War Zone Diary

Posted: Monday, March 19, 2007 3:20 PM

By Richard Engel, Middle East bureau chief

You gotta love the names. They're so eager, earnest, and hopeful: Camp Prosperity, Camp Liberty, and Camp Victory are the names of just a few of the U.S. military bases in Baghdad.

But there are other names, other realities, in the ancient City of the Caliphs.

A few miles from Camp Prosperity is what some U.S. soldiers call the "Dora Killing Fields," a fetid trash dump where militias, insurgents, gangs, and anyone else with a grievance and a gun dispose of bodies, often discovered by little boys who play soccer there and little girls who tend goats.

Not far from the PX at Camp Victory, where soldiers can buy frozen vacuum-packed T-bone steaks flown in from the states and a Harley Davidson (which is pretty damn cool), there is a cozy little spot other soldiers call "Sniper Fields."

There are many faces of the war in Iraq and they have changed dramatically over time.

When I first arrived in Baghdad in January 2003, I thought I would soon rent a house and envisioned myself swimming in the Tigris to cool off after reporting in the city the caliphs called Madinit al-Salam, the City of Peace. A year later, I realized I wouldn't be taking any midnight dips— Madinat al-Salam no more. Now, I think I'll have to be lucky to walk away from this story without being injured or killed.

Click here to read the rest of Richard Engel's Reporter's Notebook about covering the war in Iraq for the last four years and to see excerpts from his upcoming the documentary "War Zone Diary." The complete documentary will air on Wednesday, March 21 at 10 p.m. on MSNBC TV.

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Comments

I read your book and I am looking forward to your documentary. I have no idea how you could possibly cram it into one hour. Stay safe and thanks.

Michelle, Austin (Sent Monday, March 19, 2007 4:56 PM)

Richard, Thanks for bringing us the documentary and just showing the was as "it is". I pray for you and the Baghdad's bureau safety and one day that it'll be a "City of Peace".

Shannon McKemie, Placentia CA (Sent Monday, March 19, 2007 5:02 PM)

thanks for bringing us the war documentary as "it is" over there. i pray someday that you can report from the "city of peace"as you state in your article. stay safe and know that you are in our prayers.

Shannon McKemie, Placentia CA (Sent Monday, March 19, 2007 5:34 PM)

Dear Richard, First, I must say that you are doing a suberb job reporting from Iraq. The Middle East Bureau has a treasure in you as their bureau chief. Sometimes I start to lose faith in this region ever finding its way towards peace. It breaks my heart that children are exposed to finding dead bodies just dumped by insurgents an other groups causing terror amidst the region. I wish there was a way one could take all the innocent children away from all of this horror. The names of the military camps bring to mind the idea of peace for all the people. It would be wonderful to have no more killing ever taking place in that region again. You mentioned that when you first arrived that you were residing in the City of Peace. I only wished that you could have taken those midnight swims. I know that it would have been wonderful after a long day of reporting. You say that you will have to be lucky to walk away from this without being injured or killed. Well, I know that I say a prayer that God watches over you and keeps you safe every night. And I will continue to do that every night. You are the best Middle East journalist on the airwaves and I am very proud of your work. I look forward to viewing your documentary on March 21st. Take care of yourself. PLEASE STAY SAFE RICHARD! You are an excellent journalist and a truly great person!

Lisa McNeil, Alpharetta, Georgia (Sent Monday, March 19, 2007 5:53 PM)

My name doesn't matter. Just a Vietnam Vet. needing to tell someone I told you so. a local TV 11 news reporter came to New Waverly Tx a little Town just north of houston. We had 6 7 8 9 I don't remember young men in the first Gulf war.the town had yellow ribbons everywhere. The news lady ask me how I felt about so many young men from here going to war. I told her all flag waving will stop when the blood of these men run in the sand. War is Hell!!!!

Stonewall Burks , Coldspring TX (Sent Monday, March 19, 2007 7:43 PM)

Let's send Bush to Iraq, turn him loose on the streets for one hour by himself, and then see how fast he gets our troops out of there. Bush should be charged with murder every time one of our troops dies!!

Brian McLanahan, Tallahassee, FL (Sent Tuesday, March 20, 2007 8:36 AM)

I love you Richard!!! Your book is amazingly eye opening for me. It has given me such insight into the world that our soldiers are experiencing. I eagerly await your next book and your war diary is already set for my dvr. For waiting military spouses, "the news" gives us something to connect with. During the Gulf War, I would watch the daily Cheney/Powell Pentagon brief and their presence gave me the "all is right with the world" feeling. Now I am thankful for your reports(briefs), I am in awe of what you do. Please take care, and let your mom know I am thinking of her too.

