Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Map of the Main Arab Sunni Insurgency Groups and Key Areas - Spring 2009
I have created a Google Earth map showing the main Arab Sunni insurgency groups and key areas of that part of the Iraq War. The map can be download via the Google Earth Community Board.
Catholicgauze's Time in Iraq: Part II
Yesterday I answered questions concerning my time in Iraq. Now I will answer, to the best of my ability, questions concerning Iraq and related atmospherics.
Is the War Against Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) Won?
Some bloggers who never were in Iraq and some who were have declared victory. I meanwhile see AQI as lying on the ground, bleeding from all orifices.While near AQI is near death anyone who says they are defeated is wrong. The greater command network of AQI is destroyed so now AQI is more or less a grouping of quasi-independent regions that relay on themselves for logistical support. Right now most of the fighting against AQI is done by the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police. These organizations still need the help Coalition Forces can supply including advanced targeting and large, overwhelming force.
Is AQI the Biggest Sunni Arab Enemy to Iraq?
Right after the invasion in 2003 it seemed that the former Baathist, Saddam regime would be the biggest problem in Iraq. It was not until 2004 when al Qaeda in Iraq became the top dog of the Sunni Arab insurgency. During 2006, 2007, and 2008 the Awakening Movement occurred as Sunni Arabs rebelled against AQI for its extremism and violent acts against Iraqis. Today, smart AQI members and cells have managed to merge with other insurgent groups to provide cover. Most of these cells have started the transformation from insurgency to general thuggery a la the American insurgent/terrorist group, the Ku Klux Klan.
A group I recommend watching out for is one some army friends told me about. The Men of the Army of al-Naqshbandia Order (JRTN). JRTN has allied itself with the former regime elements in the New Baath Party (NBP) due to NBP's leader, Izzat Ibrahim ad-Duri, being a Naqshbandi Sufi. Soldiers I talked to claim JRTN gains its legitimacy from its religious background, the fact it has former regime members in top leadership, and it does not target local Iraqis. JRTN seeks to avoid the mistake AQI made and thus become the prime Sunni Arab insurgent group. It is rumored by Iraqis that JRTN has ties to the Syrian military as well and has been able to get its hands on some serious firepower like RKG-3 grenades and anti-aircraft weaponry.
Is the Average American Fighting Man Aware of the Geographical/Historical/ Cultural Situation of Iraq?
No. The educational system and the military have failed most of the American soldiers I have met. When someone joined my geography team or worked closely with us it was my job to get them up to speed. I had a nice thirty minute talk about Iraq prepared for anyone and everyone. Everyone in uniform was eager and curious to learn. Unfortunately many had no background on the situation. I was asked by a Navy officer if al Qaeda was a "mostly Sunni" organization. Many had no idea of the differences between Sunni and Shia and why/how it mattered.
Will the War End Well?
The Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army can buy time and further dismantle the insurgent groups. In the end; however, the war's outcome is up to the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people. They themselves must move on from the past few years of slaughter and forgive past sins. Peace is in their hands... if they can all agree to it.
Is the War Against Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) Won?
Some bloggers who never were in Iraq and some who were have declared victory. I meanwhile see AQI as lying on the ground, bleeding from all orifices.While near AQI is near death anyone who says they are defeated is wrong. The greater command network of AQI is destroyed so now AQI is more or less a grouping of quasi-independent regions that relay on themselves for logistical support. Right now most of the fighting against AQI is done by the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police. These organizations still need the help Coalition Forces can supply including advanced targeting and large, overwhelming force.
Is AQI the Biggest Sunni Arab Enemy to Iraq?
Right after the invasion in 2003 it seemed that the former Baathist, Saddam regime would be the biggest problem in Iraq. It was not until 2004 when al Qaeda in Iraq became the top dog of the Sunni Arab insurgency. During 2006, 2007, and 2008 the Awakening Movement occurred as Sunni Arabs rebelled against AQI for its extremism and violent acts against Iraqis. Today, smart AQI members and cells have managed to merge with other insurgent groups to provide cover. Most of these cells have started the transformation from insurgency to general thuggery a la the American insurgent/terrorist group, the Ku Klux Klan.
