U.S. pullout leaves Iraqi interpreters out on limb

[bemildred]

I am an Iraqi citizen who worked as an interpreter with the U.S. military for two years. It was an honor to serve, and I did it because I believed that bringing freedom to Iraq required brave people to stand up and try to make a difference. Now, as a result of my service, I find myself in a dangerous limbo.

Before 2003, I thought of the U.S. primarily as the home of Bruce Willis, Hollywood and Las Vegas. But it was also a dream, a dream of freedom.

Then, a bit of America came to my country. On every street I began to see Americans who were real, not just characters in movies. I saw the U.S. soldiers with their awesome weapons and gear, and I imagined Iraq becoming like their country, with American ways of life and freedoms, and American-style schools. I learned to speak English so I could assist the American soldiers.

The U.S. mission in Iraq has been immensely difficult. As time passed, more and more Iraqis were fooled by the insurgents' propaganda, and the attacks aimed at Americans and their supporters increased. Your country lost more than 4,400 troops. . My country too has suffered greatly from the insurgency, and we have lost many people who believed in the U.S. message

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-tariq-iraq-translators-visa-20111107,0,1746351.story

[Arctic Dave]

1. I guess he is going to learn the term, "disposable asset".

The everyday term is called, being used.

[yurbud]

2. ''fooled by the insurgents propaganda'' or their own lying eyes?

that told them they were being occupied, a million of their countrymen killed, and their only source of wealth stolen?

That line gives the whole piece the stink of propaganda.

[PragmaticLiberal]

3. Or perhaps he just sees things differently than you do...

:shrug:

[yurbud]

4. more likely he is groveling for his life by buttering us up since those who help us

will be vulnerable when we pull out at the end of the year, and like he said at the end he's looking for a way for those who helped us to get out of the country. I don't blame him.

[bemildred]

5. Yes. nt