I posted a question before, but it may be lost in the shuffle...I'm not sure what the time difference is between here and US....I am wondering what Iraqi's think of the war...I would also take answers from service men and women...what is the real situation there?  Please know that I am only asking this because I support US efforts to liberate Iraq, and truly wish for you to be a free people...and to service men and women...thanks for all you do
206422
though i am not iraqi,but my mother is and i lived  in iraq till i left it last year more than 40 years,but i think i have the right to answer you.\n1. the war has almost totally destroyed the country.iraq was the jewel of the middle east,now it is a heap of garbage.it is the richest country in the whole world.now its people have the the rank of the 5th poorest country.in the 80,s iraq imported 3 million egyptian workers,now the unemployment is 80%.iraq who is floating on oil is importing gas,kerocine and disel.their prices have jumped 20 folds in 6 mounthes.\n2.from whom was iraq libreated.it was a sovrign independent country since 1921,it is now under occupation.if you think that removing saddam from power is the lebriation of the country,then i suggest you read a criditable book about the deserting army soldeir who by miracle claimbed to the chair of the vice president in 1968 without any qualifications or any service in the government,accept being a gangister,when he was at the age of 29.who was behind him..\n3.there were more than 15 attempts of assasinations and coups by the iraqi army and diffrent people sectores against saddam.who used to warn him,and give him full informations.\n4. wasnt easier and much less costlier to assasinate him since his regime was badly decaying instead of sheding blood from both side with these astronomical figures of us dollars.the proof for that is the us army faced no resistance in invading the country,had the regimn not decayed,the casualties would have been immence.the iraqis are known to be stubborn fighters,\n5.i wish that those who speak of the rebuilding of iraq give the names of the hospitals,roads,electric power stations,schools,water purifying plants ,and the locations of these new projects.otherwise why the electricity is much worse than it was before the war,till now.\n5.no one dosent like the democracy,but every culture has its own way of democracy.dont forget that iraq has 10,000 years of accumilated culture behinde it,it isnt easy to impose the american ideals and way of democracy on it in short time. it is natural that it is rejected.yes the iraqies lived black days since 1958,but the occupation made things worse.\n6.above all there was real security,who dared to kidnap a person before,he would be executed infront of the victims house.noe in the last 3 mounthes the kidnaping rate is 200 persons per day,halfe are wqomen and children.that is one example.who can dare cretisize any official.who can complain anything to any official,where can the officials be found to complain to them.in 1950 my fraind says taha if your phone goes out of service,it would be repaired in one day,now after lebriation it took 15 mounthes and it is not working yet.
109641
The war in Iraq is going better than most people realize. We do not get the stories of the good things that are happening - just never ending liberal hype on the casualties and bombings. It just came out that Saddam said he got rid of the WMD's but kept it so secret even his own generals thought they still had them, so how the hell was President Bush and the rest of the world supposed to know otherwise? Did you hear about it in the media like when any liberal like Kerry, Clinton, Kennedy, or Dean opened their mouths to proclaim the President a liar? Of course not! It does not fit their agenda! The bottom line is this when it comes to my opinion on the war - we cannot allow these people in the press and capitol hill turn this into another Vietnam, which is exactly what they are trying to do (how many liberals have you heard say "quagmire"?). The saddest thing is that there are too many people that are buying into their anti-America, anti-troop propaganda (it's also my opinion that you cannot support the troops without supporting the war - it's the mission they are fighting for and it sends a bad and demoralizing message when people say we support you but what you're doing is illegal and sucks, right?).