A group I recommend watching out for is one some army friends told me about. The Men of the Army of al-Naqshbandia Order (JRTN). JRTN has allied itself with the former regime elements in the New Baath Party (NBP) due to NBP's leader, Izzat Ibrahim ad-Duri, being a Naqshbandi Sufi. Soldiers I talked to claim JRTN gains its legitimacy from its religious background, the fact it has former regime members in top leadership, and it does not target local Iraqis. JRTN seeks to avoid the mistake AQI made and thus become the prime Sunni Arab insurgent group. It is rumored by Iraqis that JRTN has ties to the Syrian military as well and has been able to get its hands on some serious firepower like RKG-3 grenades and anti-aircraft weaponry.
Is the Average American Fighting Man Aware of the Geographical/Historical/ Cultural Situation of Iraq?
No. The educational system and the military have failed most of the American soldiers I have met. When someone joined my geography team or worked closely with us it was my job to get them up to speed. I had a nice thirty minute talk about Iraq prepared for anyone and everyone. Everyone in uniform was eager and curious to learn. Unfortunately many had no background on the situation. I was asked by a Navy officer if al Qaeda was a "mostly Sunni" organization. Many had no idea of the differences between Sunni and Shia and why/how it mattered.
Will the War End Well?
The Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army can buy time and further dismantle the insurgent groups. In the end; however, the war's outcome is up to the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people. They themselves must move on from the past few years of slaughter and forgive past sins. Peace is in their hands... if they can all agree to it.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Catholicgauze's Time in Iraq: Part I
I am still getting use to "normal" time but blogging is helping. Right now I am working on a Google Earth product based on my Iraq experience and finishing up the questions and answers. However, here is Part I.
What Exactly is a Geographer Doing in Iraq?
Geography is a diverse science and my time in Iraq has proven that. My work involved combining elements of tribal affairs, environmental geography, and even military geography. I had the opportunity to interface with Iraqi and American authorities to aide in reconstruction efforts. My duties included using GIS to find key access points for critical infrastructure, research on certain areas, and carefully explaining that I do not have divine powers to get jobs done instantly.
Where Was I?
All my time was spent in the Sunni Arab lands of Iraq. The majority of time was in Al Anbar provience with Salah ad Din coming in second. I briefly visited Ninawa and Kirkuk provinces. Despite plans I never went to Baghdad.
Was I Ever in Danger?
Yes. The scariest moment happened on a plane ride. All the sudden my little plane was forced two drop flares and do evasive action. The fact that I was near where two helicopters crashed made me realize the dangers of northern Iraq.
What Geography Tools Did I Use?
My main tactic for information gathering were qualitative: interviews and library research. When it came to actual tools I was surprised. While ArcGIS is powerful, few computers in Iraq have it and it is complicated to the uninitiated. So Google Earth was used for presentations while FalconView was used for cartographic creations. Also, I never once used latitude and longitude. I solely worked on military grid reference system (MGRS). I started listing off MGRS like mad to the point 38-Sierra seems like home... almost.
How Was My Arabic?
My Arabic has gotten better but I dare not use it without a translator on hand. Whenever I used my Arabic it seemed like everything stopped. Iraqis are still shocked that "average" Americans try to speak Arabic. I was asked multiple times "Are you a Muslim?" by Iraqis who were shocked/impressed by an American speaking Arabic.
Did I Meet Any Iraqi Christians?
Yes. The first two I met where Christians. Most Christians are either in Baghdad or up in Ninawa province. Christians are so rare elsewhere, especially Anbar, that several time I was told about the closest Christian: "Butros" a mechanic who fixed cars and lived over four hours away. Sadly I was unable to attend any Assyrian Church of the East or Chaldean Catholic Church services.
Where Was the Worst Place I Visited?
Salah ad Din province. Period. Indirect fire plus sandstorms plus being chased by bats. Yeah.
Tomorrow: Questions and Answers About Iraq and Atmospherics
What Exactly is a Geographer Doing in Iraq?
Geography is a diverse science and my time in Iraq has proven that. My work involved combining elements of tribal affairs, environmental geography, and even military geography. I had the opportunity to interface with Iraqi and American authorities to aide in reconstruction efforts. My duties included using GIS to find key access points for critical infrastructure, research on certain areas, and carefully explaining that I do not have divine powers to get jobs done instantly.
Where Was I?
