Yet another unique experience last night in Iraq. Being in Al Asad for a few meetings I had the opportunity to attend a Jewish Shabbat service. Shabbat or Shabbos is the weekly Sabbath i.e. day of rest in Judaism. I must confess that being in the heart of the Middle East I erroneously didn’t expect to see anyone practicing their Jewish faith.

Before the 1st millennium it is said that the Jews were nearly 300,000 strong in what we now considered Iraq. At the time this was the largest Jewish population in the world. Sadly now, they number only 9. Yes 9. 9 followers of the Jewish faith amongst the 25 million people of Iraq.

As for the number of Synagogues in Iraq? 1. I had no idea I would be observing and eating dinner in the only Synagogue in Iraq.

Service was led by Rabbi John Cutler who is in the Navy and is the Chaplain for the Third Marine Air Wing stationed here in Al Asad. Rabbi Cutler is also from Pennsylvania and lives in Bucks County (not too far from Philly).

Afterwards the dinner, the Rabbi and I talked for awhile so that I can gather some of his thoughts and opinions on how religion can play a role in the counter-insurgency (COIN) in Iraq.

All the left-wing nuts so badly wanted to call this a civil war (yes including MoveOn.orgs favorite son B. Hussein Obama) so that their blame-America-first rants would start to have more validity. In keeping with tradition of the loony left they failed to look at the facts nor show a desire to help a culture other then theirs.

We have now been fighting a COIN for the past couple years. Since General David Petraeus was able to implement a surge our ability to conduct COIN operations has proved huge dividends. By the way, McCain supported the surge and the General while B. Hussein Obama still speaks against both.

While we are doing a terrific job with COIN operations we still lack probably the most necessary ingredient for quicker success and that is the implementation of religious engagement programs. We need more American Muslim Chaplains to live with and work the Iraqi religious leaders.

Iraqis do not identify themselves as Iraqis. They first identify themselves by their household (family), then their clan (group of families), then their tribe (groups of clans), and finally a confederation or qabila (groups of tribes). Essentially, we are talking about what is known as blood loyalty.

With loyalty based on local leadership (predominantly religious leaders) vice those in Baghdad it would be in Americas best interest to expand our Chaplain Corps well beyond the 2 Muslims Chaplains we have now.

If you attended any meetings with military, political, and religious leaders in Iraq its easily recognizable that the Iraqis listen to the religious leaders first and foremost. This is the sort of knowledge that we must exploit.

Let me close by thanking Rabbi Cutler for the Shabbat dinner and follow-on discussion and of course the warm welcome I received from all of my new friends who also attended last night.

Shabbat Shalom and Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 57% [?]

It’s always been my understanding that when a Muslim declares a jihad, Muslim men are supposed to take up arms and fight, thus becoming a mujahid (a person engaged in a jihad).

Well since 2003 how many Jihads have been declared?  Hundreds?  Thousands?  For awhile there every Muslim that was anti-American that could get on camera was declaring a jihad.  As well, ever notice the same knucklehead declaring a jihad week after week but not being man enough to lead from the front and come to Iraq?

This war is causing breaks in many of the Muslim myths.  The idea that they are devout to their cause, that they don’t care for women and children to be engaged in acts of violence, that they are fierce warriors, and most notably that Muslims are united by their faith.  I won’t bore you with too many details but let me amplify on each a little to demonstrate my opinion.

If Muslims were devout to their cause why are they trickling in a few at a time from a couple of the surrounding countries?  Where is the outpouring of resources to the terrorist? Lets go a step further, where are the tends of thousands of mujahid to wage war on us infidels in Iraq?  With capturing a couple hundred thousands terrorist one must also ask why no raid to free them?

One nasty aspects of this war is the use of women and children by the Jihadist.  We are seeing more women getting drugged up and being used as suicide bombers as Americans by nature don’t see women as a threat.  We have even seen babies with Down Syndrome being left in areas where coalition forces and Iraqis come by only to be blown up along with the baby.  Absolutely cowardly.  I know over 70% of the people here in Iraq cannot read but one would think imams  could pass down the passages that speak of the purity of women and children and how they are not to be engaged in fighting on any level.

In regards to fierce warriors, this is so easily dispelled.  Not that I blame them because anytime the Marines matched up with them they lost their lives or freedom.  A random shot or IED does not make you a fierce warrior.  It makes you a realist and not believing in your cause enough to die for it.

Lastly, let’s speak to the Muslim faith.  Their faith is like so many faiths of the world in that it varies from region to region and many times village to village.  There is nothing wrong with that of course but its best to dispel the myth that it unifies them.  Clearly if it did, the jihadist really would have started a holy war.

I guess what I am trying to express in today’s rant is this: Man up or shut up.

Man Up:  If you think you’re a tough guy then mass up on the battlefield and let the Marines give you a chance to me Allah.

