Rainy morning at Ali Al Salem. Tens of thousands of soldiers pass through this transitory military base in northwestern Kuwait every month. Some on their way to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq. Others are going home to their families for much needed, well deserved r&r.

Rain passes quickly, as it so often does in the desert. A little mud on busy footpaths, but mostly it’s back to the sand-the ever present, far-as-the-eye-can-see sand. The wind is up, swirling and blowing sand everywhere, permeating everything.

Also on Saturday: met with high-ranking US military leader whom have known and trusted for years for background info. He says there’s real but guarded optimism about Iraqi election results and way Iraqi security forces handled their end. Says much behind scenes work trying get Turkey to help Iraq efforts..for example, speeding lagging recovery of Iraq oil industry. Ditto with Russians, long an ally of old Iraq-and they know much about Iraq oil.

Also there are deep worries about dangers round Kurkuk, northern Iraq. Says this “potentially most explosive area in country”. Our team went south of Baghdad, getting unusual and exclusive inside access to meeting of local leaders and US helpers. Late in day, back in Baghdad, had long, revealing on+camera exclusive interview wit commanding US Gen Ray Odierno. (He is NOT the “high ranking” source who gave the background info referred to earlier)