[TGB!]

wide-angle telephoto. . .o-0

I'd stay away from anything that covers a wide to true telephoto area, because it's not going to be as great as a true wide-angle lens, and a true prime telephoto. The lenses that do cover that range are great for all purpose kit lens replacers though.

If you have some cash (especially if you're heading to Iraq) I would opt for a lil 14/18-24MM lens (with a good aperture range), and a 100MM (cant remember the exact length) prime/macro lens. Keep your current kit lens for general shooting, and use the other two for grabbing super wides and good 1:1 telephoto shots. You wont be disappointed.

Tamron is good, but Sigma is generally priced at about the same and (in my experience) better regarded.

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/sigma/105_28_ex_macro