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

[RightWingMarine]

As an earlier poster noted I too can see both sides of this. We aren't a military that needs to hide our identity but then the terps aren't in our military, they are freelance operators.

On the other hand I remember the terp my platoon had, Shark, and he was terrified that someone would learn his true identity.

The Iraqi police force and Iraqi National Guard don't hide their faces either.

[Overberg3959AC]

more like right wing m o r o n ...........coward bullies is all you are.

[Overberg3959AC]

Perhaps when you grow up to be a man you will know the difference between right and wrong and have enough sense not to be part of a f as cist n a z i military.

[innerpeace]

if you ever become a man then you'll learn how to write mature and intelligent posts rather than your usual childish name calling.You might wish to start the maturity process by studying history.

[WasteNJ]

Marines didn't choose the location, they just chose to serve wherever they would be needed, for better or worse.

[RightWingMarine]

if you can read, thank a teacher.
If you can read in English, that a Marine.

You're welcome for the freedom you get to enjoy today.

[rosiebond007]

THESE ARE STUPID NEW RULES - HOW COULD THE ARMY DREAM UP SUCH A DANGEROUS NEW IDEA?
FIRST OF ALL THEY PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE TO HELP, THEN WHEN THEY GET EXPOSED THE US WON'T HELP THEM EMIGRATE .... IT BEATS ALL THAT THE UPPER ECHELON ARE SO ARROGANT. THE ARMY DON'T GET MEDALS FOR BEING STREET SMART !!!

WELL - THERE GO THE INTERPRETERS .........

WHAT A WAY TO SAY THANK YOU . MAKES ME ASHAMED FOR AMERICA.

[sposton]

Typical American arrogance. We seem unable to place ourselves in other people's shoes. This is a betrayal.

[intopolitics]

I can see both sides. The interpreters are afraid but ...
"We are a professional Army and professional units don't conceal their identity by wearing masks,".
What a mess.

Its been years. How about the army learning at least 100 words of the local language before barging in,

[rosiebond007]

GREAT POINT ...

[Overberg3959AC]

thats why the USA will lose...............they can barely speak correct english much less the lingo of the countries they invade, rape and destroy.

Imagine some country invades yours and they can't speak your lingo.........Very easy to fcuk them up.

[sposton]

And we would want to kill collaborators among us as well.

[RightWingMarine]

Yeah we definatly should have held off fighting Japan and Germany until we were partially fluent.

[WasteNJ]

Why all the insults? People can disagree and be civilized.

[MissingAmerica]

This only further displays this administration's ignorance of the Middle East. If these interpreters are willing to help us, the least we can do for them and for ourselves is to do all we can to protect them. What a mess Bush and Cheney have made!