From a Friend

I wrote a story last night about people mourning their victims in Sadr City: a child wounded by shrapnel from a U.S. military air strike, a man who lost his wife and daughter. I explained that the U.S. military was going after armed people in the area and these people were not targeted, but victims caught in this battle.

But they were still wounded or killed and their families blamed the U.S. military. It is important to tell that story.

But a conversation with a friend in the military moved me. He read the story with sadness and some outrage. The two men in the piece who said they were shot by a U.S. sniper may very well have been hit by a stray bullet, he said.

When he read that Haider Jassim, a four-year-old boy, was wounded he was moved to tears. He thought of his own child that he had to leave behind to serve in Iraq.

But he also knows how difficult it is to make the decision on whether to strike or not to strike. Sadr City is a crowded urban area and militants use rooftops and backyards to fight the U.S. military and fire rockets and mortars that kill both Americans and Iraqis.

The Mahdi Army, a militia who has been blamed for much of the sectarian violence in Iraq in the past two years, feel it is their right to resist the occupation.

"Why are they putting their families and friends and neighbors in danger," he asked me. "Why are they shooting from rooftops of civilian buildings?"

In an email he made a valid point.

"I think you know that I am personally saddened to read about the innocent victims of war - particularly children. I am a father myself and can't help but think of my own little boy," he wrote in an email. "I am a U.S. serviceman and I know that our troops do not fire indiscriminately...I'm sure that the men that were firing mortars and rockets from rooftops knew that they were endangering those who lived in those buildings. These people often put others in danger by their actions. If we are being fired upon, we must fire back. We have a right and an obligation to protect ourselves and our troops. I would hate to be the company commander that has to make those life and death decisions every day."

The point of the piece today was to show the general anger and sadness felt in Sadr City. Today our bureau will tell another story and tomorrow another. Everyone of them will anger someone, everyone will shine a light on a different struggle in this war.

Comments

[realitybites]

According to the Winter Soldier testimony, which was blacked out by all corporate press in the U.S., including McClatchy, free fire zones are now a reality in Iraq - meaning that commanders will tell their troops to "shoot anything that moves." it's Vietnam all over again - complete with the lies and propaganda put out by military public relations officers.

The Winter Soldier testimonials are at http://therealnews.com/web/index.php?thisepisode=127

Shame on the U.S. press for refusing to cover that story!

[dwg]

Weak argument from U.S. servicemember. I don't think one should blame urban militias/insurgents for injuries due to crossfire (in which innocents are maimed or killed). If there was no occupying force to shoot at, or hide from - there would be no reason for the crossfire and strays.
It's extremely difficult to buy the U.S. military perspective that we should blame an urban insurgent force that has no planes, tanks, helicopters to counter massive U.S. military presence.
They need to get real.

[Susan - NC]

"If we are being fired upon, we must fire back. We have a right and an obligation to protect ourselves and our troops."

Now, just imagine that coming out of the mouths of Russian troops that were sitting all over the USA.

And the Winter Soldier hearings held last month pretty much prove that indiscriminate fire happens a lot. I agree with other posters - shame on the US media for not covering that event! SHAME!

[Susan - NC]

"If we are being fired upon, we must fire back. We have a right and an obligation to protect ourselves and our troops."

Now, just imagine that coming out of the mouths of Russian troops that were sitting all over the USA.

And the Winter Soldier hearings held last month pretty much prove that indiscriminate fire happens a lot. I agree with other posters - shame on the US media for not covering that event! SHAME!

[Susan - NC]

Invading a country that did not attack or threaten the invaders is a war of aggression. This was true for the Nazis going into Poland, France, other countries. It was true of the US going into Iraq. That makes this invasion of Iraq, and everything that happened afterwards, a WAR CRIME.

And the lies that we are doing it to 'free' the Iraqi people make as much sense as Hitler's claim to 'free' the people of Austria or Saddam's claim to 'free' the people of Kuwait.

This war was started to control the resources (oil) and Hitler's war against Poland was started to control the resources (land) too.

