Raisins, Brains, Pita Bread And Lamb On Menu
Jurf As Sakhir, Iraq
Gather together a large amount of Iraqi Sheiks in a group for a series of talks or discussions, and you can always expect a large supply of food.
Typical Items on the menu include rice with raisins, Pita Bread, Lamb, and other items. Not everything that is consumed is familiar or even thought of as food by Westerners. The brains of the lamb are highly prized and eaten as a delicacy, for example. It is thought that they are supposed to promote male Virility.
During a recent gathering of over fifty sheiks to discuss matters of rebuilding and other important issues, U.S. Troops had a chance to sample some of the food while providing support and security for the meetings.
Robert Wilson, Sgt First Class took one look at the brains and took a pass. Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Newsome dived right in. Colonel Newsome is the Commander of 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, and 3rd Infantry Division.
In with his rice pita meat sandwich he added a healthy chunk of Lamb Brains. Colonel Newsome remarked: “It was pretty good, it tastes a little fatty”.
Having a chance to meet and relax a little, ever watchful for the meeting, was good for morale, and a welcome respite from patrol. Not everyone was sure if the food was all that good.
“It is like we definitely know what we do not like, we are just not sure what food we like,” said one Soldier.