Commentary from the Tip of the Spear (1000 hits)
Category: Politics -> IraqRating: 1.93 on 45 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by GodChicken <Monty> (View user info) at 2004-04-11 04:56:58 EDT
Ok, everyone, some of you have been asking for it, so here it is. I've been here just about 2 months, and seen/heard a lot of crazy stuff not only here, but in the media as well.
What the fuck is going on? well, I'm a man of few words, but this will probably be one of my longer posts.
First, I'd like to discuss the whole "vietnam" thing. Yes, we out here are aware that this is being passed around. It's on our minds, too. Everybody here has 2 things on their mind: Accomplish the task, and Going Home. Myself, included. We don't want to be here any more than some of you want us to be here, but we've been given a task, and I'd like to see someone come up with a rational plan to pull us out of here that won't result in this entire country becoming a slaughterhouse and haven for extremism. Iran would *love* that. So would the beleaguered remanents of the Taliban and Al Qaida up in the mountains of Afghanistan. They'd have a free ticket to set up shop in a place just chock full of weapons with open borders to most of the Middle East. Much more hospitable to lay up in a city than a cave in the mountains, isn't it?
So, lets get that out of the way. We're here, and we're here to stay. No cries of foul are going to change that now. Shut up. We can either let the whole region go into chaos, or we can draw the line here, and let the enemy come to us.
Second, What is it with the weak, vacillating nature of our politics in this? Toe the line, all of you. Because of the pathetic on-demand sort of culture we've indocrinated ourselves with, it sounds to me out here like we're expecting it to be "your way, right away, at burger king now" sort of an operation. IT IS NOT YOUR WAY. We can't simply come in and fix the situation in a year and head on out! Nobody here has a nationalistic spirit. There are no patriots. What you would call a patriot is what is currently out there, wiring up bombs to kill us as we drive down the road, launching mortar attacks, and conducting bombings in the cities that kill Iraqis who are trying to work with us.
Every level of the police and government is rife with corruption. Smiling faces who turn into a sneer the minute our backs are turned. We still don't know who to trust. We hire a poor Iraqi to drive a truck, deliver us water from the local treatment plant. He is paid a wage to feed his family, to put money into the local economy... and then we find him counting paces between buildings, asking questions about what sort of things people do in there.
It's not all that way, though. The average Iraqi doesn't have power for the whole day. The water isn't always running. We're working on it though. Daily, work crews go out to erect more power lines, repair the downed towers between cities. Today they see power for 2 more hours each day beyond what they did last month. It might go faster, if the work crews were not under constant threat, and the bastards didn't go out and cut down the lines.
Perhaps you can see in that situation, why the tribal leaders in the city of Al Kut revolted against the militia of that cleric Sadr, and helped the US forces drive them out of the city earlier this week. They want to see clean water. They want power. They want the grocery stores to have cold drinks, frozen vegetables, and such. Armed gunmen aren't going to produce that. I remember looking out the armored door of the Hum-Vee taking me to this camp, and seeing a little girl in a brilliant red dress burst out of her home, and run alongside the fence, waving at us, just hoping to get acknowledged. Her parents didn't stop her, they didn't punish her, either. They want what we want: A stable Iraq where she can go to school, learn to get on a computer, talk to people on the other side of the world from her.
"winning the hearts and mind" indeed. Again, do you think this will take only a year? This will take YEARS to do right. We round up weapons caches every week, and destroy them. The looted storage bunkers of Saddam's army still stand empty. We find them in fields, houses, buried under a rock, a tree. Does the average Iraqi want an AK-47? Yes and No. Self-defense, maybe. People are greedy. Someone will come and take from you if you are not prepared to defend it. They'd rather turn to the police, but they don't trust them yet, either. Case in point, the 4 contractors who were killed in Fallujah, were set up by the Iraqi police they thought they could trust. http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/04/01/iraq.main/index.html Go Ahead, read. Yes, there are mercenaries here. No, they are not front line troops. Get that idea out of your head. They were providing security for truck convoys, delivering food to the city they died in. Again, people are greedy. They will take it from you if you do not defend it.
The quickest way to a man's heart is in his stomach, and that of his family. We'll win a heart when we fill a belly. Those that hate us will continue to hate. Hell, they've hated the jews in israel for over 2000 years, whats a few years compared to that?