614688
Hi, I am an Englishman and never visited the States. I suppose like many people I would have to say that I have had mixed feelings about the USA. Most of the information regarding world events etc comes via the media and does not I think always give the most unbiased opinion. Not just in political events. We all see popular shows like Oprah and this without doubt has a profoundly negative effect. We see in the main what can only be described as weirdos and have to wonder if these strange selfish people are indicative of the country as a whole.\nHigh consumers, irresponsible ecological attitude and a me, me, me mind set.\nAll sounds horrible doesn't it? Thankfully there is the Internet where over the past couple of years I have made some excellent friends who have illustrated that there is a far more caring and unselfish, generous aspect to many of the citizens of the US than I previously thought. \nMy country and yours have been strong allies both economically and in time of conflict and shared a whole lot together. I personally hope that this will always be the case.\nWho knows what may happen in Iraq, North Korea and the rest of the world. But I believe that in the main (although always influenced by oil) The forces currently in Iraq are trying extremely hard to bring about stability. If they were only allowed to do so, your country and mine could bring our troops home. The sooner the better.\nIn a nut shell I am pro American. OK?
247084
Dude. I was there. They didn't have shit. Hell, the Iraqi army barely had ammunition for their weapons. \n\nWe have invaded Iraq on false pretenses. The President lied us into a war. Iraq did not have WMD's. Saddam had used them before the first gulf war, what makes you think he wouldn't have used them again on Americans that were invading his land if he still had them?\n\nDoes logic not mean anything to you at all?\n\nYou mention the insurgents that have converged in Iraq ... They wouldn't be there had we not invaded and then left the borders WIDE OPEN. Do you have any idea how many Syrian terrorists I had personally dealt with? Any clue at all how and why these people chose to go to Iraq? I'll tell you, it's because Americans are there and they want nothing more than a chance to hurt an American.\n\nIf you're so gung-ho about this terrible war, then I suggest you get your butt to the nearest MEPS, enlist, and request to serve in Iraq. Put your money where your mouth is.\n\n___\n\nI don't believe you.
384092
One really powerful primary source about Iraq and Afghanistan is the Sandbox blog on the Doonesbury website.  Every day there are a couple posts by soldiers involved over there.  There is a range of content, but it gives you the sense that there really are good people working hard to improve the lives of Iraqis even though there is also a lot of disastrous stuff happening.  It might open their eyes a little.  I think they'll find glimpses of the good side there, regardless of their politics.
399080
I think that was the most respectful post I have seen on this site. I love you and respect you for posting it. I agree with you 100% God Bless you and God bless our beautiful America. I wish everyone had the insight that you have. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.Also God Bless our troops that are out there keeping us safe. and The Lord for allowing us to be on this beautiful America.
601909
The "poll" most often cited around here is that 80% would like to see us leave Iraq (iraqi citizens).  Mind you that poll was asked in a way to generate that answer.  I would like to know more about the poll saying 80% of the country are optimistic, but it doesn't suprise me as 75% of the country is living in relative peace...the problems are in a few areas.
229362
Yes. Hmmm... I wonder why immigration is suddenly such a big deal and the war is on page 6A??? Could it be an election year? Anyway, yeah it makes me sad, but it is also sad that no one ever asks how many Iraqi civillians have died.
448789
Regardless of when the troops are withdrawn, there will probably be a Civil War. The present government that came into power with US help and backing realize this, hence they want the US to remain to secure their hold. The nation will probably end up with a strongman style dictatorship, like Saddam's but will be friendly to the US, at first anyway. However,I do not believe, the US is in there for oil, and definately not to win the "Hearts & Minds" of the Iraqies. They are mainly concerned about the 14 military bases being built, which will put the US & her client state, Israel within striking distance of all Arab & Persian territory. Although, I think your suggestion about letting the Iraqi people decide will fall on very deaf ears. If there was honesty involved about the war, I would think your idea would be the best way to let go of the tiger's tail...BUT??????????