To any Americans reading this - you need to stop participating in, and funding, a WAR CRIME.

[frank bonas jr]

Some of the Winter Soldier testimony was covered by democracynow.org with Amy Goodman.

[frank bonas jr]

I love the "we have a right to protect ourselves" line. As one of the vets said, we would carry AK-47's, shovels, etc. just in case we killed an innocent civilian. We could then plant it on him and say he was an insurgent. Or the one where we were told to shell a building that supposedly housed insurgents. So we fired mortor rounds into the town and weren't sure what we hit, or who we killed.

If you don't know who you're shooting at, or have a clean shot, you don't take it. You pull back until you're sure.

[Bob Gaines]

Ms. Fadel - I have really appreciated your clear-sighted reporting, which brings home the human costs of war. I hope you will continue to present what you learn about both the Iraqi civilians and the US soldiers.

Your last two posts help make clear that, however well-intentioned, our soldiers are occupiers in a foreign land, with all the tragic results that entails.

[Proud Wife of an American Soldier]

For four long months, my Husband, an American Army Soldier has been stationed in Iraq. Communications with him suggest to me that he was a part of these so called "attacks" that took place in the region of Sadr City last week. As the wife and mother of his children, I have been on the edge of my seat waiting to hear news of the safe return of him, and his fellow soldiers. Upon returning to his camp, he was able to slip in a quick phone call, to let his loved ones here know that all soldiers were safe and accounted for, a response that I pray to hear each and every day he is gone. I know that there will be casualties, and that does not make the death toll right or fair, but to say that innocents are gunned down in the streets by American Sniper fire is wrong and misleading. My husband, a Christian, and a good man, a loyal husband, and wonderful father, the love of my life, is in Iraq to help people. He has sacrificed his freedom, his family, and his time to help others. This American soldier was so happy to be able to tell me that many of the former residents of Sadr City have returned to their homes, and neighborhoods. "They (the iraqi people) are so happy that we are here to rid their neighborhoods of the "gangs" that have taken over. They are returning home," he commented to me over the phone. I am proud of him, I love him, and I know that whatever he is doing it is good.

[dwg]

Torquemada was a Christian too.

[dwg]

For the uninitiated on Torquemada's guide on how to do good as a Christian - with special regard to our crypto-Muslim "enemies":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom%C3%A1s_de_Torquemada

I believe we've been down this path before.

[Susan]

I know that if there were heavily armed men in my neighborhood, I would tell them whatever I think they want to hear...... which would likely not be the truth.

The US forces certainly did not get rid of the "gangs" in Iraq, if by that you are talking about Sadr and the Mahdi army. They are going nowhere because they are Iraq.

There may be US soldiers who think they are in Iraq to "help" but the reality is ==== they have destroyed the place.

[James Mason]

What is the objective of this war? Israel wanted American boots on the ground and they got them. Now what they want is never-ending, constant combat between Americans and the Arabs. Big dumb America is being cynically used by "our best friends in the middle-east." If we'd invaded Israel instead of Iraq, this war would be over.

[SqueakyRat]

The fact is that if you fire on a building full of civilians, even you are being fired at yourself, you are firing indiscriminately.

[Proud Wife of an American Soldier]

First I would like to acknowledge all the anti-American responses my comment received, thank you, your support of the American lives that are in Iraq is greatly appreciated. I'm so glad that you aren't over there defending your beautiful, free country, or trying to help make another place, which was so great to begin with, better. I love how you sit in your beautiful American homes, drive your big American SUVs, spend your "hard" earned American cash, and still find the time to be anti-American. That's what you call freedom. I'm sure that anyone who openly opposes the militia of Al-Sadr, is listened to with open arms and not shot down immediately. Oh, and anyone killed by the sadrists' lack of precision gunmanship, well I guess that wouldn't be categorized as "indiscriminant." No, let's just blame the trained American snipers, that's right, they were taught to do these things. They don't have families at home, or feelings for that matter. Love the history lesson too, here and now, in 2008, we are referenced to someone who did something in 1498? Oh, they weren't crazy back then, no they just burned and decapitated people. Wow, maybe I should let my husband know that they are going about this the wrong way. "Off with his head!" The other problem with this reference is the "crypto-muslim enemy" part. No one ever said that the Muslim people are our enemies. They are people, too. There is one other issue to address. My husband is a commander. He has never, never issued a command to his soldiers to "shoot anything that moves." Anyone who could possible believe this trash, is no better than the rumor itself. Having to sit with a grieving widow for twenty-four hours has opened my eyes to the kind of malicious lies found on the internet. But I'm sure you think her husband, and his beautiful American family deserves what they are dealing with now.