We are fighting in Fallujah and Ar Ramadi. I am in Ar Ramadi. No, I am not on the front line firing a rifle. I am dodging attacks back here at the camp. I will think very hard about ever going to see a 4rth of July fireworks display, because the booms and wailing sounds of bottle rockets in flight will remind me of the rockets here, the ones that fall into our camps, and kill.
If you want to read, you can read the truth in some of the comments on CNN. Fallujah is under siege. Women and children are being allowed to evacuate. Males over the age of 15 must stay. If they do not want to fight, if they want to work with us, to get fed, to see power in their homes, and the police on the streets walking beside a US soldier, learning and making friends, then they will stay in their homes. If they want to fight, come on out, we've got a round or two for you.
The unreasoning hate will continue, but at lower levels. The tough nut will be cracked. I can't answer why they hate us, I wish I knew. I don't understand. None of us really do. I will start by asking the workers here on the base what they think. English is the language of buisness in the Middle East, so many people know at least a little. It may be at the level of a 4 year old, but they can still get a point across. The last time I asked, they told me they didn't know, either.
We also do not have a sense of the tribal culture and the honor system that governs these people. A man kills someone, and he is sentenced to death. The family of that dead man is the only one who can spare his life. Forgiveness is divine, and it is a blessing to each other, yet tribes here simmer on the edge of open warfare over longstanding grudges. What do we do, with that?
I have hope, sitting here, that in a few years, Iraq will be on its feet, with a security force it can trust, and councils in the cities that can arbitrate tribal disputes, and then we can go home.
We're not going anywhere for awhile. Send us some fucking Snickers, I'm going into withdrawl.
User Reviews
Submitted by Shryke (user info) at 2007-02-20 22:45:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
three years on and it is worse.
spooky.
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2007-02-20 22:21:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I can't even imagine. But I can try.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2004-04-22 08:38:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Monty - I think you fell into the junk mail bucket. Can you send it again and put something like uber in the subject line so I can add you to my little list.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2004-04-18 17:54:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Hey Monty, e-mail me when you get a chance. My e-mail address is cleverly disguised on my user info.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2004-04-17 11:28:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This is really good Monty and more or less what I was thinking was going on. I don't understand the people who think we should pull out now. Like you said, for good or ill we are stuck there and that is perhaps the most fucked up part about all of this. Not to go political, but I blame Bush and hate him a little bit more every time I hear of another casualty. I'm afraid that if we pull out now, we will create a breeding ground for terrorists that would make Bin Laden look like a boy scout. I'm also afraid of the drain on our resources that this is taking and bottom line, the US can't do this alone. Maybe we should have to since it was cowboy policy that got us into this and all, but shit.
hang in there
Submitted by volklcess (user info) at 2004-04-13 11:21:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
God bless you, Monty! My peanut butter cookies that I promised you will be on their way shortly.
:-)
Phoenix
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2004-04-13 04:43:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Do you not want those Snickers??
Submitted by DJMattB241 (user info) at 2004-04-12 23:35:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
*hug* come back in one piece (physically AND mentally)
we'll go get a drink.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2004-04-12 15:46:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good to hear from you.
Submitted by AlwaysAnEagle (user info) at 2004-04-11 22:57:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Thanks Monty.
Your mailing address to AlwaysAnEagle.at.hotmail.com, please...
Submitted by NerfHerder (user info) at 2004-04-11 19:39:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Nobb (user info) at 2004-04-11 19:19:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You know Europeans hated Jews up until the 20th century even without them stealing any land. Sorry that isn't on topic an will bring this post down.
I think there's no point in blaming the soldiers, they are under orders, take it out on Bush and co. However why people protest is because if they didn't, it would be like, if somethings done you've gotten away with it.
The people are probably pissed because their cities were bombed to shit and their lives are worse now than under Saddam, there's also the fact that it's America, and they already hated America, who doesn't? I think the soldiers have been put in a very unfortunate position though, you have all my sympathies, stay alive.
Submitted by slowlyrotting (user info) at 2004-04-11 18:19:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
when i read the part about the 4th of july fireworks...
my dad and I went to DC to visit the iwo jima memorial on friday and as we were walking out of the metro a truck backfired down the street, the first thing my dad said was "Everytime I hear a boom I think of laying in my bunk listening to bombs going off outside and wondering if we were attacking or if they were"
good luck with that when you get home
Submitted by Bigmike (user info) at 2004-04-11 17:07:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Stay alive please. Help others stay alive too.
Thank you.