160228
who did it? well it wasnt the butler in the hallway wilh a candlestick. how many different arab leaders are there in U.A.E.?i wouldnt know.however, it had to be a terrorist group of the arab world. look at the names listed they were all arabic.as for the official story, what we read and saw on the tube was as official as it gets.information concerning this tragic day possibly was edited just to be on the safe side. what i mean is that the story probably had more to it than what was said ,but with the turmoil in the world today, the increasing price of oil and fingers pointed at everyone, why say anything to start trouble? personally i dont think our country is the most advanced in defense or technology.our computers are made up of japans experts and as far as i know our defense systems are made with the same technology. i think there a a few small nations in the world that have come a long way as we have but secrets must be kept.hopefully im wrong but,i have read and surfed the web,i had found many items of interest that are questionable.im not a trouble maker and i think any information gotten will be sufficient enough to sustain my curiosity. i served during vietnam and i enlisted and would do it again. this country is my home and i was proud to serve.
129552
Maybe I have a unique perspective from those that have posted so far considering that I am one of the "troops" and a veteran of the current conflict.  From my own viewpoint it is discouraging to hear all the anti-Bush/anti-war rhetoric--not because I support him/it personally, but because it belittles what we are doing over there.  Can you imagine what it would be like to be in a combat zone and know that your fellow citizens think that what you are doing is pointless, worthless, and/or "illegal"?  It is more than a little disheartening.\n\nAs for what I do: I correspond with a number of my fellow service members who are in Iraq and Afghanistan, I wear a Support Our Troops bracelet 24/7 to remind myself at all times of the sacrifices made by those in uniform, and I strive to educate those that I come in contact with about how not supporting the war that we are fighting hurts almost as much as being called "babykiller".
379249
it appears we have another Hanoi Jane on our hands.or another Tokyo rose,don't kid your selves the American troops are in Iraq and they are doing the job they are supposed to do, so don't try spreading this kind of junk around it won't work as any one who has been in the military will know different, maybe some of these Lilli livered civilians will believe it but not many of them Will, at least not the real men, and this wussies Capt should be relieved of command if she made such a statement, and will be. war is not for the wussies unless it comes home then even the wussies will learn to fight or die,and if we don't win in Iraq then they will be here for us to fight on our own soil, our people know this so make up your mind do you want to fight them there or here one thing is for sure we will fight them,they have already attacked America several times will your kids or parents wife , girl Friend or you  be killed in the next attack?keep listening to these shit heads and you will get the opportunity to fight here,\nso call your congress man and demand that we let our men fight these monsters there on their own ground and kill their own people not ours,and to the hell with P.C. lets kick some butt ,
94481
.      I can not believe some spme people. I hear a lot of stupidity coming out of a lot of Americans mouths concerning the war with Iraq."We're there for oil." what? Cumon ppl listen to ya selves please. What happen to Nationalism? Standing behind our country. That just sickens me to hear that kind of uneducated comments coming out of my fellow Americans mouths. \nAnybody care to correct/comment? Contact me; I'm open for aguement/disscusion.\n.      First of all, we get most of our oil supplies from Nigeria, and even if that was the reason we're there, we Americans should have nothing to whine and cry about because it would only be to assure our benefits. We're in the 21st century for God's sake. This is not the time to just go to war because one country refuses to sell its products. Man! \n.     I support the war with Iraq a 100%. We cant always be reactive, people. We have to act first to stop these idiots from even thinking about messing with us. We cant wait for another 9/11 to go to war. We have to be proactive and teach'em that they should know better than messing with the supper power.       \n.    Even tho this war has dramatically driven our economy downward, its gonna help assure our security in the long run. War is what gave us the image that we have right now. After the bomming of Hiroshima and Nagasaki every other country knew better than messing with us. \n.     Forger the rest, liberating those poor, innocent citizens from dictatorship alone is a legit reason from the USA to go to war with any country!
571216
You are the citizen of the only Superpower on the face of the earth with the strongest army the world has ever seen. I don't know where you are living but in my country, we know we have a responsibility to the world as human beings not police.I am sick of narrow people such as yourself that question such things. I am a United States Marine and although the war in Iraq may have been a diplomatic and tactical mistake... its was the right thing to do.
