My Funny Picture - does anyone know the origins of the "soldier pets cat" picture?

does anyone know the origins of the "soldier pets cat" picture?

link to the picture: http://sopadj1.netsons.org/gallery/gal/funny/soldier_cat.jpg Is he American? And where is he? can anyone tell me what kind of gun he's carrying?

Public Comments

I don't know where it originated, but I think he's British, and that's in Iraq.
Looks like an Isreali patrolling a village or town.
Aww, so cute! I can't tell what country he's from, but his gun looks to be the M-16 or some AR-15 variant.
The rifle is an american made .223 cal (7.62) M16 / AR15. Many companies make them but the most popular for Military and Police is Colt and Rock River Arms. As for the photo, no clue where it was taken
He looks american. as for where im not too aweful sure but my guess is either afganistan or iraq. as for the gun its an M16A2. hope this helps.
It definitly is an Israeli soldier. The uniform, helmet, shoulder sling gives it away. Also, notice the boots. The rifle is an M16a2 in 5.56mm, not 7.62 or .223 (yes 5.56 is different than .223) like the other poster has stated. More than likely a Colt, possibly the FN version, and is fitted with an ACOG. Looks like a DMR setup with the bipod..
Not exactly sure where the pic was taken but I'd venture that it wasn't in Iraq. At least not recently. If it's an American, that appears to be the old style chemical warfare suit as well as black combat boots. Neither are in use in Iraq today. The weapon is an M-16