Extremely Rare Photo: Borders of Iran and Iraq

I met with some friends that I hadn't seen in nearly a decade last night. Don't let this fool you, however, as these friends are for life. We served together in the most decorated unit of all Greek forces (in my opinion at least) named DYK.

My eldest brother had served as a trainer in the paratroopers and my second brother was a ranger (that's how καταδρομέας translates in English?), so I wanted to do something special and surpass both. I joined DYK, what most of you know as OYK and spent 21 of the most adventurous, dramatic and painful (in many ways) months of my life there. Well, it's nearly 14 years since I joined DYK but I guess the memories of my service there will die with me.

One such memory is the photo my good friend Γ. had for me this morning. A picture of the borders in Iran with Iraq. I took this picture with a primitive mobile phone of a GREAT MAN, SOLDIER AND GREEK that left us too early unfortunately a few years ago. I don't know how many Greeks (or for that matter, how many Europeans) can claim that have taken a photo there, but behind the palm trees and this little oasis were armed Iraqi commandos watching us the whole time.

I wish I could share more optical material with you, but I am afraid I can't for apparent reasons. Just think that this photo was taken in 2005 and as you know back then Iraq and Afghanistan weren't the most peaceful places to be or take photos :)

Enjoy this one though...