Anna Badkhen

Buying security in Baghdad
At a U.S. combat outpost in the Iraqi capital, money is just as important as guns. Plus: Tensions flare in a neighborhood council.
Bradleys used to be considered impregnable
As the hatch closes, I think about the four men from the platoon I'm with who were charred to death in one of these fighting vehicles.
Guns and water coolers in Iraq
U.S. soldiers drink water, lots of it, in scorching hot Baghdad. Plus, patrolling the streets with a less than disciplined Iraqi army squad.
Helicopter travel in Iraq
Military travel is grueling, especially for a soldier with a hole in his face from a sniper bullet who's trying to get back home to Missouri.
Back to Baghdad
A reporter flies over the Iraqi capital on her 10th reporting trip, and sees empty swimming pools, kids playing on a grassless field, entire houses buried in trash.

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