I Should Have Taken The Bet

By nature, I am pretty optimistic. I prefer to see the bright side of things or imagine positive outcomes. I have a friend over here who has a very different personality. For example, I have never thought that I would not make it home alive. My optimism is tempered by reality. I do recognize that there is some risk, but I dont confuse reality for the fantasy that so many people build of a dark and hopeless future.

My friend was absolutely convinced that there would be a "Tet Offensive" this year during Ramadan. Every year, so far, Ramadan has seen a huge increase in violence against the coalition and Iraqi government. He thought that with the success of the counter insurgency that this year would be the last chance for the insurgency to make a statement or attempt to influence the political picture, especially with elections coming up both here and at home. He was sure that we would be defending the wire and fighting infiltrators inside our camps.

There are still a few more days left for his prediction to come true, but there hasn't been any indications yet. I should have taken his bet.