Every time I get into a conversation about Iraq with someone back home, they ask me what the kids are like, or what the people are like, or what the women do. Normally, the only time I see given to the Iraqi people in the news is for the numbers of the dead, and the rantings of radical Muslims. I can look around me as I go on patrol and see faces everywhere that belong to neither group.
There are the middle-aged men in black robes and red headdresses who glare at us as we pass. They squat in circles and whisper to each other, and strike their children when they wave and call to us. I rarely see women among them.
There was the young Iraqi girl in an orange headdress that blew a kiss at me as we passed her at a checkpoint. She got embarrassed and hid her face when I smiled back.
Once, as we returned to Ramadi from Falluja, I saw an Iraqi man driving his truck through the rain. There were four women in traditional garb in the back of the truck, huddled together for warmth. On the front seat next to the man was his dog.
In one small village near the canals in Falluja was one of the cutest kids I've ever seen. She was only four or five, and looked like my sister did at that age- curly dark hair around her round, dimpled face. She smiled big and waved, asking for candy- I spread my hands and told her I didn't have any. She covered her eyes and started pouting, and then turned again to smiles within seconds. As we drove out of sight I could see she was still waving.
There was the old man out working his field- I saw him leaning up against his shovel watching us leave underneath the setting sun. He was old enough to have known life before Saddam as well as after. I can't help but wonder what he thinks of us.
Everywhere, there are children. If the streets are free of children, we start to look for the imminent attack. They love to have their picture taken, and all of them know that American troops are endless wells of candy. These kids are the future of Iraq. If they grow up to hate, I have little hope that there will ever be peace on this place.
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TD
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog more than any other. I appreciate your humanity in a war zone.
antares
Great stuff TD! Keep it coming.
ReplyDeleteWay to go TD, I will do another Shout out about this post, you need more readers.
ReplyDeleteStay safe and keep writing.
Teflon Don,
ReplyDeleteYou have such a kind heart... I hope those kids grow up with your wisdom and awareness - because then we WILL have peace in Iraq...
I'm going to leave you on my 'Special Blessings' at the top of my blog page. Every day. Something just says that's the right thing to do...
Be safe, TD. I visualize you coming home safe and sound, marrying a nice woman who adores you, and having a career you enjoy...
"On the front seat next to the man was his dog."
ReplyDeleteClearly the man has his priorities.
I have some hope, TD. Regarding that Parisien meeting, many noted historians assert that President Wilson would have done much better than 3 of 14, had he but given Prime Minister George some of his Good & Plentys.
ReplyDeleteDo not deny incrementalism. The vast majority of shifts - both the radical and subtle - are achieved only through the most minute of steps.
I am so enjoying your real life stories. I love to read the way your write about what you see thru your eyes. thanks for protecting all of us. Your are so appreciated you have no idea.
ReplyDeleteanything I could possibly say would seem so trivial in the face of your strength, your sensitivity, and your courage.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, I really enjoy your writing
ReplyDeleteTD, I was reading a blog by an Iraqi girl that loves country music and southern accents. She questioned one of the troops about southern terms, so if you're ever greeted with a loud YEEEEEEHA, and a Ya'll come back now, you'll know where it came from. These kids are a lot more 'eyes open' to the world, mainly because of the internet.
ReplyDeleteCulture may differ, but children are children everywhere. Have you ever heard the old saying, "Squaws in the back." refering to making the women ride in the back of the truck? It takes time for change in culture.
ReplyDeleteStay safe.
Great post TD. It really is pathetic that no media outlets really cover the average Iraqi citizen, and their points of view. I think it would give the American public a very different perspective of the war.
ReplyDeleteStay safe, and all of our thoughts and prayers are with you!
td, will you post some pics of the people? we'd all love to see the real iraq from your eyes...
ReplyDeletethanks, be safe, bee
you're a bad ass, man, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the people you have seen.
ReplyDeleteHi TD,
ReplyDeleteYou've answered the question I have most often - how do the locals react to you? I'm sure it differs greatly by area.
For the middle aged fellows you referred to, is there anything you can do for them or say to them to lessen the distrust? It's always easier to hate/distrust a group vs. individuals. Is it possible/safe to engage them some how?
Thanks for giving us your side of the story. I'm sorry for the loss of your comrades. I hope our country allows you honor them by finishing the task.
I have to agree with Sara. Thanks for what you are doing. Thanks for what you are writing.
ReplyDeleteI am blogrolling you.
God Bless
Larry
I'm enjoying reading your blog while I am at work. I hope you don't mind my reference to your blog in mine. Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to using this as my browsers' start page.
ReplyDeleteHi TD. I've been away and have just now caught up on your latest posts. I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your friends. Your poems were heart wrenching. Stay as safe as you can and keep up the good work. Thanks again for all you do.
ReplyDeleteTrackbacked by The Thunder Run - Web Reconnaissance for 02/20/2007
ReplyDeleteA short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention.
I like how you see people.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up! I enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat writing, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI feel strongly we can create a free country here, and we're trying to get that point across to Congress. I can't stand the thought of all this being for nothing when it is so close to being everything for so many.
If you can please sign the Appeal at www.AppealForCourage.org
LT Jason Nichols
MNF-I, Baghdad
http://www.stopiranwar.com/
ReplyDeleteStop by my place and take a look at my post about milbloggie, you are involved.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad my daughter gave me the link to your website. She is a WOW member and lives in San Deigo, you might know her.
ReplyDeleteI have often thought the folks in Iraq that was going to have influence on the out come was the women. The mothers of the young children. Wanting them to grow up in som sort of what we think is normal lives. Not wanting them to hate or Kill. I hope at night the women are nagging on thier man to come home and do choirs etc. Ware the pants.
Keep up the good work!
Murf in Idaho
God works in mysterious ways and you never know when you are planting a seed. Obviously, you are planting seeds in these young minds of the kindness of American GIs. Hopefully, other kind soldiers (and I mean that collectively among all the branches) will water those seeds with additional kindness. God is using you to try to reach these children.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you and those you come in contact with, just as I pray for our troops every day. You are making a difference. Please don't let the media make you think otherwise. America loves and supports you, all of you!
God Bless You!