What's an American's opinion of this?
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11,949
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From: MAHT-O-MEDI
I would like to know a little more context. I do not think this is a way for the troops or the US government to win friends, the punishment may have been too severe, but on the other hand looting had been a HUGE problem over there. The army let it go for a while. There was lots of lawlessness. The news stories we heard over here was that the people of Iraq were demanding order be restored and pleading with the US to crack down on looters and thieves.
If the public was told that no more looting would be tolerated and that there would be severe consequences then this footage could have been from a crackdown on looter and not just some yahoos out for a stroll in a tank. When a country is in chaos and the people are being robbed by thugs every day, you have to put a stop to it, sometimes it aint pretty. If a couple guys get there cars crushed, word gets around fast and people stop trying to take advantage of looting opportunities real fast. Saying "Attention Iraqis, stop looting please" was not working.
It is to difficult to make a judgement from just that clip. Soundbites and short video clips are too easy to deceive with.
Lastly, in a culture where people have there hands cut off for stealing, I would rather have my car crushed to be honest.
If the public was told that no more looting would be tolerated and that there would be severe consequences then this footage could have been from a crackdown on looter and not just some yahoos out for a stroll in a tank. When a country is in chaos and the people are being robbed by thugs every day, you have to put a stop to it, sometimes it aint pretty. If a couple guys get there cars crushed, word gets around fast and people stop trying to take advantage of looting opportunities real fast. Saying "Attention Iraqis, stop looting please" was not working.
It is to difficult to make a judgement from just that clip. Soundbites and short video clips are too easy to deceive with.
Lastly, in a culture where people have there hands cut off for stealing, I would rather have my car crushed to be honest.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 5,033
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From: UNITED STATES
Vader1,
there are Iraqi i worked and see every day. Some cook for us, some translate the language for us, and some just come by and hang out and talked to soldiers.
AND i CANT trust any of them.
it is so hard to explain to you guys what it is like. you just got to be there.
these people are not normal people who you generaly can trust and be friendly
there are few that we known for a year. they seem to be your best friend, but THEY WILL KILL you if they get enough money from others.
that may seem not big deal but you have to understand soldiers giving them stuff because Americans trust and love those friends who are close.
they will break that trust, friendship, and it doesnt bother them a bit.
My soldier Trust me to make right decision at all times and that means everything to me.
there are Iraqi i worked and see every day. Some cook for us, some translate the language for us, and some just come by and hang out and talked to soldiers.
AND i CANT trust any of them.
it is so hard to explain to you guys what it is like. you just got to be there.
these people are not normal people who you generaly can trust and be friendly
there are few that we known for a year. they seem to be your best friend, but THEY WILL KILL you if they get enough money from others.
that may seem not big deal but you have to understand soldiers giving them stuff because Americans trust and love those friends who are close.
they will break that trust, friendship, and it doesnt bother them a bit.
My soldier Trust me to make right decision at all times and that means everything to me.
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