[Matt]

It is not the Mahadi Army's fault that they do not have tanks or helicopters, but it is also not the American soldiers' fault that they must fight in this city so far from their homeland. The forces and decisions which brought this state about are much bigger; the individual can only try and play his or her role well and morally.

Sadly, clashes and civilian deaths in Thoura district are nothing new, and the causes bringing them about are systemic.

[Susan - NC]

I fail to see how wanting our troops to fight, kill and die in an illegal war of aggression and occupation is somehow PRO-American. And wanting them to come home and stop fighting, killing and dying for a war of aggression and occupation is somehow ANTI-American. I think of it as "morality combined with common sense" myself.

Interesting that it is not the American troops fault that they are fighting in a city so far from home. I thought they volunteered to be in the US military. I thought the Nuremberg Principles and the US Constitution gave them the obligation to refuse illegal orders.

Oh, and Proud Wife, there are videos on the internet of US commanders telling US troops when they were going into Fallujah that it was a free-fire zone, and everyone there was a combatant. But then, you probably think the family with six kids and no car and no money should have left when they were told, even if they had no where to go. Entire soccer fields and playgrounds have been turned into mass graves in Iraq, and many of those graves are very tiny.

[Susan - NC]

I fail to see how wanting our troops to fight, kill and die in an illegal war of aggression and occupation is somehow PRO-American. And wanting them to come home and stop fighting, killing and dying for a war of aggression and occupation is somehow ANTI-American. I think of it as "morality combined with common sense" myself.

Interesting that it is not the American troops fault that they are fighting in a city so far from home. I thought they volunteered to be in the US military. I thought the Nuremberg Principles and the US Constitution gave them the obligation to refuse illegal orders.

Oh, and Proud Wife, there are videos on the internet of US commanders telling US troops when they were going into Fallujah that it was a free-fire zone, and everyone there was a combatant. But then, you probably think the family with six kids and no car and no money should have left when they were told, even if they had no where to go. Entire soccer fields and playgrounds have been turned into mass graves in Iraq, and many of those graves are very tiny.

[dwg]

Proud Wife, I am sure there are many honorable men and women serving in Iraq. But I agree with Susan in NC that it is a VOLUNTEER army and that soldiers are under obligation under international law to refuse illegal orders AND not to conduct torture. These are laws that the U.S. helped establish during the Nuremburg Trials.

SOME troops have been LESS than honorable and worse, they have been commanded by less than honorable commanders - including the entire chain of CIVILIAN leaders at the Pentagon and in the Whitehouse. Let's forget about honor... lets talk about CRIMINAL behavior. I refer you to this month's issue of Vanity Fair and the article titled "Green Light."

I might ask, how do YOU know what kind of orders are being given in the heat of a combat zone?

Do you think the wives of German officers in Occupied Poland during WWII KNEW their husbands were ordering civilians to line up beside their graves?

Probably not.

As to using the lessons of history -- do you think that human nature has changed so very much since 1438? Why then do so many Christians follow the teachings of Christ from oh say.... 30 BC?

[dwg]

Oh and as to references to "crypto-islamic enemies"

Try this on for size (from the LA Times):

General Casts War in Religious Terms
The top soldier assigned to track down Bin Laden and Hussein is an evangelical Christian who speaks publicly of 'the army of God.'

by Richard T. Cooper

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has assigned the task of tracking down and eliminating Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein and other high-profile targets to an Army general who sees the war on terrorism as a clash between Judeo-Christian values and Satan.

