I am addressing this to the Senate staffers who read this blog. As you and your bosses formulate statements about what’s working and not working in Iraq and prepare to vote on the surge/clear-and-hold/counterinsurgency plan, I ask: Do you know the whole story? Or are you relying on the NYTimes and AP for full, honest assessments of the failures, successes, setbacks, and forecasts?

Make time in your bosses’ schedules to listen to embed Michael Yon’s take in his podcast interview with Glenn and Helen. He’s been traveling throughout Iraq–Ramadi, Fallujah, Mosul (where he spent the last month), and now Baghdad–and has witnessed “tremendous progress” amid danger.

Make time to read Bill Ardolino’s report on how training of Iraqi Army forces is progressing in Fallujah.

And make time to read Greyhawk at Mudville Gazette on the coming actions and the stakes:

“As you read these words, American soldiers are counting ammunition, suicide bombers are preparing farewell videos, reporters are outlining stories, and speechwriters are typing furiously away.

As six million people in Baghdad wait and pray.”

Get the whole story. Make an informed vote.

Iraq procedural debate begins at 4pm Eastern today. C-SPAN has a special page up here.