Animals. They need to turn the place into glass and let the vultures sort it out. Our administration has failed us miserably by involving the US in the nightmare. These people will NEVER be capable of governing themselves, they dont have the intelligence or the common sense that is necessary.
The terrorism will NEVER stop and here is the proof...the only way to deal with people and situations like this is to eliminate them. Totally.

That is not justice you fools. I understand your anger and extreme frustration with all the evil people in Iraq, but are you any different if you operate the same as they do? Move away from violence and retaliation and let the governmental justice become your weapon. Turn criminals in to the authorities. It is not right for any one person to take the life of another. Who do you think you are? Only God has the right to give or take life. I assure you, God is very far away from you during your criminal killing sprees and criminal violence. Again I understand your anger and frustration. I to, want to Help Iraq free themselves from violence and evil. It really tears at my soul that I cant go to Iraq and kill every person responsible for killing American soldiers and coalition troops who have done nothing but try to help you people. Trust me the soldiers dont want to be there either. The soldiers are only there because of the people in Iraq who refuse to move away from violence. When these criminals dont get there way they kill to shut the mouth of there enemy.Open your minds. Every person has the right to believe what they choose but never does a person have the right to act violently. How could some people stand around and cheer when a helicopter crashes with soldiers dying inside? I watch on television how you cheer at the liberation of Iraq by coalition forces but your people try to kill them. What do you stand for Iraq? Be Our Brothers and Sisters and help spread peace throught the world. Turn your criminals in to authorites where they stand trial for there possible wrongdoing. The people of the United States only wanted to help Iraq because we cared.

U.S. Citizen

So, all reporting done second hand because the journalist won't leave the Green Zone. Sounds like a civil war to me.

Now that is a shocking revelation! I would like to pose a few questions. Where do we go from here? Do you think there is any way to turn this around? Are the security forces really infiltrated to this degree?

There seem to be no easy answers in Iraq. Violence begets more violence. I really wish the people who misled us into this war had had a better plan then "we'll bomb them, and then they'll greet us like liberators,"

Wow, how can Americans even relate to any of this? Why are we even there? We can't change what has been entrenched for so many years, and are we condoning it by our presence to witness such events. Does anyone stop to think about the children?
But most of all thanks for posting this so that we know what truly is going on--like the "Bookseller of Kabul". Their world is foreign to us. It's the darkest side of humanity.

Sometimes Richard takes a lot of heat for his blog writing style. Many people don't like it; they find it blithe. However I am glad he gets a break from the regular reporting and gives us little slice of life pieces like this. It's a perspective most of us can't get (nor would necessariy want). It reminds me of an art exhibit I saw years ago about "degenerate art" banned , and much too often destroyed, by the Nazis. Thanks for the reporting and for the style. And try to remain sane - there is a thin line ...

this is what I think!. before fixing other peoples problem, lets fix ours!.

I, for one am glad to see articles like this and I hope that the American public is made more aware of this type of behavior. These people say they are justified in killing Sunnis and they hide under the cloak of uniformed Justice. Its all BS and the sooner we get out the better. WE have NO chance of fixing Iraq even without Saddam. Lets do the best we can and leave. Thats what the entire country wants is the infidels to go home.
So, Lets pick up, pack up, and ride off. Let them keep on killing each other. Soon enough the country will be silent and the Iranians can move in!

The blog reads like an old refrain to me, who grew up in the Vietnam War. The incident was just another place, another faces, another war.

They think they are doing the right thing, that is why they are proud of what they do. The bottom line is EDUCATION. They need education in all aspects of their lives and souls.

Its time we wake up....Our government is crazy...we are attempting to change a political climate that has been going on for at least hundreds of years. I have a son in Iraq, who I totally support in his effort, as part of the involvment of attempting to change this for the better. I worry about him every minute, every day. All due to lying war-monger politicians, who from their comfortable safe places here in the states, point fingers in directions all over the world, and say...you go here...you go there.

We are headed on the path of mutual destruction. We push democracy on those that do not wish it. It has been this way ever since the crusades. Did we not learn anything then? Violence and death is all they understand. Democracy will NEVER take hold in Iraq. We as a country need to focus on our own internal issues before we attempt to save the world.

richard. , keep up the great work , Allah keep u safe.....

We need to remind ourselves to be proud to be American, To again realize we are the only people who care enough to keep trying to help, and have the guts to stay & make a difference whatever the price.
If we never give up, we never fail.

Maybe we should send missionaries over to Iraq. It seems to me that the soul of Iraq needs to be saved
first before the violence will stop. Human forgiveness
is too weak only God's forgiveness through Christ can save this mess.

Do you fear that your "friend" or close friend as you introduced him will turn against you and you will become kidnapped or worse a "Daniel Pearl" situation will ensue? Journalists such as yourself are very courageous reporting the ACTUAL truth and not a veil disguise of what this administration BELIEVES to be the truth about the mess in Iraq.

General Powell said it right when he told President Bush not to invade Iraq because "if you do will own it" It's been quite a while and no end in sight of this disastrous situation

I feel very sad at the loss of innocent life, so cruelly wasted. Somehow the Iraqi people have to overcome their sick threats. I don't think sending our young innocent blood to them is the way to go. As we back out of it, other countries including Arab countries, will have to do something to stop it. I pray it works like our struggle against gangs in the 1930s and 40s.
Maureen from Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Where are our soldiers during all of this? Why dont we set our men up and wait for them?

We can have war here or there,where do you want it to be.

Could you imagine this situation happening across the U.S.? A melting pot of diversity? You wouldn't know who to trust or where to go. Sometimes it takes a civil war to settle a mess like Iraq. Once everyone has had enough of the pain and death (if), middle ground is easier to attain. Else, Iraq will cease to exist separated into three new nations.

most wars are fought over religion.The differences,the beliefs or the interpetation of the writings.For some reason the more you belief the more you want to fight.Iam not saying that other reasons are not a factor such as greed ect,but it seems everytime the teorrist do something that metion god right before they do it.

I suggest a referendum be held in Iraq about whether US troops should be withdrawn. If approved, we should exit within 60 days at their request. If they vote to keep US troops we still establish a schedule for troop drawdown that the new Iraq government can plan for accordingly.

Vicariously we live as the whole world dies. Homo Sapiens are a virus, using up and ruining natural resources and then moving on...We do not deserve to be on this planet. Greed, hate and religion will ruin this place we all call home. But life is an
adventure, enjoy the ride.

this whole war is outa control,yes lets take care of our own people, god only knows how we need too...

This was a well-written piece. There were no polemics, no reasons offered for any of this, no judgements, just a description of something that happened. To present it so matter-of-factly only emphasizes the horror.

Our soldiers need ALL of our Support, they are doin there DUTY....

A PROUD AMERICAN DISABLED VETERAN!