Lt. Gen. William G. "Jerry" Boykin, the new deputy undersecretary of Defense for intelligence, is a much-decorated and twice-wounded veteran of covert military operations. From the bloody 1993 clash with Muslim warlords in Somalia chronicled in "Black Hawk Down" and the hunt for Colombian drug czar Pablo Escobar to the ill-fated attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran in 1980, Boykin was in the thick of things.

William G. "Jerry" Boykin

I knew my God was bigger than his. I knew that my God was a real God and his was an idol.

Lt. Gen. William G. ‘Jerry’ Boykin, speaking about battle with a Muslim warlord

Yet the former commander and 13-year veteran of the Army's top-secret Delta Force is also an outspoken evangelical Christian who appeared in dress uniform and polished jump boots before a religious group in Oregon in June to declare that radical Islamists hated the United States "because we're a Christian nation, because our foundation and our roots are Judeo-Christian ... and the enemy is a guy named Satan."

Discussing the battle against a Muslim warlord in Somalia, Boykin told another audience, "I knew my God was bigger than his. I knew that my God was a real God and his was an idol."

"We in the army of God, in the house of God, kingdom of God have been raised for such a time as this," Boykin said last year.
-------
Oh and uh... Proud Wife: I use public transportation, rent my home and thank you VERY much I do work very hard for the good life I have. A "beautiful America" is something I'd like to share with all those who have given up their freedom and rights to due process in Guantanamo; to the undocumented immigrants locked up across this country in county detention centers with no representation, who are summarily deported with no access to Constitutional protections. I'd like to share my beautiful American life with any of the other individuals who, in the past 6 years, have lost the most fundamental right - the right to petition the government for a Writ of of Habeas Corpus.
It's not exactly the "beautiful America" that *I* once knew and loved anymore. REAL America lovers would like to put us back on the path of liberty, justice the pursuit of happiness - for ALL human beings.

[Proud Wife of an American Soldier]

All I would like to say is, if America is not a place that you are proud to live in, you are free to leave. At any time. So, pack your bags. I know you can get a one way flight to Iraq anytime, oh, and when you get there, make sure you look for my husband, because I'll let him know that you believe they are practicing "shoot to kill."

[Proud Wife of an American Soldier]

Thank you for comparing all Christian soldiers in Iraq to one man. That is not stereotypical, and I know everyone is exactly the same. Oh, in that case, I'm sure you are no different or individual than any other American, and if the war on terror ever crosses onto American soil, I sure hope the occupying army treats you like every body else.

[Proud Wife of an American Soldier]

One last thing, would you like to know how I know what kind of orders my husband gives, even in the heat of combat? I'll tell you, because my husband is a better man than anyone you have ever associated yourself with. And I know this because I am married to him, I have loved him, and I have seen into his soul. Oh yeah, and because I felt his heartbreak from 7,203 miles away when he lost his fellow soldier, one of his brothers. And I'm sure you will have an equally hateful retort for me, but I am happy to say that I couldn't give a shit. I know that my heart is right, I pray everyday that there are no more deaths in Iraq on both sides.

[dancewater]

"All I would like to say is, if America is not a place that you are proud to live in, you are free to leave."

Actually, that's not true anymore. Some Code Pink women went to Canada, just to visit, and were not allowed in - because the FBI had put them on a "terrorist" list or something. These women had gotten arrested before - for non-violent civil disobedience against this illegal war and occupation. Seems like those would be the kind of people that you pro-war folks would want to leave - but your pro-war federal government won't let them.

There is a lot that is no longer true about America.

Hey, you did figure out that they would not find any WMDs in Iraq back in 2002, didn't you, PROUD WIFE? If now, why didn't you figure that out. I did.

[dancewater]

"Thank you for comparing all Christian soldiers in Iraq to one man."

That one man was a Lt. General. And there was another General who said basically the same thing before sending troops into Fallujah to destroy the city. They painted (so-called) "Christian" messages on their tanks.

