I first met you at a private Iraq conference in 2005 sponsored by one of our government agencies. There were many so-called experts in the room discussing Iraq issues, but you impressed me as the one with much more depth than the others. One or two of the others in attendance had strong hawkish views that they formulated from their nice air conditioned offices inside the beltway. I had just returned from 17 months in Iraq as a civilian oil expert and would return to Iraq in 2006 for another 5 years as a civilian oil expert contracted to the Corps of Engineers/DOD. It was obvious to me at the time that you were much closer to reality than those with views opposed to yours. I recently subscribed to your Blog and continue to be impressed with the depth of your observations. Well done! I just sent you a check - I hope this helps to confirm my convictions.
I first met you at a private Iraq conference in 2005 sponsored by one of our government agencies. There were many so-called experts in the room discussing Iraq issues, but you impressed me as the one with much more depth than the others. One or two of the others in attendance had strong hawkish views that they formulated from their nice air conditioned offices inside the beltway. I had just returned from 17 months in Iraq as a civilian oil expert and would return to Iraq in 2006 for another 5 years as a civilian oil expert contracted to the Corps of Engineers/DOD. It was obvious to me at the time that you were much closer to reality than those with views opposed to yours. I recently subscribed to your Blog and continue to be impressed with the depth of your observations. Well done! I just sent you a check - I hope this helps to confirm my convictions.