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Brian Williams became the seventh anchor and managing editor in the history of NBC Nightly News on December 2, 2004. Read his full biography.
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Editor's note: About seven hours after filing this blog post, Brian appeared on "Meet the Press" with Tim Russert. Click here to watch the video.
After much planning and many hours of traveling since our departure from New York on Friday evening, we have arrived in Baghdad for several days of coverage.
The decision to come here was mine. The trip was under consideration for months and has been several weeks in the planning. It is the story of our time, it dominates our news coverage night after night, and as a journalist I believe it's important to see and touch this story first-hand. It is my third trip to Iraq since the start of the war, and this one comes at a critical time in my view. The recent change in the tempo of the violence and the decision to send more U. S. troops were both major factors in my decision. We have taken all the security precautions possible, and we will do nothing to put ourselves in any undue danger.
After I made the decision to come, NBC signed off on the trip, from the very highest levels on down, and then the planning started. It was our goal to visit before the coming anniversary of the start of the war. I'd be lying to say that the wounds suffered by my friends Bob Woodruff and Kimberly Dozier didn't weigh heavily on my mind. My own family has been profoundly affected by Bob's ordeal -- and it will stay with us and help guide our actions. I saw both Bob and Kimberly just days ago, and we intentionally delayed our trip so as not to conflict with Bob's documentary last week and the launch of the book that he and his wife Lee have written.
While in Iraq, I'm surrounded by the best possible team -- all of whom volunteered for this duty. Producer Subrata De is here (you will be seeing her photos and reading her postings) as is producer John Zito, who was embedded with U. S. forces during the war. We have an outstanding technical crew, including Craig White, who was David Bloom's cameraman during the war, and who was just here with Robert Bazell while shooting the series of reports, "Wounds of War."
Also with me is retired 4-star U. S. Army Gen. Wayne Downing -- a former member of President Bush's White House anti-terrorism staff, and the former head of U. S. Special Operations. Gen. Downing was traveling with me during a helicopter mission at the start of the war, which was forced down by insurgent fire, which in turn forced us to spend three days in the desert under the protection of the Third Infantry Division. It is great to have him on this trip, both for his technical assistance and for his companionship.
We will try our best to report what we see, including the texture of military life here, which is seldom reported back home in any depth. Again: we are here to take stock of this story, and see it for ourselves. We have two superb correspondents in our Baghdad bureau, Richard Engel and Tom Aspell, who will continue to cover the day-to-day life and warfare on the streets they know so well.
My thanks to all the people who got us here and are keeping us safe. My thanks to my friends back at NBC News in New York -- who will turn what we report -- into a great broadcast each night we're here.
We'll see you on the air from Baghdad.
Read more from Brian Williams 2007, Brian Williams in Iraq
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Broadcasting from Baghdad
Brian, I wish you the best and am sure that both the technological and US military expertise that NBC has access to offers you some comfort as you undertake your dangerous journey to bring us your report. I personally, although a supporter of the war initially, have been completely astounded as to the political hack job that has been Iraq. Our so called Commander in Chief has been anything but. He has sacrificed our precious young blood, our treasure, our position in the world, regional Middle East security for a NeoCon fantasy cajoling the public into believing that WMD's would be found. Hussein is dead, now what? I would venture a guess that our Commander has not read ONE book about Iraq. What has he done to us? I shake my head in disbelief. I ask that you bring us the uncensored facts about just what is occurring as we yet again, I believe, proceed into folly. This era is not WWII. This country can no longer bomb itself into security. We bomb ourselves into more insecurity. This is a new kind of war if indeed it is a war. It is a world-wide defensive action that requires a diplomatic savvy, understanding of the region as well as a technological and computer expertise. This Commander in Chief has not the vaguest idea about any of that. We need a new day and new leadership if we can ever hope to end this nightmarish quagmire. I hope and pray you and our country remain safe.
(Sent Mar 5, 2007 11:32:48 AM)
Brian, I met you during your last trip there. I was working for General Petraeus and you came to interview him. I remember how gracious you were in meeting us and posing for pictures. My picture with you is here on my desk in the relative safety of upstate NY. i don't miss it there but I admire you for going back. I'm sure General Petraeus will ensure you stay safe this time also. Best of luck; stay safe and wear your protective gear!