As to an occupying army coming to the US, I don't see that happening. I can tell you that, in my town, an Iraq war veteran busted down the front door and went into someone's home because he was angry. No search warrant, no permission to enter the home, and several witnessing neighbors. He was angry because they were flying a US flag upside down.

Of course, in Iraq, they do that kind of thing in the middle of the night and they don't get to sue. But I don't see where we will have an occypying army - we are going to have a PTSD US army come home and act like they did in Iraq. And if you live on a military base, your chances of encountering this are increased.

[flag flyer]

Um, Dancewater, it actually sounds more like Canada wouldn't let them in.

[dancewater]

go take a look at this photo, and then imagine it is your child and it was a foreign military that did it:

http://facesofgrief.blogspot.com/2008/04/twenty-two_09.html

[Yep, it was Canada that would not let them in - thanks to the FBI 'terrorist' list - which means they are not free to leave.]

[Proud Wife of an American Soldier]

Wow, I really pissed you off. Pat on the back to me...

I know anyone can enter Mexico right now without a passport or without being stopped by an FBI alert. Why not flee the country through there. It's just a two minute walk across a bridge. Oh, It will cost you 50 cents also, so bring some quarters. Do you want directions? I'd been more than willing to oblige.

[flag flyer]

Re: These "comments" on the post; Whoa! Can any one say, "Anger management issues?"

Ms. Fadel,
Thank you for presenting the issue on both sides. as you stated so eloquently at the end of the article, "Everyone of them will anger someone, everyone will shine a light on a different struggle in this war."

Thank you very much for presenting your view on the situation.

[Susan - NC]

Proud wife, send the directions to Code Pink, and send bus fare too. I know they will be happy to accept your donation.

[Susan - NC]

I am thinking that Ms.Fadel's comments don't mean that all sides (it is more than "both" sides) have an equal moral standing.

Because I don't see burying your 4 year old child the same as US troops getting their feelings hurt by something someone said as the same at all. Those are two very different kinds of anger, and not even close to equivalent.

[dwg]

Proud Wife: Please try and uncouple your personal and emotional experience from your intellectual analysis of what's happening in Iraq. I know its hard when your husband is in harms way. You will be very surprised to know that I know that from my own personal experience. But this whole issue is NOT about one person. (you or your husband for example) It is about principles that apply to ALL of us.
It is now clear that the excesses of Abu Ghraib (and god knows where else) had their roots in excesses in Guantanamo that were where themselves authorized at the highest levels in Washington. We MUST ask, what other policies are getting the "Green Light" that we don't know about?

That said, when it comes to relying on "Christian principles" in the military, no one is comparing just one soldier to all those in Iraq. I gave a single very good EXAMPLE in General Boykin. But if you wish, I'll give you a few more.
Please recall that the Constitution prohibits Government- including the military - from establishing a religion and likewise protects citizens from a government that would limit the practice of religion (see last example). Like it or not, aethism is a religion. As is paganism, agnosticism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and well, the the list is endless.

-------------------
From USA Today:

Air Force Academy wrestles with alleged religious bias
By Patrick O'Driscoll, USA TODAY
DENVER — A Pentagon task force will investigate the religious climate at the Air Force Academy after allegations of anti-Semitism, favoritism for born-again Christian cadets and conversion attempts by evangelicals on the Colorado Springs campus.
-----------
From the Washington Post:

Inquiry Sought Over Evangelical Video
Defense Department Asked to Examine Officers' Acts Supporting Christian Group

By Alan Cooperman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, December 11, 2006; A03

A military watchdog group is asking the Defense Department to investigate whether seven Army and Air Force officers violated regulations by appearing in uniform in a promotional video for an evangelical Christian organization.

In the video, much of which was filmed inside the Pentagon, four generals and three colonels praise the Christian Embassy, a group that evangelizes among military leaders, politicians and diplomats in Washington. Some of the officers describe their efforts to spread their faith within the military.
-------------------

I believe the issue is a bit more widespread than "one soldier" -- it is PERVASIVE and as illustrated above, it is rooted in the military academies (where budding leadership is influenced at at a vulnerable time) AND at the highest echelons of the Pentagon.

