I CAN'T BELIEVE HE'S GONE

Chris has already linked to Peggy Noonan's tribute to Mike Kelly, who died today covering the war in Iraq. His columns had been the best of the journalism posted from the field--honest, understated, and displaying a real understanding of what he saw taking place around him. How many other journalists could have written that last column of his, "Across the Euphrates," in which he described in detail the American tactics that led to the taking of the Karbala Gap and, ultimately now, to the siege of Baghdad? Maybe others could have, but only one did, and that one was Mike Kelly. That column inspired me. It told me that our troops are not only well-equipped with the latest electronic wizardry, but they're also brilliantly led both at the field and command level. That column explained why we have a West Point--to retain the knowledge of warfare for the day when it will be needed--and explained how America has come to possess the greatest military on earth. It is well led and well staffed by quality individuals. Mike Kelly understood that, and told us about it.

That's what his career as a journalist was all about--whatever he saw, he told us about it. He was probably the most ruthlessly honest journalist around. That's what made him great.

I never met him, never corresponded with him, never knew him personally in any way, yet losing Mike Kelly is like losing a friend. I can't explain it, but it's true.

I'll miss you, Mike.

UPDATE: Maureen Dowd has written a fine tribute to Michael Kelly. Really.