All my time was spent in the Sunni Arab lands of Iraq. The majority of time was in Al Anbar provience with Salah ad Din coming in second. I briefly visited Ninawa and Kirkuk provinces. Despite plans I never went to Baghdad.
Was I Ever in Danger?
Yes. The scariest moment happened on a plane ride. All the sudden my little plane was forced two drop flares and do evasive action. The fact that I was near where two helicopters crashed made me realize the dangers of northern Iraq.
What Geography Tools Did I Use?
My main tactic for information gathering were qualitative: interviews and library research. When it came to actual tools I was surprised. While ArcGIS is powerful, few computers in Iraq have it and it is complicated to the uninitiated. So Google Earth was used for presentations while FalconView was used for cartographic creations. Also, I never once used latitude and longitude. I solely worked on military grid reference system (MGRS). I started listing off MGRS like mad to the point 38-Sierra seems like home... almost.
How Was My Arabic?
My Arabic has gotten better but I dare not use it without a translator on hand. Whenever I used my Arabic it seemed like everything stopped. Iraqis are still shocked that "average" Americans try to speak Arabic. I was asked multiple times "Are you a Muslim?" by Iraqis who were shocked/impressed by an American speaking Arabic.
Did I Meet Any Iraqi Christians?
Yes. The first two I met where Christians. Most Christians are either in Baghdad or up in Ninawa province. Christians are so rare elsewhere, especially Anbar, that several time I was told about the closest Christian: "Butros" a mechanic who fixed cars and lived over four hours away. Sadly I was unable to attend any Assyrian Church of the East or Chaldean Catholic Church services.
Where Was the Worst Place I Visited?
Salah ad Din province. Period. Indirect fire plus sandstorms plus being chased by bats. Yeah.
Tomorrow: Questions and Answers About Iraq and Atmospherics
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Catholicgauze Back in the United States
What a journey! Catholicgauze is back in the United States and trying desperately to get use to "normal" time. Working up to twenty hours a day can make a body not use to the need of sleep. Currently I have about a dozen hours a sleep in the last three days and I feel fine... ready to crash... but fine. Blogging will continue on Monday with Tuesday being the day I answer questions I received.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Google Earth Map of National Geographic Grants
Many people think the National Geographic Society just makes the famous magazine. However, a percentage of each subscription and gifted money goes to grants that National Geographic gives out for studies around the world. Now one can download a Google Earth KML and view a map of thousands of grants the society has awarded. (Hat Tip: Google Earth Library)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Bluewalks: Neogeography Meets Walking Tourism
La Cartoteca proves once again why it is Catholicgauze's favorite Spanish-language blog by discovering Bluewalks. Bluewalks is an online collaborative flight which asks users to create and share their favorite walking paths for tourists. The mapping system is based on Google Maps so it is easy for almost everyone to create, share, and view the maps. Currently a good deal of Europe, some of the United States, and elsewhere have been mapped. The four languages of Bluewalks are English, Chinese, Spanish, and Catalan.
I greatly enjoy walking as it allows one to be outside in the environment and gives amble time to absorb one's surroundings. Traveling in an enclosed place such as a car cannot give this feeling. Because of this when I travel I like to see the sites by walking.
When I get back to the United States I will be sure to make a couple of these maps and share it with the rest of you.
I greatly enjoy walking as it allows one to be outside in the environment and gives amble time to absorb one's surroundings. Traveling in an enclosed place such as a car cannot give this feeling. Because of this when I travel I like to see the sites by walking.
When I get back to the United States I will be sure to make a couple of these maps and share it with the rest of you.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Using Google Earth to Teach Geography
The great Geolounge blog links to a phenomenal educational plan entitled "Teaching with Google Earth." The site features introductions to Google Earth, KML, API, and more. The real core of the teaching aide are the various activities. Activities range from river characteristics to Richmond's heat island to the 2004 tsunami. There is something for every physical geography teacher to use.
I have long felt Google Earth had the potiential to be a great learning tool. As more tools and resources are made readily available for teachers I am sure more educators will take advantage of the situation. Google Earth is "cool" to children and young adults. This makes it the pefect gateway drug into the field of geography.
I have long felt Google Earth had the potiential to be a great learning tool. As more tools and resources are made readily available for teachers I am sure more educators will take advantage of the situation. Google Earth is "cool" to children and young adults. This makes it the pefect gateway drug into the field of geography.
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