At the start of freedom for any country there is always pain. In our own history you would here of the same stories. Freedom is not free and not easy. Its just on CNN this time. Give those people a chance, it will take a life time, but the next few generations will see peace. It will end and peace will be relized. I am an ex-marine, father and business owner. We live in a land that was built from the blood and murder of an entire people but from that we have the best country in the world (depending on your values). Give it time and you will see every nation on the planet go through this change.

I personally think it's time to let them fight it out amongst themselves. Why shoud we incur more troop casualties, when they have been fighting for centuries, and will continue to ??? We (U.S.) cannot convert, or, control everybody to our liking. so let's get out before our death toll escalates.

The only way to stop this is to stop young people from being brought up this way, learning to hate, learning to kill. I feel the only option we have, is to evacuate all the women and childern. Bring them to countries that will take them in and let them stay until the violence is over. Let them know, when the violence is over they can return, if they wish. And let the men know, if they want their famlies back, the violence must stop.

Earlier this year, I wrote Senator Boxer supporting the immediate withdrawal of our troops due to the ever increasing civil war activity in Iraq. The worst part of this is that the US has trained and armed the exact same people who are fueling the civil war but were suppose to take over Iraq's security. What the US has done is, we have trained Iraqi soldiers and police to make their civil war especially bloody and violent. In essence the US has caused and continues to feed the Civil War and it will continue until Iran gets involved, only a matter of time.

News worthy and tragic story; however, we must remember, these people's world is ancient with values and belief systems which are thousands of years old. They have ethnic and religious hatred for each other which span thousands of years into the past and might be termed "genetic hatred". Everyone would do well to remember life is very precious to all the religious and ethnic groups in that area of the world (as long as it resembles them). Otherwise it (opposing life) must be cleansed from the earth. We do not resemble them. Thank God.

Other world experencies, is my reaction to your story. The newlty elected government will set a time line for them to take over security. It appears it will call for material troop reductions this year. They can solve this problem and we need to hand it over to them when they say thay can control it. GOD BLESS our troops and our government for standing strong and helping as best we can to give others a chance for freedom of choice.

The war on terror has just begun, they want to kill all Americans and destroy our way of life. That is not a goal to take lightly.

WWG
Denver

AS a military man, you can't be concerened as to what the enemy is doing, you only need to do what it takes to stop this bloody mess. Until you have live or fought in this area you have no idea what it takes to make it stop, and once you think you know what it takes, things change!

People seem to be shocked that Police can act this way. Have you ever heard of Serpico and the Knapp Commission? Do these people think that the JFK and LBJ administrations failed us miserably and we should withdraw from New York.

I think its time for the USA to say, "we tried to help you, but you don't seem to want us, so you are on your own!!" I kind of agree with the person who stated, its been like this forever and we are not going to change it. Sad, but true!!!!

Ruth
IA

A co-worker of mine has just learned he must leave behind his wife and 2 children to serve in Iraq. "To serve my Country" he proudly says with a smile. We will pray everyday for his safe return. 27 years old and he hopes he can make a difference in this world of hate.
Mr. Bush, When do you think this might stop? How many more Mothers' and Fathers' will have to say goodbye to their children; maybe for the last time?

We tend to forget that civilization is a thin veneer, without laws and people willing to uphold them there is chaos. For those who think this is so far away let's not forget the lynchings of blacks not that long ago in some of our own towns.
Anyway, what the hell were we thinking of going in with such few troops!

Does anyone either high place or low ever stop to think about the families who lost their child to a never ending war. What about the hurt they feel along with the torture they must live with for the rest of their lives. All feelings seem to blow over everyones head and that is the saddest thing on earth. Why are we even over there in the first place? Nothing has really been resolved. The war continues more and more each day, the innocent get killed and for what? I will never understand.Our troops should come home to their families, share their lives with their children and let the Iraques kill themselves off.

We tend to forget that civilization is a thin veneer, without laws and people willing to uphold them there is chaos. For those who think this is so far away let's not forget the lynchings of blacks not that long ago in some of our own towns.
Anyway, what the hell were we thinking of going in with such few troops!

From my "sheltered" Canadian perspective, The middle East has been the milk bone the big dogs have chewed on (the USA and Russia) for decades. Both countries have provided money and weapons to the local citizens, both countries are guilty of having these poeple fight their battles by proxy. The middle East has been awash with foreign policy, oil interest, and other monetary issues for years.
These people are not stupid, and we cannot assume that they "should" have the same worldview as we do, hell, their view of the world has been contaminated for years by other countries.
Perhaps if we sought other energy solutions, bowed out of their political affairs, and let them be, they might actually do just fine without big brother prodding them (ya think!)
We all have a very important battle to fight coming up, it is the battle for the very lives of every child on the planet. Big business has been busy polluting the earth for decades, with clean water becoming harder to find, with a depleted ozone layer that may make being outside in summer impossible a few decades away, not to mention the impacts on food supplies etc, we just may have to let the middle East worry about itself.
What was it Mom always said...."No good can ever come from meddling...none atall"

If people have dreams for a future for them and there family a means to make those dreams happen. They will give up hate and terror and work hard to make sure there children will have the same opportunities and freedoms that they have.

Sadly, this type of vengeance killing will not end any time soon, if ever. U.S. and allied troops notwithstanding, this is a way of life thousands of years old. Tribal conflicts are the way of life in Iraq and many other nations. Outside parties cannot come in and civilize uncivilized thinking that mandates honor through blood revenge. Any outsiders in this foolhardy effort are merely convenient targets. Only a fool steps into the middle of gang/tribal conflicts fueled by centuries of honor-by-blood tradition.

That was a well written article, I for one think this war has gone on for to long. I Love my country, and I am for our troops 100%, but when I turn on the news, all I hear is we lost more soliders today, and that makes me sick, the Iraqi people don't want our help... We need to remember, that we are the most powerful Nation on earth, we have the Technology, and I think we should use it, It's my personal opinion that we should withdraw our troops, drop a few NUKES, and be done with it, (kill'em all, let God sort'em out)...

If people have dreams for a future for them and there family a means to make those dreams happen. They will give up hate and terror and work hard to make sure there children will have the same opportunities and freedoms that they have.

It is so sad and scary that the people of Iraq must live their lives governed by those who care so little for life. Here, in America, I worry about bouncing a check or how to pay the daycare, not if I will be kidnapped and killed for voicing my opinion. I am so lucky and pray for the safe return of all the wonderfully brave volunteers who risk their lives for our freedoms. I hope the next president and administraion elected will not start any new conflicts in Iran or any other place where our might is not right.

