Part of the problem of being a war-photographer is that fine line of getting a quality shot and not getting caught capturing something someone doesn't want you to see.
Journalists don't just get killed by friendly fire or collateral damage. They are often targeted in order to shut them up.
Personally, I congratulate them. Very brave and noble to document man at his worst.
Politically (although I'm not supposed to go there on POTN), I am on the side of the humans in the conflict. In other words, we are all one species, and on the same side (in my opinion). We all share the exact same ancestors, regardless of science or religion. We should be shooting each other with cameras, not guns. And that's how I feel. I like people and don't want any culture to end. It would be one less flavor at Baskin Robbins, so-to-speak.
Note: I don't think I would be able to do it (photograph war) as I have a higher level of fear than I think most people do. I always rationalize the consequences in any situation I face. I'd say the most dangerous situations I've encountered were surfing big waves. When you're out there in huge surf, the biggest threat is your own psychology. I was out in twelve-foot surf at Sunset Beach (North Shore, Oahu) a few years back to push myself into some heavy surf. I caught one wave and made it to the end. The whole thing was timed just right and planned so that I would be able to get to deep water quickly and back out to a safe enough area. Like anything, surfing big waves requires zero hesitation. On my second wave I hesitated and wiped out. I did everything wrong. I took the first wave of a set, hesitated, and then panicked. Long story short: I almost drowned in the next five minutes but eventually got to shore (after ingesting and vomiting saltwater several times). I crawled up on the shore and a huge Hawaiian dude with a broken surfboard under one arm and a huge smile on his face picked me up with his free hand and said, "Hey, brah, you're alive."
A few hours later I stood in knee-deep water at Pipeline for half an hour, board under my arm, trying to get the courage to paddle out and attack it. I ended up not going out there. I wasn't ready.
My point is that when my life is on the line, I usually avoid conflict. Therefore, I have a huge admiration for people who can get into those kinds of situations on a regular basis.
My guess is that for any American who wants to experience that kind of thing (photographing conflict) to head to Mexico and visit the border towns. Spend enough time there and you'll find what you're looking for. You might even make it back alive.
Thank you. 
- just 2 cups of coffee? and you are off to face the world, eh? my hat off to you for sure!
