One of Ours

The classic understanding of an insurgency is a situation in which some subset of the overall population seeks to overthrow the existing government due to a severe disagreement that makes other means of settling political disputes untenable. However, the terrorist operating in Iraq are seeking chaos, not revolution, and as such they seek not a better life for Iraqis, or even Muslims writ large. Rather their only earthly goal appears to be death for anyone with whom they do not agree. It is this fact that makes our conflict with these types of groups a war, whether we like it or not.

In comparing the utopian dreams of Marxist rebels to the cult of death that men like al-Zarqawi seem to revel in, I would prefer any day to live in Castro’s Cuba than in the dystopia that the jihadists would bring. While hardly the kind of choice I would ever want to make in real life, it is starkly chilling, however, to note the obvious conclusions that one would reach if one were ever confronted with such a decision.

When he was charged with ordering the killing of Kurds in the poison gas attack at Halabja in 1988: “Yes, I heard about that.”

On the Kuwaitis: “They were trying to turn Iraqi women into prostitutes for just $10. How could you defend those dogs?”

On his appearance in court: “This is all theater, the real criminal is Bush.”

Justifying the invasion of Kuwait: “It was for the Iraqi people.”

...There was some concern that Saddam might use this as a political platform. That didn’t really happen. He was downcast; he looked defeated at other times. He kept raising his hand and asking the judge, “Please, stop. Let me ask you a few questions.” He said please a lot, which I’m sure is a change for him. He kept asking, “What are the charges? Why am I here?”

...Nearly all of the tents have been converted into wood huts with the remaining six currently under construction. I'm reminded of Hogan's Heroes and Stalag 13 when I walk down the rows of identical huts perfectly lined up and dress right dress.

A large blue tractor trailer drove on base the other day and dropped its trailer outside of the Post Exchange. A crowd of Soldiers surrounded the long sheetmetal trailer which of course piqued my curiosity.

"What is it?" I asked a nearby joe.

"Oh, first sergeant, sorry I didn't see you, it's a Burger King," the young Soldier replied.

"A Burger King on wheels eh? I wonder where they'll get the beef to flame broil?"

"Yeah, I never thought I'd see a BK out here in the desert first sergeant," he replied smiling from ear to ear.

"There is always camel meat," I said and walked away. That'll get them guessing.

So we now have a Burger King, sort of, that is not yet open but when it does will serve those delicious American flame broiled burgers from a walk-up window in the large blue trailer sitting in the parking lot of the PX. I wonder how they'll do? Afterall, it is all about location in the restaurant business.

In recent days we've seen truckload after truckload of gravel brought into our camp and dispersed across the ground upon which we walk. Previously, said ground was covered with large, softball-sized rocks that made for quite a few twisted ankles. The gravel is a lifesaver, or at the least an ankle saver, as it makes walking much easier and most importantly still keeps the dust down.

We really can't complain with the improved housing, better walking conditions, and the introduction of fine quisine. However, I just sometimes wish that the bathroom, or latrine as we dogfaces call it, wasn't a football field away. I've been battling an intestinal virus the last day and a half and there is no joy in waking in a panic in the middle of the night and having to put on shoes and sprint 100 yards to salvation. None at all. Still, the camp is shaping up to be quite the vacation place.

I was taking a walk in the street with one of my friends when suddenly I heard a shout “Dr. Mohammed!” I turned back to see who it was and I found that it was one of the nursing staff who worked with me in Samawa and got transferred to Baghdad.
After greetings and asking about each other’s health he said “I was just thinking of you” why?, I asked.
“Do you still run that website?” he asked. I said “yeah”.
NURSE-Can you do me a favor?
OMAR-Sure.
NURSE-Do you know Abu Haider’s (Mr. Bremer) e-mail address?
OMAR-No! Why?
NURSE-I want to send him a letter.
OMAR-What for?
NURSE-To say thanks. Actually it’s not only me, it’s my mother Al-Hidjiyah; she made me promise her to send a letter to Mr. Bremer.
OMAR-Me too. I want to do that but unfortunately I don’t have his e-mail.
NURSE-Can you ask your American friends. Because I really feel bad that the man didn’t get the reward he deserves for his great efforts; we could at least make a party for him or a decent celebration. Did you listen to his farewell speech? it was incredible.
OMAR-Yes, it was and I’ll try to get his mail although I think it’s difficult but what did your mother exactly want to tell him?
NURSE-Well, Al-Hidjiya [the nurse's mother] said “son, tell this man that Um Mushtaq says go with the blessings of Allah, you have suffered a lot for the sake of our country and we were not able to thank you in person and this makes us so sad” and she also said “although this is not right, because he is not Muslim but I have to say it and I don’t care what others may say” My friend laughed as he said that.

I should mention that friend is a hard core communist who paradoxically bares strong admiration and gratitude and for America.

[...]

I don’t like to give much credit to an individual no matter who he is, as I believe it’s one of the reasons we’re so behind the others. People in the east generally get attached to individuals more than ideas and the fact that Iraqis support Al-Yawer and Allawi more than they support the government as a whole is just one example of this. However I find myself compelled to write about Mr. Bremer because this man was never given the credit he deserves. That of course includes all the good people who worked with him.

We miss you Sir and we know that it’s been difficult for you too. Your speech has touched the hearts of all the Iraqis I have met just as your efforts have contributed in drawing the outlines of the bright future of Iraq, the new free democratic Iraq and we will never forget you. You worked hard as if you were a true son of Iraq and in fact you’re one of Iraq’s sons, that’s how we look at you.

I never heard anyone talk badly about you, I heard people say a lot of bad things about GWB and the GC members but you were the most respected and loved political character among Iraqis and I can say I’m almost sure that if there was a poll about who’s the most popular person in Iraq, then you would’ve been the winner.

[...]

You were keen on leading Iraq to the shores of peace despite the harsh environment, and most Iraqis recognize that you succeeded in your mission.

Sir, Iraq loved you just like you confirmed your love in your farewell speech. We were touched just as you were. You have taken a place in our hearts just as you said we’ve taken our places in your heart.

[...]

We would like you to live the moment of victory with us as you lived the moment of hardships.

I was never surprised when none of the western media broadcasted your impressive speech because I doubt their interest in showing the world the nature of the relation between you and the people of Iraq. But I’d like to tell you this: Iraq loves you just as you love her.

The law which is implemented in Germany until now which considers any slogan for the Nazis as an offence punished by the law should be used in Iraq against any sloganism for Saddam. It is clear now that the Arab propagandists start to use all means to gather support for Saddam. This is very important point you should think about preventative measures right now.

You should put a law preventing any sloganism for the previous regime especially Saddam. You may have seen Al Jazeera reporter Atwar Bahjat (the woman with scarf) showing prepaid pro-Saddam people from Al-Adhamyiah [district of Baghdad] shouting support for their master Saddam. This will go up as Atwar said she will do more in the coming time to her base in Qatar. She should be arrested immediate for investigation and given a warning if she do it again she will be held responsible.

You got the film so the IP should go and arrest those who did the slogans as a role for the future. You need a law, very strict law or you will sink by Al Jazeera and other hypocritical Arab like the Egyptian commentator who said Saddam is the Master of Iraq and he is the legal president. Then he added that his daughter should set out a government in exile as it is her own right.

Ban & deport Al Jazeera from our land

No to the hypocritical Arabs

New law is needed urgently to consider slogans for Saddam as an offence punished by the law