the root of a family of character and love. Their demonstration of hard work, tolerance, and love speak to me even today.
So now, as I reflect on her life and the influence she has on me, I send my condolences to the rest of my family. I know you will soon gather to share memories and celebrate her life. I'm sorry I won't be there with you, to share in the celebration. Please know that it's only distance that separates me, but the bond of Grandma's memory draws me close.
Grandma, I love you. Rest peacefully, brimming in the rich reward in our Lord, Christ Jesus.
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