Reply #2: She is the best writer I'm aware of coming out of Iraq at present...

[Dunvegan]

...so much madness around her, yet such clear and brilliant writing.

And she's so young...so very young.

When I read Riverbend's writing, it's always like I'm right there with her.

I worry for her every day.

I feel like I want to snatch her away from there. Then, through reading, I keep coming back to the fact that Iraq is her home. It is not her that should be removed for her safety...but our soldiers should come home for the sake of and the safety of all.

None of the our soldiers wearing masks knew they were raiding the home where a young genius in pajamas and robe was waiting.

That they were holding their Kalashnikovs on a teen-aged, world-class, world-read, world-beloved writer.

And, sadly, for the sake of her safety, I hope (until they are brought home) they never do.

Then I wonder: If they had the Internet in WWII...would Anne Frank have slipped out of her cubbard each day and faithfully written to the world? And if so, what would the Germans reading her think.

And the world spins. And I then realize that I know.