Bob P, Schenectady, NY (Sent Mar 5, 2007 11:08:21 AM)
Brian,
Is it like chasing ghosts over there when we can't identify the enemy unless they have guns in their hands?
Stay safe! And thanks for your efforts
M.Clinton, Midland, TX (Sent Mar 5, 2007 10:56:43 AM)
Brian, you're in my living room every evening, and now there you are in Iraq once again. I've read some blogs from a few of our soldier's who have encountered the horrors of the war there, and they are getting pretty desperate. I hope that you will let us know how they are really doing, after all, they are our main concern as far as Iraq goes, though not our only one. Yesterday here in the States we remembered "Bloody Selma." Racial tensions, as we all know, still exist in America, the land of the free. We had our civil war, and have heard since about all the casualties. Now we're hearing about the casualties of a war going on now. And what's the reason for this war? Is it because of the sectarian conflicts? Are the "terrorist" responsible? Is oil the most major issue? Let us know what the soldiers think,i.e., if they're free to talk about it. Because until we know the "bottom line," our leader's will continue to pass the buck! This will not help the upcoming efforts of diplomacy, not only regarding Iraq, but our continuing struggles here in the States to get along with anyone who is "different." Take care of yourself!
Nancy Gough Riley (Sent Mar 5, 2007 9:42:29 AM)
Brian,
When you are able to check in, I too wanted to know whether you would get to see Iraqis outside of the Green Zone? From what I've read, it is more secure within the Green Zone than in most U.S. cities. And while some Iraqis live within the Green Zone, they are employed by the U.S. Military or they work selling souvenier type items to the Coalition within the G/Zone. I've heard that you honestly do not see Iraq until you've left the safe, sound barriers of the Green Zone and I'm interested whether you'll get to experience this, or if NBC is too worried to allow you to do that. (Which is understandable)
Be safe!!
Chelsea, Grand Forks ND (Sent Mar 5, 2007 4:19:10 AM)
Good luck! Also... PLEASE keep the bullet-proof vest on. And make sure you know who to trust.
(Sent Mar 4, 2007 11:35:34 PM)
Brian,Just wanted to thank you and your team for going to Iraq. Please stay safe. I will add you all to my prayer list. I have a nephew in the Marines, he is presently in Iraq.My son in law(Army) is due to leave in July for Iraq.This is a worrisome time for my famiy and our nation. My husband and I only watch NBC for the news. We feel like we get the straight answers from your reporting. Keep up the good work. Please convey to our troops how much we appreciate them and for them to all stay safe so that they can return home to their loved ones.
Judy Holland, Fairview Heights, Illinois (Sent Mar 4, 2007 10:54:52 PM)
While it is nice that Brian is dropping into Iraq for "several days", lets not forget all the reporters from The Associated Press, New York Times, Washington Post ect. who are LIVING there and reporting on a daily basis.
(Sent Mar 4, 2007 10:08:27 PM)
I am surprised to read how many people commenting on your blog feel that you have a "liberal" slant to your reporting. If telling the truth makes you a
liberal, well then, we should all be liberals.
I hope you all get home safe. Thankyou for your honesty.
Paul Signorile (Sent Mar 4, 2007 8:26:17 PM)
Thank you for, “including the texture of military life here, which is seldom reported back home in any depth”. I have one request, remember that our military are all over, just not in Baghdad. I sometimes feel that the men and women who serve in Northern Iraq are not represented a lot. I also want to thank all of the reporters who risk their lives by going and reporting the story. My son was in Iraq for the entire 2005 year and the first thing his father and I did in the morning was turn on the news and the last thing we did at night was listen to the news. If Iraq was not leading the news, we breathed a little easier for a while. We enjoyed the stories that focused on the men and women who serve and always looked to see if our son was in one of the stories. (He never was, but others were)
We will enjoy watching your reports this week.
