Michael Jackson’s death last Thursday dominated nearly every single media outlet in the U.S. This non-stop coverage irritated people who wanted to hear news about two ongoing wars involving American troops, unrest in Iran or any other topic. Did the media overdo it? Or did Iraqis care about Michael Jackson, too? Joining The Takeaway is Don Gomez, an Iraq War Veteran and Spokesperson for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

The U.S. military is scheduled to stop patrolling Iraq’s cities under a planned agreement with the Iraqi government. Big questions remain about whether or not Iraqi forces can cope on the ground, particularly in light of the increase in violence in recent weeks. The New York Times Baghdad Bureau Chief, Alissa Rubin, joins The Takeaway, along with Don Gomez, an Iraqi War vet who served two tours of duty there in 2003 and 2005.