162494
I am US military stationed in Iraq right now also.  I don't think we came over here for the right reasons, but I think what we are doing for these people is righteous.  I get to go "outside the wire" quite a bit, and being a job that isn't really liked by the insurgents..ie they want to kill me bad, many of these people are happy to have us here.  To have lifted a tyrant out of power and giving them a chance to set up a democratic system of government for themselves.  Slowly but surely the Iraqi military and police are taking over our job, it is a slow process, but it is working.  I am glad to be a part of an operation that liberates a country and lets them choose their freedoms and laws.
527783
Before I answer this question, I'd like to bring up something that really bothers me deeply concerning Iraq, would we be so regretful if we had successfully converted Iraq to a democracy with complete peace? \n\nThe question I have been screaming BEFORE the war started has been, "Does the means justfiy the end?" What if this end had been a success? Would most be sitting around feeling good about America?... feeling good about themselves? ... even though current civilian Iraqi body count is over 600k?... even though we never had a valid nor justiable reason to occupy Iraq?...\n\nOf course you know my feelings on this... immoral means never justfiy an end even if that end is successful. What about all those ppl that have died? What about the loyal, committed soldiers that followed their country's orders... not just American soldiers btw. \n\nSo once again, we should not take any pride in any way, shape or manner for our leader's invasion of Iraq. \n\nIs there ever a time to take pride in participating in a war? I think so. I did an Army tour in the mid-80s then when Saddam invaded Kuwait, one of our allies, I volunteered to come out of inactive status to participate. Why? Because I truly thought we, as a WORLD, had progressed past the days of barbaric occupations of invading just because you are stronger than the other guy. I took pride in that war because I compared it to a bully beating up a little child... that we were fighting the bully. Now, we are the bully.\n\nI can't begin to describe in words the disappointment I have in my country due to our actions. And what gets me now is the length of time it took ppl to come to this realization. I was a voice from the beginning saying it was wrong... most of these ppl against it were the ones in 2003 with those ribbons on the back of their mini-vans, American flags outside their homes... telling me I was anti-American or unpatriotic for not supporting my president. \n\nI'm serious. How many of you out there reading this either didn't have an opinion or was pro-Iraqi war because you thought it was going to be a cake walk? You were so sure we would just walk over the Iraqis and be the WINNERS. You never stopped to ask about our reasons... were they justified. America is going to war and we are going to kick some *** then come home like nothing winning.. showing the world 'who we are'.\n\nFor example, that Cindy Shehan (spelling) that camped outside of Bush's home in Texas in protest of the war AFTER her son died in Iraq. Where was her protest before her son died? I'd be willing to bet that up to that point, she was one of those ppl driving those mini-vans proudly with the ribbons on the back before that. \n\nSome ppl compare Iraq to Vietnam. While I see some comparisons, believe it or not, Vietnam at least had a reason. Vietnam was about containment. Containment is a word used to describe the stopping of the spreading of communism of that era. While I never saw how the spread of communism threatens us, at least they gave us a real,honest reason. \n\nNow to get the core of your question... what should we do now, knowing what we know now about the lies?\n\nUp to a week ago, I was on the fence about this. I literally could not decide. On one hand, I don'f feel good about making a mess of their country, the 100,000s that have died then leaving them to somehow find a way. On the other hand, I was thinking we couldn't win... win in terms of ever helping those ppl to 'get along' in a civil manner.\n\nI have since, just in the past few days, come to a realization... we need to get out. Why and what caused my choice, decision? \n\nIt all came together for me a few days ago when I read about some Shiites that had kidnapped 25 sunnis, took them into the streets and then burned them alive. Not only did they do this, Iraqi troops stood by and watched and an American helicopter patrolling took no action.\n\nThis action was not the r
15569
I think in 10 years from now when we look back at the war it will be looked at in a more positive light.  Iraqi woman are not being killed now for speaking up, the Iraqi people are able to vote and democracy is taking hold in their country. They are now able to enjoy some of the freedoms we take for granted. The majority of Iraqis want us there.