For One Night, GIs in Iraq Get a Taste of Home: Football and Beer

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For One Night, GIs in Iraq Get a Taste of Home: Football and Beer

By Ernesto Londoño
Washington Post Foreign Service
Friday, January 9, 2009; Page A12


BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 -- Of all the missives the top U.S. military commander in Iraq has signed, probably none generated more cheer than the one issued this week authorizing all U.S. troops to drink beer.

Two catches: only two per person and only on Super Bowl night.

The waiver, issued Wednesday by Gen. Ray Odierno, marks the first time all American service members in Iraq will be allowed to break the ban on liquor in combat zones without risking being court-martialed.

"Feels good to be trusted!" rejoiced Spec. Justin Roark, 23, of Little Rock, who is stationed in Baghdad. "Keeping in touch with an American tradition."

The gesture follows a steep decrease in violence in Iraq. Last month, seven U.S. troops were killed violently in Iraq, one of the lowest monthly death tolls since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. American troops are engaging less in combat and increasingly taking on training, advisory and support roles.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/08/AR2009010803928.html?hpid%3Dmoreheadlines&sub=AR