Ummm... We have only just met here and don't know each other very well, sadly. I like it here because you seem to be running one of the more honest and down-to-Earth forums on scams I have come across.
(I only say 'seem to' because I haven't been here long enough to know for sure.) These things take time. By the same token, you don't know how *real* I am either.
Time will tell us both.
So, I only say this because I hate to see a good person sold a con in areas that may be outside of their normal experience. I know about Iraq. Iraq is a hellhole and very unsafe for civilians. The US Gov isn't telling people the truth when it comes to casualties. I have friends in the SAS here because of time I spent in another hellhole in the early 80's called Cambodia. They lied about that as well. Our SAS and other Aussie troops have been mostly looking after civilians. And they say the casualties are very high. So, if you do go, make sure you find out everything you can before you go! I hope they will be providing you with good security, but given the recent screwups by Blackwater and others there, I wouldn't trust the Gov an inch when it comes to Iraq.
I'm not trying to scare you, the best security you can have in a hellhole like Iraq is accurate information and knowledge. Ask a LOT of questions and demand proof! Take nothing at face value. Forewarned is forearmed.
Make sure you plan a quick exit strategy.
I lost two good friends in Cambodia, and almost myself. And we had an SAS team looking after us. No security is perfect, even at home.
All we can do is evaluate the risks and make informed decisions.
Hmmm. Sorry to go off the fireworks discussion there, but given everything that's happened, I think 'fireworks' are synonymous with 'Iraq'!
Good luck anyway!
Feel free to email me if you want to know anything in particular. I have some contacts and can get some facts.
Cheers!