Baghdad neighborhood rises up and fights back

Mercury News ^ | May 3, 2006 | Zaineb Obeid

[FairOpinion]

Abu Salah heard the screeching tires and gunfire outside his home in central Baghdad...

He rushed from his house to see his neighbors - Shiite neighbors - on their roofs, in their windows, in their yards, firing at the attackers. In a trembling voice, he explained that at that moment he felt life change. He realized that his neighbors weren't going to stand by and let the bad guys win.

"I prefer now to die among my friends and neighbors rather than leave my home," he said. "I felt thrilled to see them fighting, all my neighbors standing next to each other guarding the area."

Many Iraqis openly hope that there will be more examples of residents rising up to say they've had enough of sectarian groups trying to split apart Iraqis - Sunni and Shiite - who'd previously lived side by side in peace.

"We have noticed a big difference in violence after people undertook security in their neighborhood," said Lt. Col. Abu Ali, a police officer who patrols the Hai al-Aamel area, where Abu Salah lives.

"They can't shoot at us; we are on the roofs," he said. "But when I got down to the street I was happy to see the whole street carrying weapons."

Neighbor Abu Aadel shared the sentiment.

"We are fed up with the gang attacks coming every day," he said. "It's time to put an end to such attacks, even if it costs our lives."

[FairOpinion]

Definite signs that the Iraqis, even Iraqi civilians are starting to take responsibility for their own security and this is the beginning of the end of the terrorists.

[FairOpinion]

Encouraging news from Iraq.

[MedicalMess]

They can't shoot at us; we are on the roofs," he said. "But when I got down to the street I was happy to see the whole street carrying weapons."


I love this neighborhood!

[Pajamajan]

Great story. But it's a double no-no for the MSM- A positive Iraq story combined with armed citizens defending themselves. Hell will freeze over before this is covered in the press

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

Smell that ?...It's the tantalizing smell of Sweet Freedom

Breath deep take your time in exhalation savor all it has to give !

[knarf]

Maybe the Iraqi's will write their constitution how we almost wrote ours ...

1st Ammendment;
"A well regulated militia .. "

[NewRomeTacitus]

I've also read, from reports from Generals there, that Al Queda insurgents have become increasingly unwelcome while the old tribalism strife (under the guise of palatable pseudonyms) has come back to the fore.

Sorry to say but this attempt to establish Democracy in the Middle East hasn't supplanted the factionalism these folks have lived and breathed since birth. Our way of life and government would be appealing if Islam wasn't the dominant cult (80%) - thus most of the populace ties their government to religion without room for freedom of thought or opinion.

Should our people stay there if the population has committed itself to retaining it's cemented ways while they fight over brother-in-law-hood 800 years gone?

I say screw them -declare victory while we still can, hand it over to the UN and gear up for Iran with a window of preparedness.

[jmc1969]

The last thing Iraq needs are more militas.

[IrishMike]

Is there a ARA or Benchmark Realty office advertising this block yet ???????

[panaxanax]

Imagine if the headline read:

"American Neighborhood Rises up and Fights Back."

i.e. Minutemen along the southern border.

[mbennett203]

"A positive Iraq story combined with armed citizens defending themselves"

Don't forget a line that says it was due to anger about the terrorists trying to destroy Iraqi unity. It's a triple-screwed positive news story. It won't get any airtime.

[ClaireSolt]

Who says that it is not democracy if groups are fighting each other? That's the old stabiity paradigm raising its ugly head. They have had every disagreement suppressed for many years. I am not at all surprised they have scores to settle. Now, they are out in the open. That's all.

[mathluv]

I bet Joe Biden doesn't like this!

[excalibur1701]

It must be difficult for our military to figure who is the bad guy. Especially in this situation.

[marktwain]

Iraq should have their version of the 2nd amendment, but it was quashed by the first administrator Bush appointed, instead of encouraged. Wasn't he from New York City?

[wolfcreek]

The Iraqis are taking back their country maybe, We should start thinking of taking ours back?

[RAY]

Making it to costly and dangerous for the bullies and killers is the only solution in these situations.

[UNGN]

Countdown to the MSM refering to them a "Vigilante's" in 5, 4, 3, 2....