Connie Boden (Sent Tuesday, March 20, 2007 12:16 PM)

Dear Mr Engel, I wanted to write and tell you how much I appreciate all that you are doing for us overseas. The way you describe in your reports makes me feel as if I am there experiencing it along with you and my brother who is over there. I know that I will never really know what is happening but in away it helps to be more connected through your investigative reports. I as in the others I have read on this message board wish you God Speed in your travels. And to please keep up with the great work. I know that this must be stressfull in your own personal life as well. And I wish you the best in that regards to. Being away from home as long as you are is hard. God Speed Mr. Engel!!

TR Humphrey (Sent Tuesday, March 20, 2007 1:05 PM)

AWESOME WORK!!

WEN MEW, SANTA MONICA, CA. (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 9:05 AM)

Dear Richard, I'm looking forward to watching your documentary tonight. In all of the press I've read and watched in the lead-up to its airing, I have to say that I find it extremely depressing how you so matter-of-factly state that you feel you will be killed or grievously injured while covering the war - that you will essentially tempt fate one time too many. How, then, do you make the choice to stay? At what point does self-preservation outweigh the desire to cover the story of your generation? As the saying goes, you are much too young to feel that damn old. In any case, I wish you the best of health and happiness. If you insist on putting yourself in harm's way, then continue to do the superb job you have been doing. God bless you and your colleagues.

Laurel Noel, Leonardtown, Maryland, USA (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 4:46 PM)

How can I see Richard Engel's Bagdad Diary. I have followed Richard ever since he first broadcast (for those other guys); and was so impressed with him that I followed him to NBC news. Now he has his own show and I can't see it. Please help.

Victoria - Ponte Vedra, Florida (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 7:11 PM)

Richard: I have followed your career ever since you first appeared in Bagdad for that other news network. Now...you are going to have a whole program on your experience - and my cable network doesn't carry MSNBC. How can I see the whole program. After all you have been through for 4 years, I cannot believe that NBC isn't airing it on the main network. Perhaps NBC can air it even if it is on at a non-prime time. THank you for all the work you have done. You deserve all the praise that we can give you.

Victoria - Ponte Vedra, Florida (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 7:15 PM)

Victoria - ponte vedra florida (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 7:23 PM)

"War correspondents, they all grapple finally with the horror. They may not give it to us completely unvarnished, but they all see it for what it is, and they struggle to communicate it. I mean, I think in the end we're the last romantics...because we keep fighting after we recognize how dark human beings are." Thank you for taking the risks that you do take. We need to keep shining light on that darkness. - Chris Hedges

Kat Ware, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 7:46 PM)

Your footage makes it real. For those of us who don't have a family member in Iraq, we now have you. We can worry about your safety, your sanity, your fate. It gives us a taste of what military families are going through. I hope out of respect for your own family you will NOT return to Iraq. You have done enough. Take your film and tour with it. Write a book, speak but do not go back. Gale Wheat

Gale Wheat Palm Springs, CA (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 10:47 PM)

Thank you for your reporting in Iraq. Thank you for staying, despite what you've seen, endured. Thank you for sharing your diary, finally, publicly. As this war continues and we engage in others, let's not hold these images and truths until it's finally appropriate and consistent with public opinion. Let's see the visuals and hear the reality from the start. Let's keep news separate from big business, political threats and popularity polls. Keep telling this story, and please come back safely.

Carolyn O'Mara (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 11:05 PM)

As somebody who lived in a war zone myself (westbank)for year, i was struck by the NAIVITY of troups who thought that you cannot support them while disagreeing with this war. i know their intentions are the greatest but as sad as it sounds, they're just pawns in a major blunder WITH LITTLE INFLUENCE IN THE BIG PICTURE unless they mess up like in abu kbair?? how can they be oblivious that WARS are PRIMARILY historically won NOT by bravery & heroism as romantic as we elude ourselves when we celebrate victory, WARS succeed cause leaders make smart strategic moves, make contingencies for the worse scenarios, SUMMON conditions of success and listen to the devel's advocates. NONE OF THIS APPLIES TO this war architects. Yes, Napoleon's soldiers helped him win cause they believed in his military genius but lets face it without his smarts, they would have failed relying on their HEROISM ONLY & when his smarts failed him in the Russian blunder, his soldiers did NOT make up. Among all, TROUPS should be the first to realize that, but then again, maybe they're too close to it as sometimes one needs to move back to see the picture in full.

