Just a few weeks shy of celebrating her first anniversary as “CBS Evening News” anchor–Katie Couric is ditching the desk and heading for Iraq. In what network insiders are calling an “ambitious reporting trip,” Couric leaves today for the war torn country. She is scheduled to anchor the “CBS Evening News” from Baghdad next Tuesday and Wednesday, then from Damascus on Thursday and Friday.
This will be the first time Couric will be reporting from the region. She is the second major network anchor to travel to Iraq since ABC News’ Bob Woodruff was nearly killed by a roadside bomb while on assignment there in 2006. NBC’s Brian Williams anchored the news from Iraq in March. CBS employees have not fared well in the violent region. Videographer Paul Douglas and soundman James Brolan were both killed by a bomb while on assignment in Iraq in May 2006. News correspondent Kimberly Dozier, who was with them, survived but has undergone 25 operations to recover. And, just a few days ago, CBS News Iraqi translator Anwar Abbas Lafta’s body was found in Sadr City.
Show producers say safety is of utmost concern and Couric was recently fitted with 30-pound body armor vest, which she will wear while on assignment. The widowed mother of two admitted that safety is a concern, but not enough that it made her rule out traveling to Iraq.
“I’m not being cavalier about it,” Couric said. “I think I feel comfortable with the measures that are being taken.”
Couric added that she felt there was a need for her to make the trip given her new status as evening news anchor.
“I felt it would be really important for the American people to get a big picture of what is going on, in terms of northern Iraq, in terms of Sadr City (and) the Anbar province,” she said. “People hear all these things and I think it’s really hard – as some people get Iraq fatigue – to keep a healthy and understandable perspective of what is going on. My goal is to provide that.”
What I find interesting is that while Couric is preparing to visit the war-torn nation, Angelina Jolie just returned from the region with little fanfare.
The actress and United Nations Refugee Agency Goodwill Ambassador flew from New York to Syria on Monday. While in Damascus, Brad Pitt’s better half reportedly spent hours talking to Iraqi refugees in their homes. According to news reports, the famous mother of four also witnessed dozens of Iraqis crossing into Syria.
“I have come to Syria and Iraq to help draw attention to the humanitarian crisis and to urge governments to increase their support for UNHCR and its partners,” Jolie said in a statement. “My sole purpose in both countries is to highlight the plight of those uprooted by the war in Iraq.”
Before she returned to the United States, Jolie also met privately with American troops and other multi-national forces in the region.
Perhaps, she could call Couric and give her some advice on her upcoming trip.
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