Replies

When evaluating the Iraqi people, we need to keep in mind that they've been bombarded with anti-American propaganda all their lives, and with Al-Jezeera still a major player in Mid-East "journalism," the propaganda continues to this day. The people are flat-out lied to, day in and day out, about America, our military, our tactics, and our objectives.

"I would think the Iraqi people would want to fight for their children and their cities! But then again they are new at this freedom stuff..."

Imagine yourself in their place. You are happy Saddam is gone, however, you don't really know what is happening. Foreign troops occupy your cities. Crime is rampant. Some of your neighbors tell you that American troops are killing Iraqis at check points, or that they are raping women in another part of the city.You may not believe them at first, but all you hear is anti Americanism from TV, Radio, and newspaper.

You don't know how democracy works because you have never lived under it. Individual freedom, as a concept, is alien to you and your way of thinking. The way you grew up, everyone was subservient to a strong tribal leader. Your very identity is determined by your tribal affiliation and you religious sect.

For you to independently align yourself with the Americans and against the insurgents, many of whom may belong to your tribe or Mosque, is unthinkable. Even if you were brave and unusually independent for an Arab Muslim, you are warned that anyone who sides with the Americans will be killed.

You begin to wistfully long for the quiet and security of life under Saddam. Or you begin to throw rocks at American troops. The only people in Iraq who want Americans to be there are the Kurds. The others should want us there, because their lives would be so much better under American rule, but they are too ignorant to understand that.