rami (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 11:33 PM)

Richard, after seeing your special tonight on MSNBC & on the Don IMus Show AM. I truly have an amazing respect for you. Your journalism is of the highest quality. I especially like the fact that you empahsised the personal nature of the war in Iraq. bereaking it down to the p. eople of Iraq the soldiers and eventually yourseves as a reporting crew and showing the effects upon the personal lives of the individuals involved in this horrific conflict. It fills my heart with pride as i see the sacrifices these soldiers are making and also i can not be touched with sorrow for the pain they are recieving from all angles. A seldomn shown point of view. These are human beings and your effective insughtfull reporting shows us the true cost of this war. Thank You. I am an immigrabnt to the USA and have never felt as proud to be an American in the last 4 years than when I watched your special tonight. Editorial Note: I wathc This week on ABC sunday mnornings specifically because they state the names of the fallen in these conflicts. I wish Meet the Press did the same. Again you are an amazing (when i say you I include your team) reporter and having greew up in th UK watching the likes of KAte Adi I can only conmpare you to this earstwhile reporter of world conflict. greta tuuff Richard.

Chris Pike, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 11:33 PM)

Richard if I could award you the Nobel Prize for Journalism you would be my first and only vote. Your personal and professional dedication is admirable. Your nightly reports on NBC News are top notch. I just finished watching your special War Zone Diary which was excellent. As much as I look forward to your future reports, I pray for your safety and wellbeing.

Jeff, Miami, FL (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 11:42 PM)

I am in essence, a pacifist, and I have had no real grasp of the war in Iraq until now, after watching your video diary. I have made every effort to avoid any medium referring to the war. For reasons unbeknownst to me, I was compelled to watch your “War Zone Diary” this evening. All of a sudden I am thunder struck by the bona fide images. I am left with an acute empathy for every man, woman and child affected by this horrid conflict. Still, I will not absorb reports on the battle itself, but thanks to you, I have a glimpse into the lives of the troops representing our country, the children of Iraq, and the countless others who will continue to love and lose. Your raw coverage has left a permanent imprint upon me, and I can only hope and pray for your safety as you continue your exposure to an incredible current event that will hopefully end someday.

Suzanne L. Chalkley, Williamsburg, VA (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 11:54 PM)

My son, 21 years old, and Private first class in the U.S army, left for Kuwait 2 weeks ago, and will head to Baghdad in 4 more days. I've been trying to balance my fear for his safety and hope for him and his friends, as I continue to educate and familiarize myself with the reality of the goings in in Iraq right now. Thanks so much for your courageous portrayal of your experiences there, in the last four years...and providing one soldier's mom with a bit more insight. Be safe.

Laura Stewart (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 12:03 AM)

Richard, I just watched "War Zone Diary" and was totally absorbed. It was fascinating and I did not want it to end. What a shame 4 years had to be reduced to only one hour. It should have been two. You have done fantastic work and taught me a great deal. You must know you are scaring us all to death, worried as we are, for your safety. Don't push the envelope too hard--PLEASE. Be savvy and safe! We look forward to seeing your reports and thank you for going above and beyond to better inform us.

Celine Segda, Jersey City NJ (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 12:16 AM)

Richard, just watched your incredible War Zone Diary. I just wanted to tell you to ignore the silly criticisms about timid reporting from Iraq, you obviously showed them the way it really is there with this superb documentary. You are in a class by yourself in reporting. I hope you stay safe and keep doing what you know is right: telling it straight. Thank you for your frank commentary. This should be required viewing for every member of Congress, the president and his administration. Good luck, be safe!

C.Roye, Las Cruces, NM (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 12:16 AM)

I wish I could express my frustrations. Last night on the Jay Leno program I heard about the program. Brian Williams mentioned it tonight. My frustrations are that I could not see the program because my local NBC station did not carry it (and apparently has no plans to show it in the future.

