As I leave my office in Baghdad, Iraq, I am saddened by my surroundings. Not because of the hardships that I endure, because other than missing my family, things aren't so bad. I am saddened by my compassion for the Iraqis and any other country or culture that has to endure such devastation in order to gain freedom. I will never see combat in the way that many of my peers have seen combat. I will probably never have to shoot at anyone and likely never have to really fear for my life. There is always the chance that the area that I am located in will get hit by direct or indirect fire but chances are, I will never have to worry about that.

I recently went "outside the wire" on a trip to another area in Iraq. I traveled via a convoy on this occasion because the weather was not favorable for a helicopter, which is my normal mode of travel. During this trip I was acutely aware of my surroundings and couldn't help but notice the utter devastation and destruction of the town that we traveled through. Buildings that had been bombed and were falling down. Children running and playing in what can only be described as rubble and trash. Windows broken or missing were the norm. It was such a sad sight that I could only stare in wonder and think about the people that once called this place home. The collection of Army bases that occupy a portion of Baghdad is the size of a city. What happened to the people that once lived here? Where are they now?

It's very easy to label outsiders as bad and justify whatever we do for the sake of democracy...and I do believe in democracy. However, it is important for everyone to understand that democracy as we know it, is a very new concept. The United States of America is a very young society and we enjoy a life that others don't really understand and often don't want. The many countries and kingdoms in the middle east are very old societies that have existed for thousands of years. They have a way of life that we don't understand and can't imagine having to live. According to our standards, the women are treated poorly and the children often aren't educated. We often forget that this is normal to them in many cases. They still love their children and lead happy lives. Why do they often hate Americans? Well, let me answer a question with a question. If a country invaded your streets and homes, regardless of whether or not they had good intentions, would you welcome them with open arms...or would you want your life back?

I am very proud to say that I am an American. I am so lucky to have been born in such a culture that allows me to have freedom to do as I wish and to chase my dreams. Even as I sit in my room I am appreciative of all of the comforts that I am provided because I am an American. I don't have to worry about where I am going to sleep or if I am going to eat. I have access to phones and have Internet in my room. I send and receive mail. I can go shopping or watch movies if I choose. As I enjoy my comforts, it is always in the back of my mind that only a few hundred meters away, on the other side of the wall, there are children playing in piles of rubble, and mothers that wonder whether or not there will be food to feed them later. We should never lose sight of what we have and always appreciate the good things in our lives. We should be very careful when we judge others and even if we don't agree with them, be willing and able to see things from their perspective. It will only make us stronger and better able to defend our positions...or maybe understand why we should, in some situations, just let go.