I do wish the author of the article would preface in bold letters that this is an isolated account of one guy on one night. My spouse and niece are both in Iraq and they tell quite a different story. Yes, this type thing will happen as gangs are everywhere in the world, but look at New York, Atlanta, Chicago or Detroit - how many gang killings go on every day in those cities and get absolutely no attention in the media. The Iraqi people need to be educated on basic academic skills - not brainwashed by the Koran. Please write about the efforts to educate these people and maybe some good that our troops are doing there and the progress that IS BEING MADE. Look at every regime change across the world for hundreds of years - it will take time (years even) for the Iraqi people to become self sufficient in their government. Give them a chance and don't paint such a dim picture of the Iraqi people overall.

We need to pray for the situation in Iraq and support our troops. Only God can straighten up the mess in Iraq. Yes, the insurgants may say they do this or do that in the name of "Allah" but only through good works do we recognize those who truly do God's will, just as we recognize the true Prophet by his words coming true. I don't believe God says if you blow yourself up in my name or if you kill children in my name you will go to heaven. Many powerful things have happened because of prayer and the power of prayer will work on Iraq as well. God's will be done.

I think the u.s needs to get out, ASAP we are losing to many men.....

I think that what we relly have to do is stay the course. If we dont all the lives of our brave soldiers who have died in this venture would have died in vain. All wars are costly. We have made many mistakes throuy this great nation, but we always come out on top. We are still in Korea, we are still in Afgn, we are still in Japan,Germany etc and we will bw for a long time. God Bless America,

Yes..pull are troops and they will just go away!They're busy over there sothey can't plan for over here...don't forget that!

It was not anyone's place to move in to Iraq. We all know that the government lied as to why. The war will continue so long as there are soliders from other countries damaging it. Think about it, if someone stepped into your home without permission, took over how you raise your children, and gave you a beating everytime you said or did something they didn't like, would you tolerate it? Would you not do everything in your power to fight back? Iraq has its problems, just like other middle east countries. There will still be internal problems when and IF the US backs out. Thats there problems, not ours to decide how they deal with it.

I found profoundly disturbing Robert Catlin's "We need to turn the place into glass and let the vultures sort it out". Does he seriously think violence can be solved by more violence?

Iraq is a wounded, traumatized country which needs to be helped to help herself. Please be patient with the Iraqis--it's only a relatively small minority (who are unfortunately heard from too often) who are carrying out the bombings and other violent acts. Please don't condemn the majority who like you and me only want to live and work in peace with their families.

Why don't someofyou goread a bookonwhathappened during your war in 1776...it was just as ugly! FREEDOM ISN'T EASY AND IT ISN'T FREE!!!THIS ISN'T MC'Ds BUT A LONG HARD ROAD..LIKE THEROAD YOUR FOREFATHERS WENT DOWN!

They have been fighting for thousands of years amongst themselves. Now we get involved. The best thing to happen to these people is a civil war. Is it sad, yes, but when one side is victorious then that will be it, and peace will happen on its own. Look at our civil war, changes were made after the conflict. We have ruffled so many feathers that now we can leave and let them kill each other off until there is a winner. Peace through superior firepower......

Read your history. While not as horrific, occurences like this happened during our own revolution. Loyalists lost homes lands and life. We managed to overcome MOST of our prejudices and crate mans best last hope. We can only hope this works as well for the Iraqi people.

Mr. Engel,

So, you see what is going on over there. You see the various comments from those of us over here who have little or no idea what is going on.

Remember Tito and the old Yougoslavia? It took a dictator and absolute control to maintain the peace, but he did it for many years and with an atmosphere much less repressive than the USSR.

Is that what is needed here? A benovalent dictator to rule people who will not get involved at all, or those who kill at will, because they can?

There is so much talk of religion, but I think we all can begin to see, religion has nothing to do with it really, it just provides a cover for those who wish to control.

N.

You don't go to another country and enforce your values and beliefs in the hope they will embrace it as well. this is what our government did when they went and invade iraq. this is a lesson we should all try to remember. These people are not americans. they have their own set of values that we as americans do not agree. you cannot change something overnight of what has been going on for years.

Sad. When we attacked Iraq during the (first) Gulf War I thought we were there for the right reasons. . . latter we heard that some of the information we heard had been fabricated. We still supported our troops. This time many of us were against this war from the start. No WMDs, no “freedom for the Iraqi people”, no reason to go to war and no plan to get us out. The people of that region of the world have been at war with each other for thousands of years, we’re not going to fix anything in a year or two or ten or more, but the longer we’re there the more enemies we are making.
It’s time to come home. Bring our sons, our daughters, our fathers, brothers and sisters home and lets try to rebuild America.

Our fighting men and women would be best supported by getting them the hell out of there. They are in a no-win situation thanks to the current Administration.

The pain, the pain...

My family had lived in Iraq for generations after generations.
Ten years ago we wouldnt know what is the difference between Sunnis and Shia.
Today my family fled Iraq. My mother is living as a refugee in Jordan because she was threatened while she and other Sunnis lived in tolerance in a predominantly Shia neighborhood. They threatened to put a bullet in her head if she remained in her house. A house that was built back in 1962.
I have heared of hundreds of stories alike from Shia and Sunni friends, and Turkmans in Kirkuk also.
Are the Americans proud of this type of "liberation"?
The only liberated people in Iraq today are the thugs and killers...Yesterday we were afraid from one Saddam, today we are afraid of hunderds of Saddams? is this the democracy that we deserve?

Why Iraq? Why not Africa? Why not North Korea? Why not Iran? Oil maybe for our President and his good buddy system's retirement?

Troop withdrawal! timelines! democracy! We are building the largest embassy (104 acres) in the middle of Baghdad! Why? Because Iraq has the 2nd largest known oil reserves in the world! Read Matthew Simmons book "Twilight in the Desert" He was also on Dick Cheney's secret energy task force team in 2001. When you connect the dots this whole messy picture gets much clearer.

It's so easy to say "Let's pull out of Iraq, they are all crazy, un-educated killers" etc... But in hindsight, what if we never would have gone to Iraq? Not only would they be worse along, but who knows what would have happened on U. S. soil. I get form the article that these people are un-educated, heartless people that will do anything to survive. Why wouldn't they retaliate against the U.S.? They have a hate that runs through their blood for Americans. This is a prime example of what's really going on over there- You don't think they need HELP?!! Sounds like they need more than that...

Getting out of Iraq is not the answer, regardless of the corruption of some of these organizations. If the U.S. leaves before the Iraqi government can learn how to control this, the hate and killing would not only increase but spread throughout the region.
We have problems like this in the U.S. as well; do you propose we leave here too?
Do you propose that the residents of Washington DC or LA run away to allow the lawless factions take over?
The answer is providing balance and security, to desynchronize terrorist and Jihadist organizations.
To expect a victory like WWII is immature and idealistic at best. The soldiers and law enforcement agencies of this country have worked and sacrificed to reduce the capabilities of the threat, they will never completely be eradicated.
This new type of Asymmetric warfare will only increase and will require the full support of the American people to keep America free and Safe.