Don Purvis, Everett, Washington (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 12:48 AM)

Mr. Engel, Actually, my message is to NBC. Take care of this young man! He has seen things no human should see, his life will never be the same. Give him the best support whenever he comes home; and everyone who sees war needs support. He has been there longer than any of the troops. Richard, the war will go on even if you aren't there. Don't sacrifice yourself; you have much to teach when you come back; so hurry home. I was there for the first Gulf war, allow yourself time to heal your spirit, it will take some time, and NBC should support you every step of the way.

t francis (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 12:55 AM)

Mr. Engel, I am watching your War Diaries for the second time, and truly wish you the best and truly hope you survive this war.... but I must say that your voice, your demeanor, your adrenaline... it all makes me think of the book "War is a Force that Gives Us Meaning" by Chris Hedges. This is not meant to be criticism... your work is outstanding... I am just throwing this out there in hopes you read it, as the perspective of an anonymous person many 1000's of miles away. Best.

John Doe, Seattle, WA (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:13 AM)

Mr. Engel, I am an unusual sixteen year-old girl from New York. I say unusual because while most of my friends spend their free time studying for the SATs or visiting colleges, I read the newspaper or watch NBC Nightly News. For years my family and I have been watching you bravely report from Iraq and for about as long we have admired you. You are a man dedicated to his noble work who does his job exceptionally well. As a student of Arabic, I strive one day to be fluent like you (and have as good of an accent as you!) You do great work and I will keep you in my prayers. Be safe.

Julie M (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:14 AM)

Ricard, I watched your amazing War Zone Diary Twice tonight on MSNBC. Thank you for bringing so much home for us to see. My son who is in Special Forces is getting ready to leave for there again. He tells me nothing, he is a medic. After watching your documentary tonight, it has given me a TINY insight the way the emotions run. Most of all I loved what the soldiers had to say about supporting them, and feel. THEY ARE TELLING THE TRUTH ! not looking for ratings or votes. I also feel Bill O'Reilley needs a copy sent to him, he can chew of tough crow instead of pop corn while watching it. You are a Saint that links the war in Iraq to the people of our country. Although you will not earn a Medal of Honor, you have still earned a Salute from the President of the United States of America. God has given you a strong mission. Your are in my prayers.

Jane Williams Bell, Florida (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:24 AM)

What sets you apart, Richard, is your determination to get down on the ground--even learning the language, which I have learned, too, and it's NOT easy. Thank you for sharing your story with us. It puts a context around this ghastly war that we need so badly. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and please be safe!

Morgan Davis, Provo, Utah (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:30 AM)

I am currently watching your War Zone tv documentary as I write this. I am in complete and total awe of you. How can I and the world thank you enough for what you have done and are continuing to do for us. Your work here seems to me to be the most important thing any one person can do to single handedly help to attempt to create some sort of peace. It is hard to watch and it should be. We should all be forced to watch this and to take the time to stop and think. Thank you for risking your life to inform me and the world of what is really happening right now in Our World. I was sad to hear that you and your schoolmate, best friend and wife were having troubles. I hope that she takes a moment to watch your show and that it all will make sense to her. I would be more then honored and proud to call you my Husband. I hope she does also. I so appreciate her sacrifice also. I hope it will not be all for nothing. I pray the world stops for a moment and takes the time to listen to you. G-d Bless you and the World.

Batia Nemer, Saint Paul, Minnesota (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:59 AM)

Richard, Thank you for your oustanding story. I would hope more of this kind of reprorting would be done by other news media. The American people must see the brutality of this war and realize what war accomplishes. Keep safe and agin Thank you for your personal insight. S. J. Calice

Severino J. Calice, San Diego, California (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:02 AM)

Dear Richard, I watched your documentary on msnbc tonight with deep sadness. Our government, including all three branches (but especially the Administration and the Congress), is morally obligated to exercise supreme responsiblity when making the decision to send our military to war. To our utter dismay, however, we have discovered that such responsibility played little role four years ago, and continues to be almost nonexistent today. That is why my heart breaks to watch your interviews with young Marines who have made untold sacrifices after their government ordered them off to war. What will happen, I wonder, when they finally realize that their sacrifices were for nothing...that the lives of their buddies were sacrificed for nothing...that the sacrifices of their families, friends, and loved ones were for nothing...that their government, and the majority of their fellow Americans, were cavalier and irresponsible in allowing them to be sent off to an unnecessary war...that theirs is a government and a nation that even today will not accept the responsibility to remove them expeditiously from the hellhole known as Iraq.

