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.
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.
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.