As you read this excerpt, and the rest of his excellent post, ponder the fact that this man works as an interrogator with the U.S. military in a prison for enemy POWs (Hat Tip: Sensing's round-up of links):
"I sat at the end of his cot while him and the army general looked up into my eyes as if to say, "Please don't tell me you are leaving". With out hesitation the words "I'm leaving" came out of my mouth. Then there was a long pause as I waited for their response. They both looked at me and looked at each other, simultaneously saying, "This is not good news". They expressed their concern for my safety since I was going to live in Baghdad. They both promised to be there with me as soon as they are released. They vowed to be my shield against any would be attackers and promised to pray for me continuously. Looking through the tent door, noticing the others were gathering outside, I rose to my feet to say goodbye. With tears running down my face I embraced each of them and thanked them for the great example they had been to me and for the many things I had learned from them. They too were crying as I departed their tent, promising to see me again in Baghdad as soon as possible."I've read his blog for a while now, and none of this surprises me. Remarkable - and worth thinking about.
Yes, he seems like a nice guy, a good representative of the USA. I hope his judgment about people is good: I know from experience that people in custody can be very manipulative.
He's up against a zero-defects CYA mentality if he wants to advocate for the release of any of these guys, no matter how innocent they are, or how much they might help the new Iraq out.
It's hard to tell what's going on, except that I know we're not spending enough money on broadcasting our side of the story to the Iraqis.
Son of klaatu is in Baghdad. He is cryptic in his letters and phone calls. He says that he gets mostly positive reactions from the Iraqis, even a few marriage proposals from giggling girls. He also said (in June) that he was out with one squad, "lots of beatings and butt-strokings, kicking down doors looking for Ali Babas [this squad] like to get blood on their uniforms." Well, maybe a little street justice, or what?
The Chief has done this for 33 years now. He was there during the first war in the desert. I really do think he knows what he's doing.
Plunge, Klaatu wasn't implying that Chief W. didn't know what he was doing - just pointing out the risk he's taking for the benefit of those who aren't familiar with these details.
And Klaatu, tell your son our thoughts are with him.
Thanks, Joe. Nine months to go.
And Plunge, as a regular reader of his blog, I really do hope Chief Wiggles can get that Air Force general out.
My wife says this represents an American archtype at its best.