Submitted by zzyxx (user info) at 2004-04-11 16:59:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
well... that post was well written. although my views aren't the same as yours, i definately support all the young people who have ended up in iraq and afghanistan. i think what we all forget is why these people (iraqi insurgents, Hamas, PLO) are fighting. it's akin the to same reasons native americans fought back against settlers and the us army throuhout the nineteenth centuy. when foriegners come onto your soil, whether they be americans, israelis, spaniards, italians or whetever; and they tell you how it's going to be on YOUR anscestoral land... well, in my book, you don't take that sitting down. you put a gun on your shoulder and you do what you can to preserve your way of life, because that's all you have left. america is not doctor laura, and we can't fix problems in a country that we don't even understand. why do the iraqi's want to kill american soldiers? because we're there. what will happen if america leaves? after the civil war, iraq will probably split into three different countries, turkey will hate america because the kurds will attempt to annex the southern half of turkey. iran will support the shiite division of old iraq, and who knows what the sunni will do... probably come out with a Sadaam Hussein memorial colouring book. i say let the shit hit the fan. it's obvious america is in it for the money, if they were really into it for democracy and freedom, wouldn't they have sent 100,000 troops to bosnia in 92?
let me get back on track.
your post was well written, and the safety of every human in that area is on my mind. may you, and all others return home safe.
Submitted by coley (user info) at 2004-04-11 15:42:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Wonderfully written, Monty.
So, really, what's your address..
Submitted by ThatOneGirl (user info) at 2004-04-11 15:08:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I agree wholeheartedly with Ainkara.
Submitted by GodChicken (user info) at 2004-04-11 14:24:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Thanks everyone.
I'm not sure who I was writing this for. I was writing it as non-biased as I possibly could be, and because several users here had asked me to post something on what is going on over here.
It sucks to filter through a dozen stories on the news that are titled "2 killed in clash with rebels" just to find the little tidbits at the bottom that say: "In other news.."
There's too much sensationalism in today's news.
I hope Loki and Glam find this. where are they?
Submitted by GodChicken (user info) at 2004-04-11 14:24:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Thanks everyone.
I'm not sure who I was writing this for. I was writing it as non-biased as I possibly could be, and because several users here had asked me to post something on what is going on over here.
It sucks to filter through a dozen stories on the news that are titled "2 killed in clash with rebels" just to find the little tidbits at the bottom that say: "In other news.."
There's too much sensationalism in today's news.
%
Submitted by yidele (user info) at 2004-04-11 13:56:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
damn straight.
Submitted by ohlookasquirrel (user info) at 2004-04-11 13:31:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Mike <mlw86.at.aol.com> at 2004-04-11 13:18:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Very well written and such, I'm not arguing with anything you said.
I just question who you are writing it for. I mean, I don't really know anyone who is saying "fuck Iraq, we need the troops out now!" Not John Kerry, not the DNC, not really anyone I agree with anyway. I certainly realize that this isn't an operation where you could just walk in, fire some guns, and then leave. The problem I have is that it seems that is what George Bush thought the war was going to be. Whether or not you agree with why we went into the country, the entire after-war operation seems pretty piss-poorly planned by the administration. The troops are doing a great job, the best they can, and I certainly don't think I could put up with what you guys are.
Submitted by KoolMang (user info) at 2004-04-11 12:56:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Btw - I'm also Canadian. That should be enough to counter the belief that we're all hippies who don't want to help the world out.
Submitted by SpikeGoddess (user info) at 2004-04-11 12:50:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Thank-you for this. I found myself asking, "why are we still there if the whole nation seems to want us to leave and everyone at home is crying for the return of the troops" but reading this has answered that question. I am a firm believer that people need to finish what they start, and I pray that you will all be safe, that you will finish your work as quickly as possible, and that Iraq will have peace and stabillity.
I want to see that little girl waving goodbye to the soldiers with a smile on her face, not crying, and not afraid for her future.
Thank-you, Monty. Thank-you to everyone over there.
Submitted by KoolMang (user info) at 2004-04-11 12:49:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Ignore KoolWang, just a spoof of someone else. I actually quite liked this, GodChicken. To tell the truth, I never really agreed with the Iraq war until now, when the insurgents are uprising, and you are giving them hell. This was well-written, and gives me, and all of us, a new perspective from an American soldier with a heart of gold. Keep up the good work, lop the heads off some Shi'ites for us! ;)
Submitted by domenad (user info) at 2004-04-11 12:25:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Godchicken: Send me an address and your name to judoka1978.at.hotmail.com. I'll send you a whole fucking case of Snickers, no joke.
