We are very forutnate here to be in constant contact with the people of Iraq, by that I mean the "Terps" or intrepreters.Seven months ago, when we were getting our briefings on the do's and don'ts here in Iraq some of the things we were told to avoid were religion,politics and women. It was said that it is far too easy to offend the average Iraqi with discussion of such things, not true in our little piece of Iraq.

I have seen many times Americans and Muslims discussing our common ground in our spirtual beliefs and the link in the Koran and the Bible. One very well educated man explained to us the garden of eden and it's relation to Balad. Many times we see motorist passing us with pictures of Jesus Christ on their windows. I have many, many times used the phrase "Insh Allah" "If God will it so" and the Muslimes love it, as well as "Salaam Alekum". Afterall, how can we be tolerant of something unless we try to understand it, and how else will we understand without discussion? The Intreperters have been a huge help in this manner. The "Terps" as we call them often times tell us of the life under Sadaam and what the average person in Iraq thinks of us. This is important because access to the media always seems to be reserved for the extremist or the priveleged.

The dirt farmers that plow the land and the "Soldier" or "Policeman" that risks his life everyday for his family, the Terps are our link. It is through the mouths of the Terps that understanding is brought about and it is the eyes of the children the future will be seen. The Terps have been shot at, threatened and beaten but still believe in what we bring. I have seen the wounds on these mens bodies and watched as they expose themselves to death always unarmed and by our sides.

The Terps help to train us in their culture and language. I have been corrected many times for my Arabic grammer and told "What are you a tourist, don't talk from a book but the heart. I will teach you the ways of the people." It's come in different forms but the message is always the same.

The Iraqi soldiers love to visit our living areas, because we always seem to have magazines around with pictures of women. And yes, they are all Government approved and not what might be considered improper. I for one don't belive they are offended in the least, but these are just regular people like us. I even tapped one on the shoulder while he was admiring a swimsuit photo and said "This is not good, very bad." to which he said "You crazy, this very good".

The Terps have explained to us the tribal fueds in the area and how easy it is for people to shoot each other over access to the water canals. They explain the history of local villages and why things are as they are. We have also been told that the majority of the attacks on us are by Syrians,Iranians,Saudis and plain old criminals. They are very much concerned for their country and risk the same things we do, life itself. I really enjoy when they ask about America and seeing their eyes light up at the prospect of one day seeing this incredible place from which so many people came too help them. Many of us have forged friendships with the Terps and offered to help them get started in America, the generosity of Americans is overwhelming at times and great to be a part of.

I hope that none of our Terps ever get hurt, but that's just a hope. When we finally get to go home they will stay and continue the fight. And this is one more thing we here at the FOB will take home and probably, every now and then, ask Allah to watch over them.