[ishabibble]

You make some fine points, but I ask you to consider the "Monkey See Monkey Do' aspect of the Muslim culture. The neighbors of Iraq, Persian Iran and Arab Jordan, have been so influenced by Western culture that they do put much of it into play in their politics. I believe that the Iraqis will find their way, and it will be a great moment for them on the day Saddam is hanged. Just like the elections, Iraqi success is on their terms.

As for Iraqi citizens being armed and protecting their homes, the frightened rats of Europe look on in envy...

[Redleg Duke]

Spoken like a true quitter.

[Semper Vigilantis]

Sadly, your headline would be subtitled "Many vigilantes jailed".

[NewRomeTacitus]

Not true. The entire point of the exercise (as far as I can see) was to disrupt the impending Caliphate at the critical regional point of centrality. Civil war serves our purpose just as well as the continuing maneuvers. Let them waste themselves and while we use our people more wisely.

Like perhaps performing most of their military exercises on Federal lands on our Southern border. That live-fire's a real mofo.

[Redleg Duke]

Yeah, that'll work about a well as ignoring those pesky little problems in Europe and China circa 1939.

[FairOpinion]

You should have read the whole article.

It looks like the different religious factions are starting to realize that they need to unite against the terrorists.

=====

"Now invaders had entered his street, and he knew that as the only Sunni on a street filled with Shiites, he was probably their target, whomever the invaders might be - insurgents, kidnappers or sectarian death squads.

"I was shaking; it was the fourth time in three days they'd invaded," he said. "I knew they were coming for me."

Then he heard another sound: the gunfire being returned.

He rushed from his house to see his neighbors - Shiite neighbors - on their roofs, in their windows, in their yards, firing at the attackers. In a trembling voice, he explained that at that moment he felt life change. He realized that his neighbors weren't going to stand by and let the bad guys win.

"I prefer now to die among my friends and neighbors rather than leave my home," he said. "I felt thrilled to see them fighting, all my neighbors standing next to each other guarding the area."

[MikefromOhio]

Not true. The entire point of the exercise (as far as I can see) was to disrupt the impending Caliphate at the critical regional point of centrality. Civil war serves our purpose just as well as the continuing maneuvers. Let them waste themselves and while we use our people more wisely.

Well glad you gave us your advice there General. Now let the SOLDIERS do the soldiering please.

[pointsal]

......Ummmm, may I suggest a similar strategy in the good old U.S. of A.?????

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

"American Neighborhood Rises up and Fights Back."

I'll bet that headline is closer than you think !

They are already starting to vote them out of office when the politicians start trying to clamp down on the loss of power the crap will hit the fan .

Most don't give a damn about the country it's power they want !

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1625695/posts

[NewRomeTacitus]

I read the article, but you cited a lot of dramatic moments. I stated that I was behind this Administration's goal of disrupting Islamic world domination. How can anyone have a problem with that? Bush's decisive move put them back at least ten years. Time to educate the free people on this Earth of the threat of Islamic domination.

What you seem to take exception to is my opinion that we can not force our template of a representative republic on a region steeped in tribalism and fanaticism millenia before America existed. They're brought up on hate, sup on ancient grievances and look forward to a dessert of revenge (best served cold).

Mike from Ohio: Six years a soldier and a life led living by those values, civilian. Don't pile on before checking the depth.

[shield]

bttt

[MikefromOhio]

Don't pile on before checking the depth.

Thank you for your service, but whatever you say General. Let the guys and gals in theatre get things done.

[NewRomeTacitus]

Mike: Just an E-4 promotable but the constant calling me "general" is funny - unless you're referencing the "Hang Rumsfeld" bunch (Rumsfeld in 2008!). It's the people serving whom I'm most concerned about.

Redleg Duke got me better via Freepmail:

"I see you have a problem with people who are not syncophants. That is too bad.

I have no problem with you, and just because I do not accept your opinion as biblical, you apparently consider it a personal attack.

For your edidifcation, I am a male, 59 years of age, with 32+ years of faithful service to my country. I was born in the USA, and I am retired Lieutenant Colonel, Army, who is working in the Defense Industry.

Now that I have clarified my position and corrected your eggregious miscomceptions, I believe our business is concluded."