R. Weatherspoon, Medford, Oregon (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:30 AM)

Thank you Richard Engel! Viewing where you interpret the person you're interviewing makes for accurate reporting on what they say. Please broadcast more interviews where you translate...

don warner saklad cambridge ma (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:33 AM)

Hi Mr Engel, you know its so hurting to know that there is innocent kids involved having to grow up in blood.As the living God is always on time,we gonna keep on praying for our Brothers and Sisters in Irag. Thanks Richard for keeping us Posted,Good Luck

Nikiwe Mentjies, Cape Town,South Africa (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 7:04 AM)

Dear mr. Engel i saw your documentary, thank you for showing it to us; in it we saw the war in a way that you, our military and the iraqui people are livng it. I hope and pray that the people in WA. get together in a way that will bring our people home. My heart goes out to every american military family,being a Viet-nam vet i know the pain and suffering they go thru. GOD SPEED..

Joege D. Perez (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 7:14 AM)

Richard: You are very informative when it comes to the politics and life of the Middle East. I am 37 years old and am amazed that Beirut and the Middle East have played a major role in our politics. I hope you will be safe and can return to your family. I was deeply saddened when Bloom died. I was just shocked. STAY HEALTHY. I hope your family knows what a blessing you are to these citizens of the Middle East. I look forward to hearing more of your broadcasts.

Michelle McElwain, Hartselle, Al. (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 7:37 AM)

I respect the job that you are doing, but it would be nice to hear about some of the good things that are being done. For all the people that want to pull out of Iraq just remember 9/11. If we cut and run like a bunch of liberal chickens Iraq will become the largest breeding ground for Radical Isalm. Wake up people this is a war and it's one that we have to fight and win. All the young men and women who have died in this war deserve victory for giving the ultimate sacrifice. We sit here at home safe and secure because of what they have done, let's support our troops and give them what they need to win at all cost's. Becasue if we don't the car bombs and suicide bombings are coming to a city near you.

Kevin Rose (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 7:40 AM)

Dear Richard, I watched your show War Zone Diary last night, what a great insight into what has and what is really happening in Iraq. It provided a look at the reality of this war and what our troops have to experience. This should be shown on the regular programming for everyone to see. I always look forward to your reports, this was one of the best that I've ever seen. You have clearly been through so much, thank you for letting us see it all. Our family has been supporting soldiers for over two years now and sometimes I feel like the country has forgotten that these brave men and women are sacrificing so much for families like ours back home. Be safe and thank you again for a remarkable report.

Leslie, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 7:49 AM)

Richard, I will never full understand what you have been through and what you have experienced and seen, the psychological and physical toll that has taken on you. I can understand a tiny, tiny bit having served in the initial weeks of Hurricane Katrina. I do understand your comments about how those at home do not understand why you have to do what you do. People thought I was crazy for running off to Hurricane Katrina to help and then to Hurricane Rita and then to Hurricane Wilma. I just had to be there, to help, to see, to let others know first hand. There are just some people who need to be on the front lines, who need to be there and see and do what is possible. For this I thank you. I am sorry your marriage did not work. But I do understand what you are doing and why. Those back home will not get it. I think I get it. And each night I see you on the news I am so grateful for your continued need to help us see what is happening in Iraq. You have the heart of a true correspondant who will risk it all to help us understand. My words feel so inadequate to tell you my appreciation for you.

Samantha Jones, Fresno, California (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 7:50 AM)

I watch your show last night and was blown away with your coverage. This war is so bad for our country and for our troops. Hope you stay safe and do not go back to this horrable war. You did your part and I thank you for your hard and difficult work.

Bob Luster (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 7:54 AM)

Dear Mr. Engel: Thank you for giving so much of yourself so that we might know what is going on. Although I am Canadian, I have a son currently serving in Afghanistan, and to me, Iraq and Afghanistan are interconnected. I feel so badly that you have paid such a heavy personal toll to allow us to know what is going on, but I think if it were not for the fearless people like you, we would be kept in the dark about what is really going on. Keep yourself safe and you are in our prayers.

Cathy Sally, Toronto, Ontario (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 8:01 AM)

Richard,Thank you for your commentary at much personal expense in your life. When will our elected officals realize that we can not be the police force of the world? Did Vietnam not teach us anything?? Unless we are committed to using our full military capability, we will continue these long drawn-out urban fighting to no avail, and the American public support will waver as more and more American troops come home in body bags and crippled by war actions.

Bob McIntyre, Clinton, MA (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 8:04 AM)

What an amazing piece of journalism Richard, which comes as no surprise to me having followed this war, and your reporting, for all these years on MSNBC/NBC. This network is the only network from which to get the whole truth - on any story. Your reporting has brought it all home. I worry for you, your entire crew, and of course - the troops. I can't wait for it all to come to a peaceful end; but in the meantime, THANK YOU for your diligence, honesty and courage. I will be urging everyone I know to watch this powerful one hour of reality. With any luck, even those responsible for this awful mess, will watch it too. PLEASE be careful, stay safe, and God Speed to you.

