"Al-Qaeda has killed many from the Islamic Army," Matthew writes.
Then the local Iraqi police step in to offer suggestions on how to spice up his prose.
An argument ensues between Matthew and the police -- three men in mismatched uniforms with AK-47 assault rifles slung around their necks.
One cop finally suggests something that is greeted with enthusiasm. Matthew amends the message.
"Al-Qaeda has killed many FIGHTERS from the Islamic Army."
The paint is running out. Hodges tells Matthew his writing is too large, and orders everyone back to the vehicles.
The heavily armed US soldiers who had fanned out along the darkened street return to the Humvees, the police climb into their pickup trucks and they head back to base.
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