Oh oh, I'm melting...what a non-spellcheck world. Thank you, Lieut. Colonel...I haven't encountered anyone with the presumptuousness to actually dismiss me since leaving the service. Thanks for clarifying that you have a dog in this hunt (Defense Industry).

[MikefromOhio]

Well lookie there, a "E-4 promotable" is talking VERY disrespectfully to a retired Light Colonel.

Way to go numbnuts.

You might think you are Tacitus, but you are more like Commodus. I would say Nero, but I think you'd like that comparison.

[Fruitbat]

They can't shoot at us; we are on the roofs," he said. "But when I got down to the street I was happy to see the whole street carrying weapons."

I love this neighborhood!

Ditto! And isn't it funny how there aren't gun fights right and left as the left would have one suppose if guns are prevalent.

[Fruitbat]

Definite signs that the Iraqis, even Iraqi civilians are starting to take responsibility for their own security and this is the beginning of the end of the terrorists.

Indeed! And just as with Japan at the end of WWII, Kamikazes are more prevalent too also indicative.

[NewRomeTacitus]

As you thought it cute to smear me as I was sending praise dismiss my missive. What a shame - you usually think your postings out before hitting send.

For the record I achieved my rank in record time and was stalled due to a glut of personnel during the end of the Cold War. But do bray on.

[MikefromOhio]

you're the one disrespecting what is going on and what the LT Col said to you.

It's on you, I don't care either way.

smear you? Nope you did it yourself. I just pointed it out.

[yellowdoghunter]

with 32+ years of faithful service to my country. I was born in the USA, and I am retired Lieutenant Colonel, Army, who is working in the Defense Industry.

Thanks for your service and your insights into our current situation.

[NewRomeTacitus]

Sorry, YD Hunter; I was relaying what the Lieut. Colonel was telling me. I pay respects for his time in service but his immediate gravitation to the Beltway...

Of course, just because I saw a few scumbags go that route doesn't mean that this guy has sacrificed what's best for America for profit's sake.

[yellowdoghunter]

Sorry, YD Hunter; I was relaying what the Lieut. Colonel was telling me. I pay respects for his time in service but his immediate gravitation to the Beltway...

Thanks for clarifying that... I appreciate reading what you can relay. Again, thanks for your service to our great nation.

[Redleg Duke]

"Thanks for clarifying that you have a dog in this hunt (Defense Industry)."

I would expect slander and insults from a "PFC who couldn't hack it"!

Long before before I was an LTC, I was a "Slick-sleeve PVT", a PFC, a SP4 and a SGT (E-5). I proved myself as an EM before I earned a commission.

Accordingly, your pedigree doesn't impress me, but rather tells me a heck of a lot about you.

And, as for misspelling, it happens, but I never dropped a round out of safe and I always took care of my troops...even ones like you who couldn't seem to get out of their own way.

I emailed my message to you to avoid embarrassing you...but I see you are bound and determined to embarrass yourself.

[NewRomeTacitus]

That you take this so personally from someone whom you supposedly left in the dust says much about your own character. I sympathize with the dropped round reference, having requested reassignment to sniper several times on the grounds of out-shooting everyone but having lifers denying it due to my need for corrective lenses (ironic now that they give soldiers radial keritonomy surgery on request).

That you worked up the hard way speaks volumes about yourself and I apologize for assuming you were a ring knocker punk. Personal embarrassment is a necessary price toward humility - I took heat for subduing a Nam vet Master Sergeant who was having a flashback and would have killed General Westmoreland during a field exercise because he thought it was Ho Chi coming down the hill. Embarrassment would be not doing that. Fortunately the guy got full benefits while safely sectioned out.

I didn't re-up (despite an offer for OTS) because I didn't like the smell of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that was already being discussed and I was upset that I was denied a program I knew I would excel at (sniper). Their incentive offer mandated two years as Drill Instructor. I could have done that but the drain is too much on someone with only four years in without any talent for sadistic inspiration.

There it is. I figured that the civilian world had more to offer and, if it makes you feel any better, I would have been better off staying in.

But I know in my deepest gut I couldn't have served under Clinton. How did you do it?

[Redleg Duke]

"But I know in my deepest gut I couldn't have served under Clinton. How did you do it?"

Remembered President Reagan.

Remembered, "Duty, honor, Country"