Perspective: Far away from politics, marines focus on survival

Rawah, Iraq

RAWAH, Iraq -- Almost none has heard of the Iraq Study Group, and though a few know that Donald Rumsfeld is out as defense secretary, the name Robert Gates draws blank stares.

While much of America broods over the future of a bloody, expensive and increasingly unpopular war, the Marines and soldiers fighting it in the volatile cities and vast deserts of western Iraq say the big picture doesn't concern them _ they're just worried about accomplishing small tasks and getting home in one piece.

"You think about Iraq on a national level but so much of what happens is out of our hands -- its downfalls or successes," said Lance Cpl. Steven McAndrew, 21, of Columbus, Ohio.

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