Fortunately or maybe unfortunately we in the U.S. live fairly safe and secluded lives from of this violence. However this was not always the case in our history or the history of other free democratic states. We in the U.S. still have issues with gangs and thugs who would prefer to live in a state of anarchy, fortunately we the masses who believe and practice civil law will not allow this. This will happen in Iraq as well as other areas of the middle-east and Africa. It will not happen over night and it will not happen without blood shed, unfortunately. The one thing I do find ironic though is the number of Middle Eastern people taking sanctuary under the laws of the U.S. unwilling to return to their countries to assist in building the piece yet throw rocks at our government for its position. I guess like our politicians it’s alright to spill blood as long as it’s not theirs or their family members who are dieing for these changes.

seems pandora"s box has been unleased with the invasion of Iraq.

I think a bit of the story was left out. Like the part where they robbed the victims after they killed them. Just sounds like criminals to me. You wonder when the decent people will rise up.

Amazing story, history reliving its self. Early days of America 1700’s were the hanging of people in public streets. Middle East cut your hand off if you stole something. Africa stones a mother and child to death if she has a child out of wedlock. Wake up it is the 20th century people. What super human strength or powers do these people like Abu Durra have which give him the right to be God? From what I see he is nothing but a coward hiding behind family and security. If killing people in the streets and laying them from block to block is setting a good example for those to feel safe, that is hilarious. These people may have a long history of violence but this is pure evil even to their own kind. I am sure Mr. Abu knows his days are numbered and that all he is doing is putting a new page in the history books called “I AM JUST ANTHER IDIOT ON THE HORIZON". I never heard of a college called kill my own people. If it was not for the safety of united countries, our world would go in flames from the hatred of these evil people educated or not. We have to ask our self about the people committing these hateful acts, what’s in it for them. Sad to see this is what’s making our world revolve and getting our full attention to what loser has the spot light today on the news. Abu if you can read English, don’t get rid of your body guards you will need an army soon. Be safe Richard Engel and thank you for the good story but very sad.

Steven Richards

I'm so sad reading that story. Iraq doesn't seem to hold a lot of hope. We are not the answer they are looking for. I'm not anti war...and not even sure what my opinion is on the war...but from the very beginning I've said one thing...our country is going to war with, not only a country, but a religious factor that has been waging war with eachother since the beginning of time. What do we know about fighting and dying in the name of religion? In the arab countries, the people fight because of the belief they hold in their God and religion, in our country, people go to the Supreme Court to have God removed from everything, even our Pledge. These people have fought from the beginning of time for what they believe, they will fight until the end of time for what they believe...WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THAT??? We've fought many wars, we've either won or walked away...but we have never stuck it out for eternity...we are in over our heads. I don't think its fair for us to cut and run, but our soldiers are fighting and dying in a war that is beyond our comprehension. It is going to take more than an American Flag to make any Arab nation forget their past and not focus and rely on their religious beliefs. No one argues that Sadam needed to be stopped, but Iraq didn't have a navy, airforce and army that was going to invade our country anytime soon. We made a mistake, trusted the wrong people and went to war with a nation and a people that live and die for their God. Stories like this one, unfortunately, will continue long after our lifetime. Our country needed a civil war to become united and a civil war with 3 seperate nations is probably what will help fix Iraq..sad truth, but still the only reality one can look for, it won't be the US or Coalition Forces uniting this country...maybe a united Iraq is an Iraq never meant to be...it took our country a civil war, a women's liberation and an end to Segregation before we became "united" and still, we can't always get along, but luckily, because we are the country we are, we have law and order that hold us accountable. Apparently, Iraq doesn't have any security, therefore, no law and order...we are fighting a losing battle and even though American lives are being lost, it is Iraq that is suffering, it is Iraq children that are growing up in hell, it is not about whether or not the US is compassionate, it is about a way of life that we don't understand. I think its time someone took a look into the past and looked at the Arab nations all the way back to biblical times, these are old countries, with old vendetta's compared to the US...we are young, a "teenager" in the world, our past isn't nearly as long as the Arab countries and until we truly understand the history of the Arab countries, the wars they have fought and the beliefs they hold...we will never be seen as anything other than a war hungry nation to them.

This is horror, and the people living over there have to live this horror daily. But they may now have an opportunity to change that horror, now that Saddam and his henchmen have been ousted. It may very well may mean civil war, and a long one at that. But at least they now have that opportunity - to make a better life for their loved ones and themselves. Freedom is not free - our own ancestors have proven that many times now. I am proud of our troops and those of other like-minded countries trying to make things better over there. I want them home soon, yes, but I also know we can't just yank them out. Think of the vaccuum we would cause if we did. Turkey, Iran, and so many other neighboring countries might gladly rush in to create genocide and take over this land. Instead, let's support our president and our troops, and pray for their soon and safe withdrawl.

Richard, thank you for this creative way of presenting a very hard truth that we tend to become desensitized to. It's not just your friend who is losing his compassion; all of us tend to forget the harsh reality we can't fathom that others live in. I'm a huge fan of you, ever since you reported for Good Morning America, and miss seeing you on GMA. I've unofficially adopted you as "my reporter" - keep it up!!! And may God keep you safe, and sane...

Our politicians from both parties should be proud of what they accomplished in Iraq. They've replace one dictatorship that murdered millions with individual death squads who are working on their millions.
Thanks Bush,Kerry,Kennedy,Feinstein,Boxer,Schumer, and the rest of you misfits in D.C.

Now why is the media only showing the bad side of war? Yes, war is not pretty, it definetly shows the darkside of humanity, but what about the good stuff? I know when I was deployed to Iraq, twice yes! twice!!! the first time was during the initial invasion in March 2003 and again during the battle for Fallujah in 2004. Ive seen and been in alot situations, but I quite recall that we did alot more humanitarian missions than what you see on tv. How about reporting the stuff that we do like building schools for the little iraqi kids, supplying a village or town with much needed clean drinking water, and giving medical care to the local iraqi communities. But of course not, Blood + Guts = RATINGS!!!!!!!!. Of Course the media wont report more on that , its boring. But I can bet you money that if those humanitarian missions were reported on more, the american people would think twice about us being there.

