Defense Tech: Axe in Iraq, Take Seven


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Edited by Christian Lowe \| Contact

Axe in Iraq, Take Seven

So I'm off to Basra in southern Iraq to hang out with the British Army. Basra province, once a sideshow in this drama, has become a main act in recent months. Iranian influence is on the rise. The Shi'ite militias exert increasing control while Iraqi government authority wanes. Attacks on coalition forces are at an all-time high and casualties have skyrocketed. But it's not all bad news. The Brits have just turned over two provinces to Iraqi control, with more pending. I'll be filing from Iraq whenever I can. Wish me luck.

--David Axe

Comments

hello
fwiw
the Brits dont drive on the left always.

DH-dont insult Wales good grief, it's a very nice area- not all as industrial and smokey as it's made out, shame about the unemployment perhaps.

Iranians milling about: now there's a surprise.

nb you might want to pack some mars bars or kitkats: handy for emergencies.
good luck

Posted by: OS at September 25, 2006 08:40 PM

When crossing a road please remember that the Brits drive on the left of the road.

Posted by: JQP at September 25, 2006 09:59 AM

Dave, How about giving us a status update, upon your safe return, on the new Brit armored vehicles from Force Protection, Inc. Rumor is strong that the UK MoD is very interested in their newest vehicle (the Cheetah) along with adding a couple Buffalos to go with their older Tempest models.

All updates are appreciated.

Stay safe and pass on our prayers to the troops.

Posted by: Mr.Zippy at September 25, 2006 08:21 AM

Once more, don't rock the boat too hard, and be aware for friendly fire for doing so. The British force in Basra play a different game than something you may expect, and this time it won't break the news since it's not anti-American that will catch the news. However, if you want to be a B class die hard hollywood hero risking your own life, it is up to you.

Posted by: pedestrian at September 25, 2006 06:50 AM

Do be careful.

And remember to praise everything British* and stay quiet about the US if you want to stay popular.

* Except Wales, of course, which can be insulted freely ;)

Posted by: David Hambling at September 25, 2006 06:43 AM

Take care, man. And remember: When in doubt, duck.

Posted by: cardoso at September 24, 2006 11:09 PM

Stay safe, Axe. Don't be a hero. Get good stuff... and try not to get kicked out this time!

Posted by: Noah Shachtman at September 24, 2006 12:11 PM

Dave, watch your butt out there. We'll be praying for your safe return.

Posted by: Robot Economist at September 23, 2006 08:00 PM

Stay safe and keep your head down David. Good luck!

Posted by: Marshall at September 23, 2006 01:10 PM

>Iranian influence is on the rise.

Iranian influence has already been on the rise, and strong since years ago. If you know the Arabic tounge and the Persian language, go out into the streets and tell which language you hear more. Go to the rivers leading from Iran and check out the boats, and peek into the cargo to see what's being transported up the rivers. Ask the local residents about the boom of purchasing land property, and ask who are buying it. Walk around the streets and tell us about the existence of armed men and where they are, and what they are doing. Tell us about the reaction of British force over there when they encounter such groups. Let me add onto this subject. Ask the Sunnis about the influence from Saudi Arabia. Oh yes, be aware about your actions, David Axe. There were already some journalists in Basra who have slipped their mouth too much, treated not good by both sides.

Posted by: pedestrian at September 23, 2006 11:18 AM

Axe in Iraq, Take Seven

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