Reporter's Notebook: Roughing it on the border

[unhappycamper]

Reporter's Notebook: Roughing it on the border
By Ashley Rowland, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, February 15, 2009

MUTANABI, Iraq — This tiny outpost near the Iranian border is little more than a collection of tents, but might be the safest place in Iraq.

Mutanabi has never been attacked, and, aside from a vehicle rollover that caused no serious injuries, there have been no mishaps when soldiers go on patrols.

In fact, they say their biggest problem is trying to squeeze a hot shower out of the base’s one water heater.

"The last time there was any fighting around here, as far as I know, was during the Iran-Iraq War," said Capt. Adam Ropelewski, commander of Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment.

About 60 U.S. soldiers and 40 Iraqi soldiers are stationed at Mutanabi, about 15 miles from the border.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60734