Sectarian Violence , Police State execution squads amidst the carnage the innocent,s women and children no matter who what and where they may be they must be protected at all cost,s !
For this is humanitarian for this is human for this is us the WEST !
Protect the women and children and my Canadian Soldiers and the American Liberators who want to protect PEACE albeit the troops are caught in this post saddam insanity they must do what is right and circle the wagons seperate the murderous thugs from the good men and protect the innocent,s God be with them and the children will remember and in a perfect world democracy will reign .
In a world like that our way of life must be grown and time and endurance can only foster and nurture our culture of tolerance peace and freedom !
P.S May our boys be safe and walk with their angels

This only makes u realise that there will be no end to violence in iraq...police and security forces are executing people...so who is going to enforce peace now?
Terrorism does not refer to a group of people. It is an ideology. One that is being passed on to the new generations by preachings of extremists like for example Abu Hamza and Abu Bakar Ba'asyir(I cant believe he was released). There is no easy way to control it. It needs global cooperation and vigilance. The present state in iraq does not seem to be leading anywhere constructive. Terrorists are killed but more extremists join them everyday. And in the bargain lives of good men and women are lost. People with families back home who worry about them every day.
I only hope the government of the United States comes up with an effective solution AND FAST!

Sectarian Violence , Police State execution squads amidst the carnage the innocent,s women and children no matter who what and where they may be they must be protected at all cost,s !
For this is humanitarian for this is human for this is us the WEST !
Protect the women and children and my Canadian Soldiers and the American Liberators who want to protect PEACE albeit the troops are caught in this post saddam insanity they must do what is right and circle the wagons seperate the murderous thugs from the good men and protect the innocent,s God be with them and the children will remember and in a perfect world democracy will reign .
In a world like that our way of life must be grown and time and endurance can only foster and nurture our culture of tolerance peace and freedom !
P.S May our boys be safe and walk with their angels

I say we apologize to Saddam, let him have his country back and get the hell out of there!

I read idiotic statements like Fla's about this war being about oil and it makes me sick. How can anyone be that dense? What an insult to our soilders and our country. Oh and Chris from Houston... news flash... they have found weapons of mass destruction.

God bless our troops and our country.

There is little doubt that Bush and Cheney lied, schemed, buried contradictory data (including the CIA analysts objections to the mobile WMD labs) to manipulate the press, the Congress, and American public opinion to allow their little ideological war. Condi is a bullshit artist of the first degree, Cheney and Wolfowitz are so conniving as to be surreal, and Bush is just a witless jackass doing more for the cause of Al-Qaeda than any radical Islamist could have hoped for...these guys have screwed up everything they have touched...

Now people are asking for a date to exit Iraq and these guys tell us no way...but there is a date...it's called November...use it, or lose it!!! Iraq is truly up to the American people...it's our call...just make it!!!

Just in case you think this is all something new...Churchill warned us of these guys...in 1927!!! It's been 80 years now...and a thousand years before that...how many more years shall our children fight for these lying, thieving, chickenhawks who are lining their pockets while our children die for nothing...

We were not misled into this war, our leaders carefully outlined the reasons it was necessary and as recent revelations show ALL of the reasons given were valid. Now the left wants to ensure that Iraq becomes another VietNam and, sadly, the press to a great extent seems to want the same end. Always tell the worst stories, never tell of the successes. It's not everyone - we actually WERE greeted as liberators, but for some reason most of the press chose not to broadcast that. Instead we have endless diatribes by leftists who are predicting gloom and doom and, but for the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces, the left would get their way and turn Iraq into another VietNam given half a chance. It's not a civil war, it's an insurgency. Look up the definitions if you don't understand that. Another thing - if the left had their way we'd be facing the sorts of horrors described in the story here - instead we've taken the fight to the enemy, which is really the only rational way to go. Contrary to popular belief, the administration does have an exit strategy. Win, then exit. The left isn't worried about winning, they would waste all the blood and treasure we've invested and just rush to exit if given the opportunity.

I think that what Richard has given us is a glimpse of what life without the rule of law brings to a nation. While some say that life under Saddam was better, they speak of the difference in the way people were killed: Saddam had torture camps and mass graves, killing hundreds at a time; thugs now kill a few at a time, but far more often. While the end result is the same (killing), the fact that the state is no longer the killing agent gives me some hope that with the establishment of a new government, they can find their way to some kind of peace. Until that day, however, thugs will continue to kill. Note, also, that the thugs will continue to kill even after the Iraqi police and security forces are stood up. That's the nature of thugs... And the police, whether Iraqi or a U.S. Soldier, will be the only ones to stand between the darkness and the light for the innocent. If we leave before that Iraqi force is fully stood up, the thugs win. It really is just that simple... Our military has found hundreds of tons of chemical and biological agents and their delivery systems. This hasn't been widely reported by the media because our military Public Affairs people (inexplicably, in my opinion) keep saying that what we've found wasn't what we thought we'd find, and therefore it isn't significant. If those weapons haven't found their way into the thugs' hands, they will, unless we get in the way and prevent it. Will it take one of those weapons killing our troops to rally all you nay-sayers? Wasn't September 11, 2001 enough?

the sad part is this happens all the time i have a son deployed in samoria the kerds are ok but they are the only ones that you can trust at all the others are rideing the fence are killing people as far as our boys being there to stop this the sector was left to the iraqis its time they stood up and we started too stand down

the way it seems, if us troops remain in iraq they will never know peace. they will always have to look over their shoulder for religious zealot and bang it will be beirut all over again.
that is how i see it, you cannot change people down deep, you may pacify them and make them keep low untill they think their opportunity has come.

Good for them. They are taking the fight back to the people who started it!

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter how much humanitarian work Marines or soldiers do, it will never be enough to makeup for the Abu Ghraib scandal, the lies that we would be greeted as liberators, the absurd threats of mushroom clouds that frightened Americans bought, "Mission Accomplished" banners behind a man in uniform who doesn't know combat and yet is the lying Commander In Chief sending good troops into an unwinnable war. People just don't understand that Iraq has been going through decades of armed conflict and they aren't ready for "American" freedom because they haven't been stable enough to own it. Giving them "American" freedom is like giving guns to toddlers. Iraq was at war with Iran from 1980-1988, invaded Kuwait, got themselves really wiped out by Operation Desert Storm, had a decade of containment by primary US forces and now is enduring Operation American Freedom; that's over 25 years of war! Anyone with half a brain and knows a little history could see they aren't ready for "American" freedom and it's just too bad that Bush's people don't really care. They just want no-bid Halliburton to make tons of money from the war at American taxpayer expense because they know Iraq won't be safe for decades. It would have made more sense for Bush to save up the military for greater and cleaner challenges such as Iran and North Korea. And yet, because Bush and no-bid Halliburton would never say that the war in Iraq can't be won, we will eventually have a draft if the world situation continues to deteriorate with North Korea and Iran (the true threats). All of this may be news to many people, but it's not. I saw this coming as a Desert Storm Marine veteran who understands that you can't end terrorism through war or any other kind of violence; the conditions that created the terrorism must be acknowledged and stopped to end the cycle. One only has to compare Ireland to all the places in the world where there is ongoing terrorism to see that you must have reasonable parties on both sides who are willing to acknowledge each other and end what doesn't work to have peace. Bush and no-bid Halliburton understand that if you want war without end all you must do is keep waging it and the profits will rise. It's too bad the good Marines are over in Iraq wondering why there is declining support for the war when they are doing as good of a job as can be expected. It's the war that's wrong, not the troops on the ground fighting it.