And just a few days ago, in the as reprinted in the "Army Times":
-------------------
Soldier alleges threats over religion lawsuit

The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Apr 6, 2008 9:51:42 EDT

TOPEKA, Kan. — A Fort Riley soldier says he faces threats from fellow soldiers because he’s filed a religious discrimination lawsuit.

Spc. Jeremy Hall filed a formal statement Wednesday with the Army. He says he overheard a conversation between two sergeants in his platoon and one wanted to “bust Hall in the mouth.”

Hall says he faces the animosity because he is an atheist and is suing the Department of Defense. He alleges it permits a culture that pushes fundamentalist Christianity.

He says he does not feel safe his unit.

Fort Riley spokeswoman Alison Kohler says the Army doesn’t comment on matters related to pending litigation. She does not know whether Fort Riley officials are investigating Hall’s statement.
---------------
I think it's worth noting these words - from Jesus -which you can find in Matthew 6:6
"And when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to the Father which is in secret;...."

So next time you take up your prayers, perhaps you'll have good company with all those gay folk currently serving in the military who are ALSO hanging out in the closet.

[flag flyer]

Susan;
As you have chosen to address my statement that was made to Ms. Fadel, I will respond to you.

You have obviously made an assumption that I am on a "side". You know nothing about me; where I am from, nor the challenges or tragedies that I may have or currently face in my life.

No where have I implied nor overtly stated anything about myself at all. Previously, I pointed out the obvious, that Canada is a sovereign nation that happens to be adjacent to the United States of America. They chose to keep those individuals out, it was not the United States keeping them in. I have also further not defined which flag my moniker claims. If, from these statements, you have concluded anything about me, well, that speaks volumes of you, but says nothing of me or my life.

As to the statement to Ms Fadel of "both" sides, I was referring specifically to the article that these posts were supposed to be referring to.

You may continue to hurl vitriolic remarks toward me or anyone else if you wish, but I choose not to engage in this type of behavior. From my perspective, this type of engagement is but another form of war. It is a "war of words". Two people or two million people screaming at each other is not productive, it is not dialog, nor does it lead to any type of diplomatic solution, understanding or peace. It is in fact the antithesis of "peaceful". It only leads to more pain, more wrath, more violence. Words can be very harmful and very violent and have the ability to leave human beings with life long scars. This is why I choose not to engage in any dialog of this ilk.

You may choose to be any type of person whom you choose to be and conduct yourself in any way that you wish, but I will not engage in tearing anyone apart as it is contrary to everything that I believe in. I may have many feelings, but that does not give me the right or the duty to express them to everyone. To do so in my opinion is only self serving and does nothing to further the causes of peace and justice. When I am faced with a situation that I find intolerable, I chose to take action in a productive manner to aid other human beings instead of standing still, being frozen by rage and utilizing my words and actions to cause further injury. To actively work for peace, for all human beings, I believe that one must engage in a peaceful manner.

I still have told you nothing about my situation in this world, with the exception of how I choose to respond to the forces that affect me. Any thing that you wish to infer of me, will not affect me nor will it ever influence the manner in which I choose to conduct myself.

[Husam AbuZiad]

Dear, can you (for one second) stop blaming people for invading Iraq and start thinking n how to get them out of there ? the US military says it's the insurgents fault and the insurgent says it's the US fault and Iraqis are caught in the middle helpless, what do you think is the right thing to do now ?huh ? I bet you don't have an answer for that, do you

[dancewater]

flag flyer,
you are right in that I don't know you, and I cannot even figure out what you are attempting to communicate in your last comment .... but I do know that if you are making comments on a webpage, then you are not directing them to one person - you are directing them to the whole world.

Husam AbuZiad - I think the right thing to do is to get the US troops out of there and have an international peace keeping troops help out in Iraq. I know we are not going to see that for quite some time.

[flag flyer]

Dancewater;
My final statement is another confirmation of my previous statements.

