Here is a first-hand account of what's happening on the ground in Iraq. Naturally, it's not quite what the NY Times/CBS type folks have been reporting about. But I'd like to pull out and emphasize this passage:
The portrayal of Baghdad as an oriental version of the Far West in Hollywood Westerns misses the point. It ignores the fact that life is creeping back to normal, that weddings, always popular in summer, are being celebrated again, often with traditional tribal ostentation. The first rock concert since the war, offered by a boys' band, has already taken place, and Iraq's National Football (soccer) Squad has resumed training under a German coach.
There are two Iraqs today: One as portrayed by those in America and Europe who wish to use it as a means of damaging Bush and Blair, and the other as it really exists, home to 24 million people with many hopes and aspirations and, naturally, some anxiety about the future.
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Ben Franklin, 1759
And of course, the other side of the coin, from ABC News (drudgereportarchives.com) F A L L U J A H, Iraq, July 16— The sergeant at the 2nd Battle Combat Team Headquarters pulled me aside in the corridor. "I've got my own 'Most Wanted' list," he told me.
He was referring to the deck of cards the U.S. government published, featuring Saddam Hussein, his sons and other wanted members of the former Iraqi regime.
"The aces in my deck are Paul Bremer, Donald Rumsfeld, George Bush and Paul Wolfowitz," he said.
And from later in the piece:
In the back of the group, Spc. Clinton Deitz put up his hand. "If Donald Rumsfeld was here," he said, "I'd ask him for his resignation."
Those are strong words from troops used to following orders. They say they will continue to do their job, but they no longer seem to have their hearts in the mission.
"I used to want to help these people," said Pfc. Eric Rattler, "but now I don't really care about them anymore. I've seen so much, you know, little kids throwing rocks at you. Once you pacify an area, it seems like the area you just came from turns bad again. I'd like this country to be all right, but I don't care anymore."
To me the question is, if things are getting better, why are the troops seemingly getting more dispirited and upset?
"America may have some problems, but it's our home. Our team. And if you don't wanna root for your team...then you should get the hell out of the stadium. Go America."--Stan Marsh, South Park
Three soldiers' diahrrea-of-the-larynx doth not a whole army's consensus make. And shame on them for badmouthing their commanders while in uniform. Enjoy your Article 15 of the UCMJ, boys.
If I remember right, those guys are from the 3rd Infantry, who just got told they'd be staying longer than expected. One would hope those three just shot their mouth off out of disappointment in a delayed homecoming.
Star wipe, and...we're out. Thrillin' ain't easy. . . THE THRILL ACW-NWA Wisconsin Home Video Technical Director...& A2NWO 4 Life!
Originally posted by spf2119"I've got my own 'Most Wanted' list," he told me.
He was referring to the deck of cards the U.S. government published, featuring Saddam Hussein, his sons and other wanted members of the former Iraqi regime.
"The aces in my deck are Paul Bremer, Donald Rumsfeld, George Bush and Paul Wolfowitz,"
I saw the story...and I hope they are awfully familiar with the phrase "dishonorable discharge"
EDIT: Incidentally, if you want to know what Baghdaders are thinking, ask them.
(edited by Grimis on 17.7.03 1304) "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Ben Franklin, 1759
Meh. The media has a way of playing up stories such as these insofar as they serve their own purposes, ie. showing that the rebuilding in Iraq is stalling. When one wants to get a handle on how the situation really is, I suggest looking somewhere in between the media's hyperventilating accounts of Vietnam II and the administration's salad-tossing of W. It's probably not as bad as the NYT would have you believe, and conversely not as on-plan as the administration would have you believe.
They fucked up at the start by not protecting the vital infastructure from looting. That set back reconstruction by at least a few months. I can't blame Iraqis for being disillusioned with the Americans when they were better off (in terms of amenities) under Saddam then after his overthrow. It's been, what, 3 months now, and basic services such as water and electricity are still patchy at best. Fix this and everything else will fall into place.
P.S. they still don't have enough troops on the ground if you ask me. 150,000 just isn't enough to stabilize a country of 24 million people.