The city of Samarra has long been one of the roughest places in Iraq. It's populated by nothing more than criminals. Even back when I was in power I couldn't bring law and order to the place. Things got so bad there that I finally just gave up and ordered a bypass to be built around the stupid city so travelers would be safe. It's really no exaggeration to say that Samarra is nothing more than a wretched hive of scum and villainy.... Yes, much like Mos Eisley Spaceport.

The Americans have learned that the hard way. Their occupation of the city has been marked by repeated bombings, slayings of police officers, and kidnappings. Several times now the infidels have tried to return control of the city to the Iraqis. And each time, the attempt has ended in failure. Then the American soldiers would be forced to move back in to restore some semblance of order. Last summer they went as far as to build an eight foot wall around that hellhole in an attempt to keep the insurgents out.

Well, they are poised to return control of the city to local authorities yet again. The concern is that if the city goes to hell again, it will raise questions about the United States' overall plan for Iraq. After all, if they can't restore lasting order to a single city, how can they possibly do it with an entire country.

I wish the Americans well. After all, I've got a big enough mess to clean up around here once I return to power without having to worry about Samarra.