AND THEN THERE is this article which reminds us it would be a good thing to take the weapons from the Iraqis to avoid another Mogadishu.

Baghdad also has other dangers. Every building in the city is the color of sand, including water towers that can become dangerous obstacles, especially at night.

Haphazard power lines criss-cross neighborhoods, making landing zones tough to find. Night flying presents its own hazards, including an increased risk of ground fire.

Miller said crews already have seen tracers from ground fire during night patrols.

“I cannot tell you how difficult it is to fly in this environment,” Lawrence said.