It is clear that the statements that were made toward me in this post were possibly an attempt to demean my perceived "position". Further, they appeared to be an attempt to goad me into the rancorous exchanges taking place here. My final statement is a reinforcement of my position. When one is committed to peace, it sometimes requires fortitude and resolute clarification to help others to understand the position. Many say they are for peace but unfortunately, continue to attack others. As stated previously, I believe that this comes to no good end.

Just to clarify again, I do not tell others what to believe or how to act, I have merely pointed out what it is that I see and what I believe to be true. Any conclusions of my statements may be reached by the recipients. I think that this was the case for many of the great leaders in the worlds history who confronted wrongs, by trying doing the right thing. The people who I admire in the world’s history had some very high ideals and their views, unfortunately ended in assassination for many. Yet, they were not swayed by the attempts to intimidate them from their course.

I actually was responding to Susan, but I do believe that it is a message that does need to be heard through out the world, again and again. Though sadly, not many are hearing it.

[Mike4peace]

I have read all the recent posts and am having trouble taking anyone's side.
The truth is people are being wounded, killed, tortured every day in Iraq.
IT JUST NEEDS TO STOP.
We are all of the same people who just desire to love and be loved.
May the politicians end this war ASAP as they are the only one's who gain.
My son is a US soldier stationed in Northern Iraq and I cannot wait for him to be safely home and peace prevail throughout all of Iraq.
Let us all pray!

[billjpa]

just watched your visit with Bill Moyers! WOW! BRAVO Ms F.
A true, honest presentation of the insanity. Question- are you going back?

[kalpal]

War like religion is a lose lose proposition. All occupations infuriate a portion of the occupied citizenry. Sometimes the majority of the citizenry.

When I was drafted during the Vietnam war an instructor was asked for the justification for firing on the Vietnamese. He responded that anytime someone endangers your life you have the right to shoot them. When I butted in that anyone who orders me into combat is endangering my life I was called called a commie pinko. (Any of you remember that phrase, or are you too young?)

We can win wars. We do not train our military to be occupying forces. That sort of training requires cultural and linguistic training which demands long periods of time and difficult instructions. Few native born American citizens know Arabic, Pashto, Kurdish or Farsi. Such ignorance exacerbates and lengthens the conflicts and imperils our soldiers.

We need to abandon the task of persuading Iranian backed Shia troopers to accept a culture and political system they don't understand and don't approve of. The Sunna have been bribed into a temporary peace that is instantly reversible if an opportunity arises for them to make some gains by killing enemies.

Lets leave and let the factions sate their blood lust.

[Angel Nicholas]

Hi Leila,

Wonderful interview with Bill Moyer although I could see that you had to hold your tongue and refrain from saying things that would have been edited out.

Please tell everyone you come into contact with that there are millions and millions of Individual Sovereign Human Beings all over the world who know the truth and who would not want meddlers and murderers occupying their respective countries.

This illegal and immoral occupation by the global military/industrial complex mercenaries masquerading as legitimate emissaries of peace and goodwill is an affront to, and a violation of, each and every planetary human being's Basic Inherent Inalienable Irrevocable Human Rights.

My friend Mary Ruwart wrote a wonderful book that I give a money back guarantee on and have NEVER had a refund request. Mary's book is "Healing Our World In An Age Of Aggression" and you can check out the first edition free of charge at her website www.ruwart.com. She also contributes to Sharon Harris's website(the one with the world's smallest political quiz) and you can check it out at www.theadvocates.org.

I'm a member of the Free State Project(www.freestateproject.org) and a part of the Ron Paul Revolution(www.ronpaul2008.com). Won't you join us in promoting the Philosophical Maturity found in being a student and advocate of the Non-Aggression Principle? Ayn Rand was totally correct in her course of action to rid the world of looters in "Atlas Shrugged." You owe it to yourself to read it.

Sincerely,
Angel Nicholas

[cascada observer]

I wonder whether the soldier who said "Why are they putting their families and friends and neighbors in danger," he asked me. "Why are they shooting from rooftops of civilian buildings?" would think that Americans shooting at Iraqi soldiers garrisoned in his hometown, from rooftops of civilian buildings, would be putting their families at risk?

