David Axe flags what looks like a a major scoop in the latest issue of Men's Health. Apparently the SEALs allowed a reporter from the magazine to embed with their unit in Anbar last fall. The story:
But in November 2006, Chris W.'s SEAL team, sensing an opening, used an al-Qaeda attack on a local Iraqi sheikh as its first wedge. Working with U.S. Army units stationed in the area, SEAL Team 4 wiped out about 30 of the sheikh's enemies, set up sniper positions overlooking his home and village, and began a brisk lend-lease program of supplies, such as generators, water pumps, and ovens. In return, the sheikh encouraged his followers to become Iraqi police and army recruits. That was the start of the now famous, if controversial, Anbar awakening.
Awesome. The piece is called "Bravery and How to Master It." Read the whole thing.