US Army Bans Masks For Iraqi Interpreters, Putting Many At Risk

Washington Post:

BAGHDAD -- The U.S. military has barred Iraqi interpreters working with American troops in Baghdad from wearing ski masks to disguise themselves, prompting some to resign and others to bare their faces even though they fear it could get them killed.

Many interpreters employed by the U.S. government and Western companies in Iraq do everything they can to avoid being recognized on the job because extremists have tortured and killed Iraqis accused of collaborating with the enemy.

"The terps are the number one wanted here," said A.J., a 36-year-old military interpreter, using the shorthand for his profession. "More than the Americans. More than anyone."

Read the whole story: Washington Post

Comments

[ymax]

Stupid is stupid dose.

[XME]

So this is the Republican vision of what it looks like to be "winning" a war...

[instagladiator]

Another parting gift from the romper room admin to O. How lovely.

[SmellyOne]

Hmmmmm... a story that gives an easy opportunity to criticize the U.S. gets LOTS of comments, but a story about Maliki and the U.S. coming together on a "Withdrawl Plan" gets very FEW comments.

I guess it's just easier and more fun to bitch.

[retrocozayshin]

This comment I'm leaving is only the 33rd comment...

[marymansour]

The sooner President Obama brings that war to an end, the better. We have destroyed that country's infrastructure and brought d eath and misery to its people. It is time they controlled their own destinies. They certainly can't do a worse job of it than we have.

[cdnnewsjunky]

Gee, that's going to make Obamma's job easier!

[notb observer]

So if they wore masks before September, does that mean that the army was not professional before that ? No, I didn't think so.

What a complete load of bullsh!t ! Allied Special Ops people have been wearing masks in Iraq and Afghanistan since the beginning of operations in both theaters.

Maybe they should take the senior officers who came up with this policy, wrap them up in American flags and drop them and their families in Sadr City for the afternoon and see how they feel about being vulnerable.

The people behind this decision should all be reprimanded and demoted and replaced by officers who understand the situation on the ground and are capable of demonstrating some loyalty to the interpreters who have put their a$$es on the line for years in support of the US forces. The only way interpreters will be safe is if they are all women and choose to wear the hijab to hide their faces !

We all need to write to our representatives in Congress and let them know that this is unacceptable !

[walk0nwalls]

""We are a professional Army and professional units don't conceal their identity by wearing masks," Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a spokesman for the U.S. military, wrote in an e-mail. He expressed appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the interpreters but said those dissatisfied with the new policy "can seek alternative employment­." "
.

I'll let my rage speak for itself

[WasteNJ]

Another stupid decision made for appearances! These people are sitting ducks with their identities known, and so are their families, friends, relatives, even neighbors. Are you going to work for the US if it means your Mother or Daughter might get kidnapped and beheaded??

Now the next question is, has the US agreed to grant a guaranteed Visa to these people and their families? Currently, it's almost impossible for the interpreters, or anybody helping the US over there to get one. Obviously, these people are expendable.

[Sarahjan]

The Pentagon top brass and the political elite have been telling the American people that they are winning in Iraq but the move to blow the cover of Iraq interpreters tells the real story of what happens to those who come to other societies and countries as colonisers. Of course, the whole project will end in US defeat. But we have seen this sad picture more than once before.

[LeftLeaner]

Leave it to the Americans, just like their homophobia with interpreters.

Why can't they figure out what really matters?

Who is making these "DUMB" decisions?

[mediamarv]

why is it so difficult to get some officers and policy makers with a grasp on reality over there?
It's always the case of someone taking the stupidest way possible to deal with any situaitin.
Soon, some high ranking desk jockey will be asking, "how come we don't have any interpreters? How are we going to get the job done without them??"

You just wait and see, I'll be proven right.

[S1m0n]

Nobody loves a Quisling, and when you work for the occupier, that's what you are. What else did these guys expect?

[ErnestineBass]

Oxymoron of the week: Military Intelligence.

[Adagio]

"We are a professional Army and professional units don't conceal their identity by wearing masks," Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a spokesman for the U.S. military, wrote in an e-mail.

Patreaus leaves, and once again arrogance and stupidity reign supreme.

[WasteNJ]

I could've swore the balaclava mask was a staple of Special Ops units in the US and worldwide, partially to protect the identity of the operator. In fact, that's usually one of the key identifiers of SpecOps. Also, aren't current military personnel issued balaclavas as part of their uniform kit?

Leave it to an overpaid Military pencil-pusher to put your life at risk for no reason, then make an idiotic statement to cover it..