I read all of these comments and I shake my head. Yes! Your, right these people are uneducated and it will take years to educate them, but if we leave now we will create a worst enemy than Sadaam. They hate us becuase we failed them after the Gulf war. We need to finish the job. Oh yeah ! They will still hate us after we finish the Job.But we still need to finish the JOb

This is an Ugly War.....over 50K Iraquis killed...2400 Americans....Civil War...ya think??? our being there merely gives them an excuse to keep fighting....split the Country in two and be done with it...North and South....sound familiar?

After two deployments to the Iraqi theater of Operation I can say that a lot of people back home and especially in Europe have little to no clue as the real situation over there. The Marine who stated that the media wants only the bad news because whether we like it or not the bulk of Americans want to hear about Blood, death, and the increasing number of American killed in action. What TV station besides the Armed Forces Network actually shows the work we are doing to help the Iraqi people? In 2003 I had an Iraqi elder ask me in Umm Qasr, "when will we get the lights on?" He thought we were going to come in and re-build the country over-night. I told him, "how can we rebuild the city when other Iraqi people allow the insurgents to blow equipment up and fire on workers?" He shrugged and said in Arabic, "God willing maybe we can get it right."

The Iraqi people are unique because they seem to care to dish out murder, beheadings, and torture for reasons as old as the Crusades. Americans forget or care less about issues after 2 weeks. Look at issues like New Orleans, TX, Mississippi POST Katrina? The Islamic community remembers the wrong doings of several hundred years. I had a Iraqi Police Officer discuss with me the inter-rivals of families, religious beliefs, or grudges back before these people figured out that they had oil in their backyard.

The American servicemember goes where he or she is ordered, we look after one another and try to make it back home in one piece. You think the average soldier wants to spend a year in Iraq? I would gladly take sitting in AC and spending time with family and friends than sit at a checkpoint waiting for someone to walk up or drive up and blow themselves up. Maybe if the protesters would stop and look at the "big picture" they might actually learn something. How many actors/actress know anything on Middle Eastern history let alone know what it is like to worry if that car on Route Irish is going to open fire at you. Iraq has had the country handed to them but these people can't figure out how to look past basic problems. Too bad we can't find a huge oil reserve somewhere and just give the middle finger to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and all the other OPEC countries. They are rich only because of the American dollar, take that away and they would be sitting back in the 14th century mentality killing each other for the same worthless sand they have been fighting for since the creation of man. Arabs hate the U.S. because of our blind support for Israel. What is 90% of the IDF ammunition, weapons, and equipment brought, acquired, given? United States. Hard to tell Arabs that the U.S. wants to assist when civilians get killed at the beach by an American made 155mm arty shell. But what Congressman/woman would dare attempt to cut back Israeli funds? They know the amount of pressure and power the Israeli lobbyist holds.

The Middle East is quick sand of religious beliefs and in the middle is the U.S. trooper. Don't give me wrong the Arab community is just as bias as the rest of the world. Who could hack the heads off unarmed prisoners then the same message say God is Great? What other group claims that they are doing God's work but they kill innocent women and kids? Maybe when the Iraqi people get off their rear and put their life on the line and take the fight to the insurgents then we can bring the troops home.

Maybe the U.S. should just let the rest of the world go to the way side, it is not like the United Nations can do anything unless the U.S. provides troops, air support, and logistics.

Maybe the news stations should run several days of in-depth coverage on why the Middle East is so messed up instead of the 90 second clip they run everynight on attacks, IEDs, sniper fire, or the suffering of the Iraqi citizen. Show more on how Iran is supporting insurgent groups with weapons, ammunition, training, and advisor role.

There is a huge gap on what the soldier in the field knows then what the American public can see.

Iraq is a minefield we have ran into and no one at the top is attempting to find the best way out.

I have a son also over there and I worry about him all the time , yet , I know my atleast getting to chat with him by instant messanger I can get a feel from him .. the life they have over there is nothing like what we have here , and even though were middle class americans , we've both up our sons to see the best in all people , as young boys we traveled to Chicago and they saw the projects , the homeless people in the tunnels of the highways . He tells me the peolpe there in Iraq are so much worst off than anyone he has seen before. So I value his opinions and insight into this war, and support him totally... I just hope he can recoup from all that he has seen there and has gone though. I pray for all of our troops , wishing them safe and well for themselves and there families.

We can't change insurgents or militias anymore than we can change the Crips or the Bloods. To many Iraqi's our presence if simply a continuation of the crusades of the Middle Ages, which we read about but they remember. We must help those who earnestly ask for it, and 2500 lives cannot have been lost in vain, but we must show them we truly intend to leave when they are strong enough, and let them take back their country by their own blood and resolve.

Since before we went into Iraq, these lyrics have rung in my head. All wars are similar lies, death and suffering are the norm. Love your children and teach them to not accept hatred of any kind. The children are the only chance we have. Thanks for the blog Richard, even bad examples are good to learn from.

'What we've got here is failure to
communicate.
Some men you just can't reach...
So, you get what we had here last week,
which is the way he wants it!
Well, he gets it!
N' I don't like it any more than you men.' *

Look at your young men fighting
Look at your women crying
Look at your young men dying
The way they've always done before

Look at the hate we're breeding
Look at the fear we're feeding
Look at the lives we're leading
The way we've always done before

My hands are tied
The billions shift from side to side
And the wars go on with brainwashed pride
For the love of God and our human rights
And all these things are swept aside
By bloody hands time can't deny
And are washed away by your genocide
And history hides the lies of our civil wars

D'you wear a black armband
When they shot the man
Who said 'Peace could last forever'
And in my first memories
They shot Kennedy
I went numb when I learned to see
So I never fell for Vietnam
We got the wall of D.C. to remind us all
That you can't trust freedom
When it's not in your hands
When everybody's fightin'
For their promised land

And
I don't need your civil war
It feeds the rich while it buries the poor
Your power hungry sellin' soldiers
In a human grocery store
Ain't that fresh
I don't need your civil war

Look at the shoes your filling
Look at the blood we're spilling
Look at the world we're killing
The way we've always done before
Look in the doubt we've wallowed
Look at the leaders we've followed
Look at the lies we've swallowed
And I don't want to hear no more

My hands are tied
For all I've seen has changed my mind
But still the wars go on as the years go by
With no love of God or human rights
'Cause all these dreams are swept aside
By bloody hands of the hypnotized
Who carry the cross of homicide
And history bears the scars of our civil wars

'WE PRACTICE SELECTIVE ANNIHILATION OF MAYORS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
FOR EXAMPLE TO CREATE A VACUUM
THEN WE FILL THAT VACUUM
AS POPULAR WAR ADVANCES
PEACE IS CLOSER' **