Sue McDaniel, Oberlin, OH (Sent Mar 4, 2007 8:16:21 PM)
Dear Mr. Williams, Again I can't say enough good things about your crew and the broadcasts you make from the Middle East. I always pray every night for the safety of the journalists broadcasting from the region. Especially Richard Engel who I think is the best Middle East correspondent on the airwaves I will always pray that God watches over you and keeps you safe from harm. Please stay safe Brian, Richard, Tom, Craig and all the crew involved with the broadcasts. Please come home soon Brian and bring back Richard with you if you don't mind me asking. I care about all of you not just as a viewer, but as a person. Please stay safe Brian! And you too Richard! To you and all the crew GOD will keep you in HIS arms ALWAYS.
Lisa McNeil, Alpharetta, Georgia (Sent Mar 4, 2007 8:00:20 PM)
We'll all breathe a big sigh of relief when you come back safely. We'll rejoice when the soldiers all come home. Perhaps your trip will make that happen sooner. Thank you for your personal sacrifice.
Debbie Fox, Irving, TX (Sent Mar 4, 2007 6:38:36 PM)
Brian, You are in my thoughts and prayers. You and your amazing crew. Please be safe.
Ali, Seattle (Sent Mar 4, 2007 6:12:13 PM)
Dear Mr. Williams and the rest of the staff (Sorry for not knowing every person's name),
Please, please, please be careful. You and your families are in my prayers.
no name (Sent Mar 4, 2007 5:35:01 PM)
Thank you for taking the risk to bring us a very important story. Also, I find it highly impressive that in the age of cut throat journalism you delayed the trip to let Bob have his time to promote their book and documentary. You are a class act (as I've always known). Stay safe!
Rebecca, Nashville, TN (Sent Mar 4, 2007 4:43:06 PM)
Amazing many here want to hear good news from Iraq...There is none..It is a civil war out there...Some mentioned we hear violence, death etc ..That is what is happening there... One can always put a positive spin on it but that is not reality...If u want to see what reality is - Go there and see it for yourself.. Our soilders have fought bravely but in a civil/sectarian war - It is an impossible task.. One can sugar coat this thing and make it sound nice ... Those Iraqis who have lost familiy members & everything else.. What can they say... They are just trying to survive ..
report the truth and the facts... Dont just stay in the green zone ..Protected and safe but go out & see what is happening ..That is what real journalism is .. Stay safe ...
Carlos (Sent Mar 4, 2007 4:13:19 PM)
You are a true professional. I hope you can report both on our soldiers daily experiences as well as the feelings and experiences of the Iraqui people. As usual, we will be watching your outstanding reports.
Alberto C. Bermudez, Miami, Florida. (Sent Mar 4, 2007 4:09:02 PM)
God bless Brian, Hope you can show some good that is hapening now instead of all the bad.
(Sent Mar 4, 2007 3:50:46 PM)
Brian , Alot OF Canadians watch your nightly newscast on NBC . Stay safe over there , the American Troops will look after you for sure .God Bless you and God Bless the Troops.
DianeMarie
DianeMarie, Cape Breton , Nova Scotia (Sent Mar 4, 2007 3:12:06 PM)
I hope you can show us some good we have brought to the people of Iraq through this trumped up and mindless crusade that our leaders continues to pursue.
W. Sebeniecher, Bel ir MD. (Sent Mar 4, 2007 2:58:58 PM)
Brian, you returning to Bagdad recalls to our mind the sacrifice of our beloved David Bloom. My wife and I will never forget him. Please watch yourself and come back in one piece. One more comment. Try to figure out for yourself and report to us whether there is a way to stop the civil war they are having. We need answers. Thanks.
Jim, Alexandria, VA (Sent Mar 4, 2007 2:52:00 PM)
Please look hard at the language skills of our troops.
Has the US military trained our people well enough so that they can communicate with the Arabic/Farsi speakers??? After four years, some of our people should be proficient, shouldn't they??
John W. Strong, Nashville, Tennessee (Sent Mar 4, 2007 2:39:17 PM)
As a member of the military, I'd like to wish you good luck and stay safe (and this applies to the rest of the news team too). You're one of the few journalists I still respect. I'll be looking forward to your reports.
Kirk, Odenton, Maryland (Sent Mar 4, 2007 2:27:26 PM)
Be safe,Brian.You are a good reporter.
Jim Volk,Folsom,CA (Sent Mar 4, 2007 2:00:59 PM)
Brian--Stay safe and come home soon.
Olivia (Sent Mar 4, 2007 1:40:51 PM)
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