re: Story about the checkpoints
The essential problem with checkpoints is that the Americans don't know if the Iraqis are "friendlies" or not, and the Iraqis don't know what the Americans want them to do.
I always wished that the American commanders who set up these checkpoints could drive through themselves, in a civilian car, so they could see what the experience was like for civilians. But it wouldn't be the same: They already know what an American checkpoint is, and how to act at one - which many Iraqis don't.
Sounds like the need for constant education through the media, newspapers and flyers just how to proceed at checkpoints.
"Have come close to being shot at several times." If I were her I would make it standard practice to tell the driver to proceed slowly and stop at all checkpoints.