I don't need your civil war
It feeds the rich while it buries the poor
Your power hungry sellin' soldiers
In a human grocery store
Ain't that fresh
And I don't need your civil war
I don't need your civil war
I don't need your civil war
Your power hungry sellin' soldiers
In a human grocery store
Ain't that fresh
I don't need your civil war
I don't need one more war

I don't need one more war
Whaz so civil 'bout war anyway

What can I say, I am also a fellow Marine that fought in Iraq during the 2003 Invasion with 3/5. I agree with Corporal Duran. He has a valid point. This is a war, not a some bloods and crips crap. We are doing wonders for the people of Iraq. Little kids have a new hero, old people are starting to feel a little peace in their lives for the first time. There is more good going on then bad. Granted war is ugly and dangerous our press is are the new terrorist of America. Why is it when our Soldiers and Marines see an enemy they can't shoot first ask questions later, and risk the chance of being kidnapped and ending up on TV with a rusty sword against there throats. Our press would rather press charges against our troops for murder and side with the enemy than see our president gain any credibility. Pull the reporters out, give civilians 72 hours to vacate and pull an Iron curtain over the entire country. I have no problem going house to house and shooting people in the head to put a fire under their butts. Our job is to kill. Not guest service at Bestbuy or any of your favorite resturants. You don't like it, then don't call on us to protect our country. I am not normal in you're eyes but I cannot stand serving you, kissing your ass or else for a living. That is why I am in the military. Has nothing to do with politics. God Bless our nation. Only a few like me will stand up and fight. Chip Reid of MSNBC, thank you for reporting on our unit. Also thank you for letting me call my daughter on you're satelite phone during the initial war invasion. God Bless.

Well.... I do not understand why these poor bastards feel proud? Because of killing another helpless human being? How would they feel 5 seconds before being shot in the head? I bet they would be begging for their life.
I'm afraid that even though there are lot of innocent people there is no other answer but to kill all of them.
I know you going to think this is crazy... but! Hey! This is how Saddam ruled them. He just killed everyone who opposed the law. When US invaded... we took that "law" that held them in place and we removed it.

And,,,Now they want to pass the olive branch to these (insurgents) and forgive them for attacking Americans who went there to get freedom for them. GO ahead and forgive them, but ask them to forgive the American soldiers who went to the houses that they were fired upon from and killed everyone there (one way to be sure you got the guilty one) IF THE INSURGENTS ARE FORGIVEN, THEY SHOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED TO FORGIVE THE FORCES WHO ARE FIGHTING TO GIVE IRAQ THEIR FREEDOM!

It is sad that people have no respect for humanity anymore. It doesn't matter if it is in Iraq, the United States, Africa, or wherever none of us will live forever!
Life is so short to be killing each other like we do, but we keep on doing it. It seems so simple, take one day and not pick up a gun. Maybe it will turn into two, who knows maybe it will turn into a lifetime. Just imagine how long a person could live if only more people would subcribed the theory that violence is not the answer?

if the offspring of some of our politicians who said lets invade iraq were to be shipped over there with some of these young soldiers, men and women who are facing these criminals would an american pullout be a little faster.you will never see headlines that say pfc so&so Bush was kidnapped at a checkpoint and was later found butchered in an alley!!

During WW II THE gI'S THOUGHT THE ARABS WERE WORTHLESS PIECES OF ECREMENT LOOKS LIKE TIMES HAVE CHANGED BUT THESE PEOPLE NEVER WILL.hOLY wAR MY FREINDS WE NEED TO GO mONGOLIAN ON THESE PEOPLE SACK THE CITIES AND CREATE A STENCH OF DETH SO GREAT THAT THEY WILL NEVER AGAIN DESIRE TO KILL.

I read many of the responses. Looks like everyone has a pretty clear picture. You know who is responsible. Please use your one vote.

This suggestion is only one part of the puzzle that may go towards finishing our mission in Iraq and bringing its citizens into a world community. Why don't we open our orphanages to the children of the murdered Iraquis, regardless of a Suni or Shiite background? This will take funding, but this will provide for an educated Iraqi citizenry in the future, if the children decide to return to their country as adults, and will provide us with educated citizens if they choose to stay in the good old USA. Why not spend some of our money doing obvious good for the citizens? We can win this war, but only if we look to the future and not to one simplistic solution, such as an early bail out.
Rickover had it right when he said that he was suspicious of people who had simple answers to complex problems.

It is a poignant and tragic account. BUT, the real story here is the march of folly which has involved the USA in this quagmire. The decision to invade was made by the Bush cartel long before any justification was "found". The CIA knew quite well no evidence for WMD existed and that the connection between Saddam and AlQaeda was fiction. Mr. Cheney was determined to unleash war and to dominate the Middle East by force of arms.(Read "Project for the New American Century") He and the other neocons had the agenda well planned, and subtle coercion was applied to make the CIA report what they wanted to hear. Does anyone still doubt this? You have been lied to and swindled. Do you think you are free? Does anyone remember President Eisenhower's comments about the military-industrial complex? Does anyone remember the Golf of Tonkin resolution and the many years, the many lives and the suffering it took to give up VietNam and let the Vietnamese deal with their own country? Obviously not. Those who do not remember history are condemned to repeat it.

Let's look at the facts.
I. There has never, ever been a valid connection between Sadam's regime and sponsoring international terrorism. Not one. His brutality and terrorism was directed internally in Iraq.

II. The Vietnam War was supposed to put an end to the "domino theory", that if communism could get one country to fall, it would spread to the next and the next,etc. Our government ordered those of us who were there to "search and destroy, win the hearts and minds", etc. We were not allowed to practice a spreading "sieze and hold" war, but tried to select and then prop up a puppet government. We failed.

3/ The terrorist attacks of 9/11 were by terrorist cells based in, and given sanctity in, Afghanistan. Why are we spreading troops throughout Iraq and not applying our scarce resources (i.e, armed forces)100% or at least move the troops from Iraq into Afghanistan and close off the escape routes into other countries.

4/ The Bush family has long standing ties through interlocking exploration and production oil companies with the Saudi royal family, the Bin Laden family and leaders of Kuwait. Interesting that they have never had any in Iraq since Saddam took over the control of ALL companies where the Bush family held controlling interest a few years before Saddam invaded Kuwait. Over the last few years, what with "oil for food" and embargo programs and now the war in Iraq, the price of oil has gone up. Who showed and received the profits?

Here we are trying to "stop the spread of terrorism by religious fundamentalists " (this generation's communist enemy empire), promote and prop up a shaky government(remember Saigon?) and search and destroy and win the hearts and minds of the people by building school, hospitals, medical clinics (it didn't work in Vietnam and it won't work here).

