Supporting Troops Must Be Conditional

American politicians cheerled the as our troops embarked on one of the deadliest military campaigns ever against a foreign civilian population during the assault on Fallujah in Iraq in 2004. But one incident from the invasion particularly stuck out as symbolic and indicative of the attitude of some in the military. After the invasion, an Iraqi woman in Fallujah found something written with a lipstick on the mirror in the living room. She could not read English, but an American at the scene could and understood it well. An American soldier had written the following words: "Fuck Iraq and every Iraqi in it."

This is just one example that, together with the incidents at Abu Ghraib prison and many other instances of insult and violence against Iraqis have led to the deterioration of America's image throughout the region. Many members of the military have joined the national service for the right reasons. But there seem to be some members who seem to see their membership as justification to act on some primitive, sexist, supremacist and macho world views that would be unacceptable in any arena in our modern society.

The latest instance of this phenomenon was demonstrated by an American soldier a few months ago that took upon himself to lecture the new members of Iraqi police. This is in light of the fact that the United States is widely seen in Iraq as an invading force. This soldier goes on a rampage, insulting the Iraqis with disgusting and sexist language and no self-restraint.

Let's set one standard clearly: this kind of behavior is completely deplorable, and no soldier who engages in this kind of behavior and uses this kind of language deserves unconditional honor.

Some people may see no problem with this kind of behavior and attitude. But a question that the leaders of the military should ask themselves is "what is our ultimate goal, and how are we going to get there." Both people in the military and those in other parts of our government agree that our ultimate goal is to win the hearts and minds of Iraqis, earn their loyalty and set an example of the kind of attitude that Iraqis should bring to service in their own country. If this is our ultimate goal, the military has no right to expect us as taxpayers to support the troops as they engage in this kind of unacceptable and vulgar behavior in the name of our country. This behavior should not be tolerated, and any soldier who conducts himself in this manner on behalf of the United States deserves less than dishonorable discharge.

Comments

[QM2SS]

Mr. Sedaei,

With all due respect, it seems apparent that you have never served in the military. When you have lived in the terrifying atmosphere of daily imminent peril, with lives depending on you and your life dependent on the skill, dedication and commitment of others, taking dead and wounded on a regular basis, then, perhaps, you will fully understand the nature and origin of this soldiers presentation. So what if some feelings were hurt and performances berated. Philosophize about it later, Right now there is a serious, deadly job ahead for these people. Naivete is not a Christmas scene. Pollyanna is not on duty. This isn't Mr. Rogers neighborhood.

[Sam Sedaei - Huffpost Blogger]

I may not have served in the military, but you certainly don't seem to know much about the Middle East either. The people this soldier is yelling at are not "subjects" who have to accept whatever behavior the American soldier decides is appropriate. The soldier is insulting people he met a few minutes earlier, and the notion that we have to have little or no standards for what can be considered an acceptable set of codes for behavior during a war is ridiculous. Our country's image depends on the behavior of our soldiers. There has to be more accountability, rather than giving them some sort of carte blanch to behave as they see fit.

[QM2SS]

Out of context your argument is valid. Winning hearts and minds is essential diplomacy. In context, frankly, the only things "ridiculous" here are your priorities. Am I to understand that Middle Easterners are more sensitive than Americans? Those men gathered there are collecting a paycheck to perform a job that is essential not only to their own survival but that of their nation. They are not there to solicit a prom date. Unless things have changed dramatically since I served, the army is not a democracy and, in practical application, those men are his "subjects" and it is imperative that they listen closely to what he has to proffer. If harsh language offends you I recommend steering clear of military service, as you have done so far, and let others serve in your stead. That soldier is tasked with the unenviable responsibility of completing his mission, under fire, and keeping those men alive while doing so. Sophomoric sophistry from afar will not resolve those issues. You are arguing form over substance. Again, I respectfully submit, your priorities are way out of focus, particularly if hurt feelings on some cultural level is your sole issue.

[oxi]

Your only going to get excuses...

The U.S. is one arrogant nation. They are the Roman Empire of today on imperialistic adventures for natural resources and world dominance. Just like the Romans if you stand in their way or do not succomb to its ways and rules, you will be butchered. Butchered by brute force or just as powerful through strict sanctions.

The U.S. has the nerve to point their ugly stick at Russia for fighting Islamic terrorists in Chechnya and Serbs for fighting Islamic KLA terrorists in Serbia, may I remind everyone, their own territory, because the U.S. viewed their tacticts has brutal and heavy handed. Heck even Russia's defeat of Georgia was labeled the same.

Yet the U.S. was heavy handed within Iraq and Afghanistan, even Israel in southern Lebanon and recently Gaza and their very own tacticts within Serbia back in 1999. Yet the U.S. will excuse itself every time. Their is a term for that, a double standard!

The U.S. and the west can do it, but nobody else can because that ugly stick will be used! The rest of the world has to abide by rules like human rights, the Geneva Conventions or fall under the ICC or the other kangaroo court the ICTY but the U.S. does not! They are the mighty Romans and make up the rules as they go!

That is arrogance! That is why the world still hates our policies and actions.

[BassMonk]

Unacceptable behavior to be sure, but if you think it isn't condoned by his immediate chain of command, think again.