M Valentino, Santa Fe, NM (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 8:09 AM)

I first must tell you that you are doing a superb job reporting in Iraq. I really feel it's time for you to come home.

James Di Benedetto (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 8:11 AM)

Richard Engel did a superb job as a report sees what he sees. Where was he when Saddam Hussein kills 1.2 million, during his 29 year reign of terror. The bigger picture is the world is much safer when our heroic Armed Forces overthrown Saddam Hussein, murderous dictator of the world 2nd oil-rich country, with this vast resource and his maniac hatred toward the West, especially to our country. Imagine if he still had the power, how dangerous would civilization would have been in today? The world as of now, 2007, enjoys prosperity and peace largely the US armed forces Defeats of the Nazis, the Japanese Imperial forces and the Communist Soviet and we will Defeat the Aquaida terrorist regardless that we have so many leftist reporters like Richard . We now have lost almost 3,300 lives in 4 year. However during the Civil war, there was one battle With 25,000 lives at the time the country population was 6.5 M . During the 2nd war, on one day 6.6.1944 , we lost 5, 000 young men on the beach of Normady. I’ve met many leftists, born and raised, in the US. The first thing they open their mouth is The US is GUILTY! Ironically, they are not realizing that they are living in the best and greatest country on Earth, the USA where thousands and thousands of people around the world are trying to Migrate legal or illegally everyday.

Bo Gwenn (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 8:28 AM)

Richard,Thank you for all you have done. You are a hero. You have lost so much. I'm sorry for that and for your ex. I will pray for you and all the troops to be able to come home safely and very soon. Words cannot express..Kathy O

Kathy Ognibene, Fredericksburg, Va (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 8:31 AM)

Richard, you are my favorite and most admired journalist. I find your reports to be brutally honest I'm against the war (and have been from the start) yet, I hear you talk about the good things when you find them. You are a very fair and balanced (ugh, why do those words seem so tainted these days) messenger. I'm sorry to hear your personal life has suffered because of your professional committment. Please know that YOUR sacrifice has brought the world a perspective and a truth they might not otherwise have received. It is a tremendous gift made greater knowing the personal sacrifice you've given to provide it to us. Your losses, in your relationship and your freedom/sanity while in Iraq, will not be in vain. Your reports will bring an end to this war sooner than it would ended without them. That will save untold numbers of lives and for that you are a saint. I hope you find that 'understanding' in your personal life again and I hope that whatever you do in your professional life you are given the honors and success that you deserve. Hopefully the satisfaction of a job well done and a grateful world will fill the void until then.

Denise KC, MO (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 8:37 AM)

Richard Engel - you are the man. I heard you say you on the Nightly News once that you marriage had failed because of your committment to the war and your job. I have seen you in situations that I have wondered how you got through it. And I cried and cried when you did the story on the orphanage - I too wanted to scoop all those little children up and bring them to safety. I have prayed for you, as well as anyone there, since the very day this all started. You have sacrificed much, too much some would say, but you keep going. I wish I had magic words to soothe you on the days that fear overtakes you - but I don't. Just remember, there is a very grateful woman in Kentucky who so very much appreciates your truth, honesty and down right guts to report this important story. Don't listen to the naysayers Richard, you are doing what others fear, you report the truth. You are seeing the sights and sounds that no one ever wants to see. I have so much respect for you, I just cannot express it. I am sending special special prayers up for you Richard and all those who put themselves in harms way - may God bless you and keep you safe, you sweet, wonderful man.

Diana Huddleston, Louisville, KY (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:06 AM)

Richard, You have always been known as an extreme left-wing Communist. All your writings indicate that you want to see our country defeated in Iraq. Nothing you have writing seems to border on the truth. If we do not win in Iraq, there will be terrible reprocussions that will affect this country for years to come. Of course, this is what you and the Democrats want to see happen.

John Keepers, Las Cruces, New Mexico (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:14 AM)

Richard: There is no such word as "snuck." The word is "sneaked." (You're a journalist?!)

Susan Evans, Atlanta, GA (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:14 AM)

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Fight for Iraq
Learn more about the ethnic, religious and political power plays in and around Iraq during a briefing of the region led by NBC’s Richard Engel.

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