Operation Arrowhead Ripper

A big question on everyone's mind is how the new offensive in Iraq is going and the answer is to read Michael Yon's Dispatches.

Michael is presently covering Operation Arrowhead Ripper and is witnessing the fighting firsthand.

Operation Arrowhead Ripper: Day One "The combat has only just begun, and media has now figured out this is serious business. During the morning brief (June 20th), Major Robbie Parke mentioned that CNN, TIME, Reuters and some others, are trying to get out here now. Problem is space. Looks like Gordon and I are mostly alone for now. Others are said to be in Baqubah, but if they are here, they are missing some of the most important parts, and if they were at the important commander's meetings, I would have seen them."

"The heat is intense for the enemy and for us. Soldiers, during any chance, would lay-down during the heat of day, and in complete body armor and helmets, fall asleep in the dirt. I took photos of course. Our guys are tough. The enemy in Baqubah is as good as any in Iraq, and better than most."

Reading through his dispatch on day one opens your eyes to the truth and not the whitewashed nonsense from the networks.

Note: After reading Operation Arrowhead Ripper, make sure you read Michael’s second dispatch, Arrowhead Ripper: Surrender or Die.

Michael Yon had suggested reading the writing of a reporter for the New York Times, Michael Gordon. Granted, the Times is a rather unlikely source for an open view of this war, but I was pleasantly surprised when following advise, I read, Michael Gordon’s story,

U.S. Seeks to Block Exits for Iraq Insurgents: “So the planners of this latest operation are attempting to plug the holes that have allowed the insurgents to escape in the past. The goal is not merely to reclaim western Baquba from insurgent control, but to capture or kill the estimated 300 fighters to 500 fighters who are believed to be based in that part of the city.”

This appears to be another source for good reporting.