Embed diary
David Smith reflects on life with the US 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in Baghdad
'We cannot kill our way out of this'
In the last of his reflections on life with US troops in Baghdad, David Smith feels his hosts may have learned some lessons
The 'scenic route'
David Smith thought he was on his way home at last, but then found himself speeding into Iraq's dark hinterland
Desert turkey
In the latest installment of his embed diary, David Smith finds Thanksgiving Day in Baghdad comes complete with pumpkin pie and bomb attacks
'I believe in the war, but being here sucks'
In the latest installment of his embed diary, David Smith recalls a few of the sentiments expressed by US troops during his stay in Baghdad
Godfathers of the nation
David Smith reflects on a meeting between US troops and the hard men of Baghdad
Decay and death
David Smith reflects on the filthy state of a once-wealthy Baghdad neighbourhood and attends the memorial service for a fallen US soldier
Part prison, part holiday camp
Embed diary: David Smith spends a day at a US base some inhabitants have come to feel is home
Bawled out
David Smith receives a dressing down from a US officer - over his reflections in a previous entry in his diary
War and counselling
David Smith goes out on a 'hearts and minds' operation
'I'll be in the history books one day'
David Smith talks to US soldiers about their motivation and experiences in Iraq
Bound and blindfolded
In the third of his reflections on life with US troops in Baghdad, David Smith is unnerved at the treatment of potential 'bad guys'
Apprehensive? Oh yes
In the second of his reflections, David Smith conveys the tension and nervousness of his first day out on patrol with US troops in Baghdad
Inside the green zone
David Smith shares his reflections on being out on patrol with the US 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in Baghdad.