Cigars in the Sand

Cigars in the Sand
This blog was written by an individual named “Ryan” who describes himself as “Farmer by genetics, Lawyer by training.” Currently he considers himself “vacationing” in Iraq as he advises on security issues to the Iraqi government.
The tone of this blog is rather informal as Ryan begins his most recent blog with “So…” as if we are his friends and he is having a rather relaxed conversation. His blog seems rather personal as he states that he has recently just found out after only a short amount of time back in the states that his father is diagnoses with lung cancer. He uses a most sincere tone as he refers to the people in Iraq as “his brothers and sisters” and states that he has experience times where “I've needed to be a lawyer, a time when I've needed to be a "diplomat"- but right now I need to be a son.”
However, the majority of his blog talks about his experience in Iraq and how it feels to live in a war zone. In one blog he exclaims that living in a war zone seems to “dull the senses.” As he gets used to hearing bombs and gunfire constantly, it no longer phases him.
Ryan seems most honest and genuine as he professes the great respect he has for the military. He makes a reference to the military forces as he gives examples of how self sacrificing they are, helping Iraqi car bombing victims. He makes it known to the public that the military is not just looking for terrorists to kill but looking out for the wellbeing of the Iraqi people.
This blog mainly expresses Ryan’s thoughts and opinions of the going s on in Iraq as he experiences life in Iraq first hand. He not only makes references to the reality of the matter but he tries to relate it to past events that help us understand his nature, providing quotes from past presidents and making references to the “Guardian.” The blog did not try to evoke from me any fake emotions but mostly led me to think more about the situation in Iraq. It provoked thought and helped provided insight on the matters, which is what I think a real blog should do.