Apologies for my absence lately, but its about to get worse. I'm going to be away for the next 20 days or so, as I am off to Iraq! I am consulting on a series of projects there, so I look forward to getting a look at the situation for myself again. Of course, like my last visit, I strongly doubt I will ever set foot outside the green zone, but at least it is something of a snapshot...

Thank you all endlessly for voting me best overall debator this year, I shall endeavour to be worthy of the title, and I'll talk to you in a couple weeks!

Wow! Iraq, eh? "Have a nice trip" seems inappropriate somehow. Stay safe, and best of luck. It will be very interesting to hear your observations if you feel like sharing them upon your return.

Glad to hear from you! I was wondering where you went. You're welcome, your title is definitely well deserved.

I don't know if I like the idea of our Best Overall Debater going into Iraq. Perhaps can contract some security?

Good luck man and watch your back!

Actually, the companies I am consulting for are providing me with 'private' security, not that it should be all that necessary in the Green Zone. The only major fear there is mortar rounds, and a merc bodyguard can't really help against that...

Thanks for the best wishes all!

Worst vacation choice ever.

Be well.

Safe journey to you, Vermillion! We'll look forward to reading about any experiences you're willing to share when you come home.

Be safe, V. And be sure to tell us what a great adventure you had when you get back!

Bonne Chance et Bon Voyage. Be safe and do share a story or two upon your return.
c

Vermillion,

Stay safe and, with all things, use the opportunity to its fullest extent.

Stay safe! By the way, I have a question that I've been meaning to ask you for some time. Have you ever been to Vermillion, S.D.? Since it's not that far from Canada I thought perhaps you had......it's one of the hot spots in the state.....a college town.

Good luck with everything!

Oooh Iraq! I hear the weather is fabulous this time of year....

Much luck, stay safe, take as many pictures as possible, and keep in touch with us when you can.

Looking forward to your safe return!

Jaime

Hurry back, Vermillion. Be safe.

Stay safe Vermillion....you may get here just in time for the 7th Imam Remembrance.......much fun for everybody....if you like suicide bombers. If you're of a mind, shoot me pm, I wouldn't mind hearing about the type of projects you'll be working on in the IZ.

Good bye for now Vermillion, I will surely miss your contributions. Be carefull in Iraq.

Anybody hear from Vermillion lately? I hope he's back safe by now, and just too busy for a debate forum...

Eek. Now that you mention it, no. I thought he said he'd be gone for a few months, but now that I read this again it shoudl have only been a few weeks.

I hope everything's okay.

So Vermilion is in Iraq, I trust you have gone there with an open mind absent of any deep rooted political agenda. Wishful thinking? Well your views on this war are no mystery but I hope you are able to appreciate the Fact, that things are far more complex than this war is a lost cause, and this new strategy is a failure.

A new post of mine was largely in reply to skeptics such as yourself claiming that supporters of this war do not Substantiate their case near enough. A while back I told you id address this in the form of a post and I try and keep promises. The post was aparently substantiated enough for it to be closed for being too all encompassing. So unfortunately it can not be debated through anything but IM's, but in any case it can be read at my homepage. Well be sure to get back safe so you can tell everyone how hopeless things are in Iraq , catch ya

Is brave Net shaking a finger at a dead man from the safety of his home, a kidnapped man, a mutilated man, or (hopefully) a very occupied man?

Did V ever PM you, DTOM?

We anxiously await your return Vermillion, especially Ted.

I don't mean to be alarmist, but I'm worried about Vermillion. I PM'ed him a few months back, but he never replied, and his profile says he hasn't logged in since August. Does anybody know another way to contact him? Mike, Jaime, maybe you could ping him at whatever email address he used to register?