Personally, I put loyalty to my family above loyalty to my country. I would not leave them behind to go fight a war halfway around the world, especially one as misguided as the Iraq War.

I wonder if Proud Wife would consider an Iraqi who suggests to his friends that it is wrong to shoot at American soldiers to be 'Anti-Iraqi'.

[David Connor]

dear Ms. Fadel, your interview on Bill Moyers was the most informative, insightful and compassionate look inside the Iraq fiasco I have ever heard or read. I cannot adequately express my appreciation for your wisdom, courage and commitment to sharing the truth about the complex situation and its devastating impact on all who are involved. McClatchey is most fortunate to have you heading its Baghdad bureau.I wish you safety and a long and sucessful career speaking the truth. peace! David Connor

[bluesman622]

hey susan kiss my american Ass .you commie bitch

[Paolo]

Leila,

Your interview was outstanding and you are obviously quite bright and compassionate as well. However it quite surprising, and revealing, that a major news agency would have a 26 year old woman heading their news bureau in a war zone - even though you are clearly competant for the position. My advise for your conscience, don't ever compromise your integrity. This war was started by international theives and killers.. mostly American war criminals. Its a total disgrace. Paolo

[Gozza]

with all their technology the US can be more accurate...The militia dont kill as many civilians as the us do in these battles so it appears to me the US dont really care...they get shot at then blow up the area the shot came from with no respect to anything innocent in that proximity..

[bluesman622]

you guys are right. we should leave so these guys can kill each other.let their god sort it out

[bluesman622]

o for the days of Saddam mass murders, torture.dont just miss the GOOD OLD DAYS

[getalife]

Saw your interview on PBS, Thanks for the sane reporting among all the propaganda.

I hope we learned from this repeated mistake and elect a Dem President to stop it.

Thank you.

[Ron Paul]

Hi Leila! Keep Up The Great Work!

And for the rest of you...

It's not about republicrats and demupublicans anymore. How many more CFR insiders can our nation afford? None... We're on the brink of catastrophic collapse.

If you do a search on the internet and youtube for "Ron Paul" you'll soon see the lone voice of reason and sanity. The main stream media won't give you the truth about the american occupation like Leila will, nor will they tell you about the wonderful message myself and my supporters have been spreading.

They especially won't tell you about the millions of supporters who will be writting "Ron Paul For President" and "Clint Eastwood For Vice-President" on their November ballots. Actually, some bureaucratic insiders have even wished for my assassination and they hope martial law is declared before the November elections just to disenfranchise millions more.

Thanks again Leila!

Sincerely,
Ron Paul

[Susan]

bluesman622:

I think it is supposed to be "commie pinko".

Also, more Iraqis have died under the bush regime in Iraq than under the saddam regime - and in a lot shorter time.

And the torture and rape rooms are still there. Lot more prostitutes though - in syria. Some of them are pre-teens.

[Susan]

bluesman622:

I think it is supposed to be "commie pinko".

Also, more Iraqis have died under the bush regime in Iraq than under the saddam regime - and in a lot shorter time.

And the torture and rape rooms are still there. Lot more prostitutes though - in syria. Some of them are pre-teens.

[hlg]

All You Folks out there forgot 1 thing. When E-Day comes in iraq, ALL

NON US Guns/RPGs will turn to OUR Troops and their US allocated Exit

vehicles.
There will be
- Firings to destroy and kill
- Same to any subsequent rescue medical vehicles
- Hijacking
- Theft or Confiscation
- Extorsions of Air Strikes to faction Opponents of all sorts
- Extorsions for food Amo Weapons drops
- Extorsions for Airstrikes against Tel Aviv as an example
- Vanishings into undisclosed locations
- Market open for trading US Hostages throughout IRANQ

In 2010 Election House/Senat main Issue to all candidates:
In 2012 Pres.Election again:
" How do we get them home ? "