The Iraq War is finished.But for soldiers who fought there, and for journalists who covered the bloodiest battles, closure is yet to come

摘要

I'm told the Iraq War is coming to an end. From what I read and from what I hear it seems the war that began in 2003 will be over within two short weeks. Once the last few thousand troops are finally home. And once midnight strikes on this New Year's Eve, for that's the preordained moment when America's right under international law to be in Iraq will expire.And yet, somehow, I'm still confused. For somewhere within, from my heart of hearts, I just know for some of us the war in Iraq will probably never end. On New Year's I know where I'll be. I'll have a drink in hand, overlooking one of my favorite Australian beaches, listening to revelers in the sand cheer as the clock strikes midnight. Yet, I gravely suspect, I will also be very much in Baghdad. And in Fal: lujah. And Ramadi. Tal Afar. Halabja. Amarah. And many, many other places.