"I hate to say it but there are some things in the papers that are inaccurate" (Wolfowitz)

Department of Defense ^ | April 18, 2003 | Press Conference

[grammymoon]

They hate him because he is a Jew-from Brooklyn, NY yet!
I love him and think he is awesome.

[Greenpees]

Thank you for this post, I'm glad that you put it up on Free Republic for a number of reasons. The thing that strikes me clearest is the overeaction to a bit of protesting in Baghdad.

Having spent some time in the Somali capitol, I am somewhat familiar with the reaction of Muslims to the American presence.

Firstly, they are never happy about it. There is some deep seated mistrust, mostly based on the Koran, that they can never befriend, nor be subjective, to Western ideals or forces. But that is merely on it's face. The "hard-core" is always the minority in any country, under almost any circumstances. Thus, the Imam's and citizens decrying the US presence in Baghdad, is, in my opinion, the minority.

What I remember most about Somalia was the people, not the religion. When I spoke to them and heard thier thoughts, it should be considered that I was carrying an M-16A2. The presence of such doesn't always lend itself to frank, open discussions. Nonetheless, I believe the basic message is true.

I was told, many times by Somali's that they had prayed for our arrival. Mainly, it was because there are as many bad guys in the Muslim world, simply persuing power, as anyplace in the modern world. The are not nationally "holy" by virtue of religion anymore than we are as a complete nation. There are always other forces at work.

The Iraqi's, I believe, as the Somali's, wish that someone would put a stop to the continuing cycle of Imam's calling for Jihad against everything from the mailman to a house fire. They are tired, and they just want peace. They want thier children to live in safety, gain an education, and live long lives.

What I learned in Somalia was that, just like us, most Muslims are suspicious of the system. The difference is that they cannot speak out against it.

At this time, I hope that all Americans will be thier voice. We cannot, and will not withdraw. These people are redeemable, there is never a point where we shoud give up on them. Let the vocal majority have thier say, as we would in the US, but never forget what we fight for.

Lastly, I believe it's time, beyond time, for the avaerage Muslim Arab to experience the world as we know it to be. We need to be strong and stand up for the weak. Wolfowitz is speaking the truth, the minority is looking for a foothold to control the majority. Let's ignore them and support what we belive in.

[Mustang]

Good post...Great read...you did OK!

[WOSG]

About the looting, I cannot conceive that had I lived in those conditions for so long that I would not have gone on a grabbing spree myself.

Indeed. Saddam stole billion$ from the people of Iraq, put the money into palaces and prisons, and the 4 million residents of baghdad woke up one morning and found he and the whole govt were gone. What better revenge for an impoverished iraqi than to take saddam's bathroom "throne".

As for some of the real thefts, like the museum hit, those are now being reported as professionally done. surprise surprise.

[Theresa]

"Some people" want security; they could care less about freedom."

There you have it. The next phase of the war. Detesting them for not appreciating what we did for them. Their museums are not worth one American life... and who are they to want law and order?

[Theresa]

"They are tired, and they just want peace. They want thier children to live in safety, gain an education, and live long lives. "

That is exactly right.

[Theresa]

"We cannot, and will not withdraw. These people are redeemable, there is never a point where we shoud give up on them."

That is exactly right too.

[sinkspur]

Detesting them for not appreciating what we did for them. Their museums are not worth one American life... and who are they to want law and order?

What's your problem?

Their museums aren't worth one American life.

Frankly, I don't care whether they appreciate what we did for them or not. I just want us to disable Hussein's war making capability so that Iraq is no longer a threat to us or its neighbors.

The "law and order" is returning. Just relax. Everything will be fine.

[Theresa]

"I hear ya. But what was astounding to me was that there hasn't been a blood-bath. "

That is so true. It is to their credit.

[WaterDragon]

I agree. Questions from reporters throughout this war have been mind-boggling. Very antagonistic toward the U.S., for crying out loud.

[WaterDragon]

BTTT

[blackie]

The left-wing presstitutes are and will always be irrelevant!

Be Well - Be Armed - Be Safe - Molon Labe!