Shut Up:  If you cannot stand up and fight for Al Qaeda then drop your weapons, go home to your families, and read the Qur’an for the spiritual and peaceful aspects.

Yes, Iraq is still a war zone.  Dangerous in more then a few places yet at the cusp of thriving in so many more. 

Everyday Iraqis turn in bad actors because they wish to live in peace.  They realize who their friends are and they have manned up.  The number if Iraqi Police (IP) and Iraqi Army (IA) continue to increase and become more efficient.

In fact it’s the IA and IP that are taking the lead in more and more operations.  In fact the upcoming turnover of provinces will be secured by IA and IP not coalition forces.

Man up and shut up time.  Americans and Iraqis have manned up.  Now its time for the jihadist to shut up.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 47% [?]

Funny how things evolve.  Just two days ago I started to develop a training program for the Navy Chaplains in the Al Anbar province when next thing I know I am having breakfast with the top Chaplain in the entire CENTCOM theater.    Captain James Danner is the CENTCOM command Chaplain personally recommended by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen.

A few hours later I was able to spend even more time with Father Danner.  We talked about collecting information on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and working together to develop reports to bring more visibility to the issue.

PTSD can have such wide reaching effects so as to affect their personal and professional relationships.  PTSD is still being understood and with more understanding for families, co-workers, and Marines those with PTSD should be able to more quickly adapt and overcome.

Father Danner is genuinely concerned about PTSD and with the ear of Admiral Mullen we should expect more help for the troops and families in the future.

If you know of any Marines or other military members who are suffering from PTSD or suspect they are please be sure to stay in contact.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jenkins

Popularity: 59% [?]

Today I spent a couple hours talking to the Navy Chaplains responsible for religious services as well as counseling not only in TQ but many of the smaller forward operating bases (FOBs) around the Al Anbar province. 

It’s been my experience that Marines are loyal and protective of their Chaplains.   I am sure there are many factors but off the top of my head I can name a few that most Marines would acknowledge.

First, they go where Marines go.  Training, convoys, or battles spaces they are with us.  More easy to respect someone slugging along with you then those who cannot or will not.

Second, is how they deploy without weapons yet have no problem being with us in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, etc…  For years now they have even traveled with us on each of the MEUs (Marine Expeditionary Units).  The Chaplains are comfort to a good many and while they are expected to travel us whenever we deploy it’s never seen as an obligation but instead a desire.

Lastly I must comment on how selfless the Chaplains are.  They listen to other people’s problems and do so ever so often without even be heard themselves.  I have heard from more then a few Chaplains how their fellow brethren would start to breakdown when others ask them how they are doing after deployments. 

Great bunch of guys and I look forward to working with them on my deployment.  If you ever come across a Chaplain be sure to ask for a story or two and thank them for all they do for us Marines.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jenkins

Popularity: 18% [?]

As usual I will not get into mission or movement specifics but I must tell you about an incident that occurred just prior.

First, no matter what the liberals say, the United States is a Judea-Christian nation.  Still today, over 80% of our populace has a Judea-Christian belief system. 

Spirituality is important for the success of any nation.  Countries without freedom of religious expression are without basic freedoms.  It’s an easy observation to make and one that needs no supporting argument.

While the Marine Corps continues to offer opportunities for religion and spiritual expression no one in my 15 years has pressed their beliefs on Marines.  As well, let me say too that every time a prayer was offered, Marines are in unison and have never expressed anything negative about it.

I say all this because of what I witnessed in my first convoy brief.  Before every convoy everyone, no matter your rank or job, must sit in on the brief.  During this brief everyone is aware of what to do should we get attacked, rules of engagement, if a vehicle breakdowns, etc…

To my surprise the brief was concluded with a prayer by one of the Navy chaplains.  They do it before every convoy and the Marines and passengers all willingly participate.

I am POSITIVE if liberals, especially those in elected office, knew this was going on all the time they would wish to stop this practice.  You have seen them stop the practice at sporting events, school events, and with groups like the boy scouts and girl scouts.

We need everyone to speak out against those who wish to stifle religious freedom at all levels.  Use an election or bylaws, overthrow those on the schoolboards who don’t allow parents and community to dictate their religious beliefs.   Use the court system to stop groups or individuals seeking to take away your religious rights.  At least 80% of everyone you meet will wish to help you so make sure you ask them to get engaged too.

Don’t let liberals mislead others by stating that conservatives are about pushing their religious values upon everyone.  Liberals must mislead with this notion as the truth will defeat them come election time. 

Conservatives are about protecting ones rights and allowing freedom of expression.  No constriction or restriction.

In tonight’s briefing we were all Marines.  Marines of different socioeconomic and religious backgrounds.  Marines who all know the possible outcome of every convoy.  Marines who all bowed their head to the Chaplin.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jenkins

Popularity: 18% [?]