Submitted by domenad (user info) at 2004-04-11 12:24:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Do your job, and come home safely my friend.
Submitted by corn_nugget (user info) at 2004-04-11 11:38:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Monty... wow, two months, already? Well, we'll see you back here in four... if you ever come up here to Michigan, I'll give you that hug you've been missing.
It's interesting how you wrote this post, informative, and no anger/hate running through it. It's so common to hear the emotional side of affairs like this, when people are trying to describe the situation... I mean, war IS emotional. The other day you wrote about how there's "urban warfare" in the cities now, and it brought tears to my eyes... and I'm thousands of miles removed.
I also like how you described the cultural differences and the tribal mentality... I think that's an oft over-looked fact when it comes to analyzing the who's-and-what's in this war. My head is in the proverbial sand quite often... I don't watch TV, and unless I hear it on NPR or read it on Uber (oh god, Uber as a source for NEWS!?) I pretty much don't know what's going on in the world... so the whole Vietnam refernece has escaped my attention, thus far. What you say is true... as Americans we do have a Fast Food Mentality. We want to eat fast, lose weight fast, drive fast, and win the war- right NOW. That just can't happen. We're there, and no matter what we all think of our presence in Iraq, we can't turn back now...
On the lighter side... I love it when you, GODCHICKEN, says anything about people "crying foul"... you must love it when the girls cry foul! ;)
Submitted by griffsrgr8 (user info) at 2004-04-11 11:35:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by GodChicken (user info) at 2004-04-11 11:15:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by KoolWang (user info) at 2004-04-11 10:23:42 (#)
Ranking: -2
Who broke da chain?
======================
Some pathetic fuck who has to create alternate accounts.
Submitted by KoolWang (user info) at 2004-04-11 10:23:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Who broke da chain?
Submitted by Razor (user info) at 2004-04-11 09:06:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
If you want to know why so many of them hate you, consider this human truism:
People would rather rule themselves badly than live in the best possible way under the rule of someone else.
This has proven true time and time again over the last few hundred years as the idea that people could throw down their leaders was proven.
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2004-04-11 08:56:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
this should really be put on BAW it was so well written and informative
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2004-04-11 08:51:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
great point of view
Submitted by creep_firebombing (user info) at 2004-04-11 08:28:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Finally, a word of truth to rally the Uberers. It seems that lately people on this site can only bicker about the politics of the situation. To me, this is crying over spilled milk. We're in it for the long haul now and no amount of hosing is going to clean the shit off our boot any faster.
Thank you for saying the words that I could not. Good luck. I've been there and have come home. Trust me, there will be no feeling like it in the World.
Submitted by MrB (user info) at 2004-04-11 08:16:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
bloody good info/view on business...and well written as well.
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2004-04-11 08:12:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Tell us your address and any
package restrictions...I am sure uber
fans can round up a Snickers or two...
Be careful out there.
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2004-04-11 07:44:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
oops i'm sorry i forgot to include my e-mail. I thought it showed up in my user info, anyway here it is
mystiamoon.at.yahoo.com
Submitted by seansdementia (user info) at 2004-04-11 07:37:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Just got home myself from kirkuk/north iraq and saw on the news about the rocket attack...scared the sht right out of me. Kick some ass. Im with ya.
Submitted by mikethescottish (user info) at 2004-04-11 07:16:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
One of the most straightforward, insightful commentries on Iraq thus far. You have my support/ sympathy.
Submitted by shandythedog (user info) at 2004-04-11 07:01:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
very interesting
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2004-04-11 06:48:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Excellent post
truly excellent
if you can send me an address to my email i would be glad to send you guys some care packages.
Im currently layed off and have a ton of free time to round you guys up some goodies and send them out.
I'm totally serious i would really like to help so please send me a list of some things that you guys are craving and i'll try to get it out to ya asap
Submitted by Ainkara (user info) at 2004-04-11 05:48:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Even if people don't agree with the reason behind the soldiers being over there, we should all be able to agree that we should support them. Supporting the fighters, and respecting them for what they do is not supporting the cause that makes them fight. It's their job. No one should hate them for that.
I just wish that everyone over there could be safe...
Submitted by Chuck (user info) at 2004-04-11 05:31:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
you asked for it.
Submitted by bob (user info) at 2004-04-11 05:04:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
no review necessary
Submitted by Tom (user info) at 2004-04-11 05:00:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You got sauce ready to be sent.