What's the solution? Get out, 100% out, now. Today. Immediately. In the future, mind our own damn business, fight back against those who attack us, stop building nations and never again trade lives for profits.

Edmund Burke:
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

Are we not good men?

Sadam and his henchmen were worse than this?

Thank you for the story, it confirms some of what I think is going on in Iraq. I do believe there is always the possibility of a new more "modern" generation of Iraqi youth, who see such evil actions as only destructive (in a round about way)to their very own families, themselves, even their nation/peoples.
There are many generations filled with pain and the desire for revenge even back to the days of the Great Babylon. I don't think the efforts of any nation's government can heal and make these peoples whole. I do believe our heart as a nation is true for why we are there and we are doing a great job of accomplishing our goal to help free these people from a murderous dictatorship (given all the circumstances we face).
But I am very uncertain the Iraqi peoples as a whole are ready for such freedoms. The more freedoms that are embraced comes more responsibilities for those freedoms and more respect for the powers of freedom.
I only hope all of this will work out for the best and the needless killings stop as soon as possible.
And to the journalist who is there to write this, you are a keeper of the truth, respected by those who share your freedoms. Be careful and keep up the good work.

Perhaps if they lived in a democracy and felt they had some control over thier lives and benefits it bestows they also might find some ethnic and religious tolerance. In 1,000 yrs. no one in that whole region, has has ever has had that opportunity, until now.

This site shows that we truly do have freedom of speech and religion. We as americans have become entirely too soft. When I hear comments from some here who are the verry ones who should be the most thankful to our govmt and military.ie multi million $ incomes by creating movies and tv that all too often is not very flattering of any thing our govmnt does. Let them who really have the most to lose be the ones to go fight to protect the rest of us, not much of a chance of that happening I know, so they could keep their comments a little more to themselves because sadly there are those who idolize them and their movies and are naive enough to beleive what they see and hear on tv. I am prior service MARINE, God bless all of our military, oour govmnt, and God bless and Keep AMERICA.

readers please ask yourself the the question,is iraq a better place 4 years later?too many questions and very few answers,let us all hope for a miracle,maybe noah will be sent to save mr. bush and company.peace.

Acts of terrorism against the United States will NEVER end as long as those who would commit them live.If you want to survive,you must treat this situation as you would a virus.You must completely and totally obliterate it from the host.Humans are famous for never doing what it takes in any given situation.One day,quite a few more of you will wish that more drastic measures were taken.After it is too late,of course.-My advice is to bring all of my brothers home,turn the place into glass like the man said,and in the future,kill anything and everything that even hints at committing an act of terrorism against the United States.Let the world know that if it's a problem they want,they've come to the right place.-I don't want a fight with anyone,but if it comes to that,they will be dealt with swiftly and harshly.Do us all a favor.Kill them all.Now.

It's sad and unfortunate that this lawless environment persists. Quite ironic that far fewer people died during the twenty or so years that Sadam was in power and now, the estimate is somewhere north of 120,000 Iraqi's since Bush announced "Mission accomplished."

Someone posted earlier that we should have learned from history and it's true. We can't inforce our brand of "freedom" on others. Freedom is all in one's perspective. And we need to respect that as barbaric as it may seem.

May GOD forgive us all for this travisty.

I am sick and tired of the media only publicizing the "bad" things that occur. The men and women who are fighting in Iraq, as well as other places around the world as part of the "War on Terrorism" deserve better. I have friends who are deployed to several places around the world right now in support of what the media is downplaying. The media tends to forget about the other side of the coin. The people who want us in Iraq, helping their country by rebuilding schools, etc. The people who tell the American troops "thank you" for being there, even today. Of course, that doesn't make a "good story", so it gets left behind for others such as this one. I avoid watching the news too often, because the media concentrates on all of the terrible things that are happening. It would be refreshing if they could give a more "well-rounded" story for a change.

The scary part of all this is that they are doing something that would never be condoned in th country. it is against all the fundamental princables we beleive in. Yet there we are trying to "liberate them" is it all for the money(oil) or do we honestly beleieve that we can change a fundamental behavior and cultural system so easily.
Thes people have been at each others throats for centuries and yet we are so ultruistic and naive we think that we can save anyone from themselves. I thin it is about time we forget all about our political correctness with the rest of the world and take care of our own starving, uneducated and poor people in this country first.

All you hear is the bad. You don't hear about any of the good. Why? Why is it that any story on MSNBC just paints the U.S. in a negative light? Do any of you ever question why only the bad is painted and not the good?

I was a soldier once. The military even back then said we would be building homes, saving people, helping lives to try and get better. I was in a branch of the Military that showed no lies. It showed bodies twisted and contorted by Nerve Gas that Saddam's Military dropped on peaceful Villages. You never here how a man had to watch his wife raped and shot by Saddam's own son.

No you don't hear about those things. On MSNBC all you hear is how we are no better than the Terrorist we seek to remove. You only hear how the Chemical Weapons in 2003 were harmless. They don't tell you that Mustard Gas from 1918 is still deadly and has killed people to this day. They only tell you what they want you to hear and that's We are the Bad Guy and Not the Good. I can tell you that I would never would say VX is safe even if it was 1994. It isn't and they lied.

I was a Soldier once and I don't believe your lies. I know what I stood for and what my fellow Soldiers believe. You fill your pages full of lies and say how bad it is. At the same time our Soldiers are helping and striving every day to save lives.

I believe in America and War isn't nice but I want to tell you neither was the World Trade Center. We can bring hope but it needs to start here. If you never show the hope then when do we know it exists. It existed in my Company, with my Captain, and with my fellow Soldiers. It needs to exist here but it won't. It's the nature of MSNBC to breed hate and anguish. So many stories to tell of hope and love for your fellow man but you won't hear it here.

That's MSNBC for you.

United States was never mandated by any recognised world body to act on behalf of the United Nations to use force to eliminate State Governments that do not appeal to its taste. President Bush should be tried for war crimes and for all the damages inflicted on Iraq and its people.

I am a U.S Citizen (North Carolina) working in CANADA and until the new conservative Prime Minster was elected, I was confronted all the time on why the U.S. is so aggresive and violent. Most Canadians are very very good people and have the same understandings of what is "Right" and What is "Wrong".

If its popular to beat on the U.S. or Bush they want to belong to a group that protects their insecurity of opposing the favored "crowd".

I can honestly say that by reading and listening to Satelite radio, the left wing is stronger in our own country. They can not wait for failure of IRAQ to gain power of the Government and people. HMMM sounds kind of like the same goals our enemy wants. Only You can decide to go with what's popular or have the intellegence that in the long run (Republican or Democrat) that failure in IRAQ or any waiver would show weakness and invite more attacks.

Can you imagine if we had such a strong liberal media during World War II. I can see the headlines, "American and Briti