Who Do Iraqis Really Want?

Great pic. I had it on my cube wall in Iraq.

Since my son spent 2 years and 3 mos of deployment in Iraq, I think he knows how much the Iraqis trust the American troops. His first deployment they were skeptical; but the children were the first to approach. At the 2nd one, which was only 9 months after his first deployment; both adults and children came to him, the other Marines, and the other troops. They thank them and even ask for help. Yes this Photo is definitely worth a THOUSAND words. Thanks for posting it Gray Ghost!

They Want FREEDOM! We are securing it for them but if we pull out the Iranians and Al Qaeda WILL take over!

Thanks for dropping by my blog and relating your story about your grandchild. I have known two people in my life that have experienced visions of Christ. Who is to say that your dear 5-year-old didn't have a similar visit? God Bless!
~Julia

My husband did a short tour in Afghanistan. There are many brave Afghanis that want to make their country better and risk their lives every day to cooperate with the Coalitions forces. An interpreter was beheaded there last year.

Some of the guys my husband worked with only went home once every few weeks so as to not endanger their families.

Under the Taliban they were even told how to trim their facial hair or risk reprisals.

Anyone that thinks the people in the Middle east do not want freedom and a better life are the worst kind of bigots.

Thanks for posting the photo.

The boy in that picture represents all of us. That soldier represents the best and brightest of instincts that we all wish we had. Duty, Honor, Dignity.

Thanks for the pic.

It is a great picture. It is also the first one I ever posted. I don't think I could have picked better.

Thanks for stopping by.

What you said about your son sounds like my two nephews. Combined they have 5 tours of duty in Iraq. The Medic says the same thing about the Iraqis he worked with; while the Major talks about the children he would run across while on patrol. The Major is fluent in their language and could easily talk to them.

We can't leave. Not after all this sacrifice.

First, thanks for stopping by.

Second, tell your husband thanks for going. At my age they said no way, even as a private contractor/engineer (this was in 2003.).

I believe that children are closer to God then we think. I am not going to say my grandson didn't see Them in the backyard talking to our dog.

I like how you said that: "Duty, Honor, Dignity".

That soldier in the picture has them "in spades".

I'm convinced that most anti-war/anti-military rhetoric since Vietnam has it's roots in garden variety fear. I do not fault anyone for being afraid to die or to lose loved ones, just spare me the mental gymnastics required to rationalize an anti-war position, when it's really a mask for fear. That explains the "duty" part.

Some things are so valuable, they can never be replaced. Whether she knows it or not, Cindy Shehan's son Casey, gave her a gift that just may get her into heaven. He proved that he was raised to respect those irreplaceable things. That's the "honor" part.

The hardest thing in the world to be is "one of many". Most men go to work every day, putting one foot in front of the other, no spotlights, no cameras, no parades. It's easy to wonder if it's worth it, if you're doing "enough", if you're making (or have made) mistakes. Holding your head up, kneeling to pray, accepting your lot. That is the "dignity" part.

Didn't mean to hijack your post.

You didn't "hijack" my site.

And I am lucky, my wife says she loves me(after hitting me over the head with a cast iron skillet to keep me straight), my daughter says she loves me (even if she says I drive too slow; but once you have flown at Mach 1.3, what's the difference in 55 and 65?), and my grandchildren say they love me.

What else does any man need.

Children know who cares for them, and won't be fooled. This picture says more than any essay ever could.

Iraq and he insists that the Iraqis understand that Americans are their friends. They respect us and seek out American authorities to resolve local, even personal, disputes. We are seen as being fair. Still, they are very backwards and tribal. They do not know enough about democratic liberty to be willing to fight for it. They just want peace and stability and only see it terms that relate to their particular tribe. There is no Iraqi nation.

You are so right. I wish I could meet this soldier and say thank you.

They are in the same "boat" that Europe was in over 1000 years ago.

Education is the key. That is why it is so important we stay in Iraq. We have to educate the next generation of Iraqis what it means to have freedom. We have to show this next generation what America is all about. This group of soldiers are our best.

Read "KenUSA"'s post of 7:55pm above. "Duty, Honor, Dignity" is what these soldiers are showing the iraqis.

Thanks for this piece. Great picture.

I am reminded of another pic that I saw, probably a year or so ago now, with a soldier who was rocking to sleep an Iraqi infant that he had rescued.

I am sure you have seen it. If not, I could probably email it to you, if you are interested.

It goes to show just how dedicated our soldiers and sailors and marines are, and how ready they are to help others in need.

To paraphrase the good reverend wright, God D*mn the idiots who would disparage and slur our young men and women who are proudly serving their country!

Sure, there are bad apples in the military, but at a much lower ratio than you will find in the dhimmicratic (to borrow GunnyG's term) party.

I mentioned soldiers and sailors and marines, and forgot to mention the Air Force.

No offense to any "zoomies", they are just as important as the other services, and the mistake was purely accidental.

Oh, yeah, and the Coast Guard.

I have seen that picture of the officer hilding the Iraqi infant so that it would sleep. My nephew (Major, US Army, 3 tours in Iraq) sent me a copy. I think he knows the officer. The picture and the story will bring tears to your eyes.

My family, for the most part, have been USAF types. But no, I took no offense. (My brother-in-law was also in the Coast Guard; but he is an Ole Miss lawyer. I definitely took no offense about him! Ha! Ha!)

But it only shines a spotlight on the fact that if bin Laden is the "weak horse" and the US is the "strong horse", then Obama would be cast as "my little pony".

Long time no see! Thanks for stopping by!

Your comment about Obama being "my little pony" is on the money!

Being a vet, that pic means more than I can even begin to say.
Thank-you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service.

Please come back any time you can.

BTW, which branch were you in? I am a short-timer, USAF, out in 1973.

You are welcome as can be
For the women and children and homeland
And the greater world of liberty!

Infantry till '75
Naught but death will stop me.