Morale in Iraq ranges from low to gung-ho(Stars N Stripes)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=23161

As Iraq inches toward self-sufficiency, the morale of U.S. troops trying to help the Iraqi people ranges from disillusioned to upbeat.

<snip>

Some members of the 1st Armored Division recently said that, except for the toppling of Saddam Hussein, the U.S.-led invasion and occupation have been a waste of time, especially after their one-year tour was suddenly extended in April by three months.

<snip>

“Morale was low, really low,” Sgt. Eric Wilkinson of Corpus Christi, Texas, and 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, said as he waited at Baghdad International Airport for a flight home. “And then we got extended and was nothing.

“The extension, from our point of view, was not needed.”

“There’s no reason for us to be here, just getting killed, when the entire Iraqi nation doesn’t want us here,” said Spc. Edward Wisdom of Amoret, Mo. “Why are we helping them?”

[bagnana]

1. how depressed would they be if they knew the whole

saddam toppling statue business was staged by the military forcing them to stay?

[JSJ]

2. I'd rather they be demoralized than gung ho

After all there's less energy for 'mischief' when morale is low.