First, American soldiers scoured the home for weapons as 4 veiled Iraqi women cowered on a dusty rug

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/iraq/20070217-1115-iraq-balancingbaghdad.html

U.S. soldiers mix sweep and sweetness in operations to secure Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq – First, American soldiers scoured the home for weapons as four veiled Iraqi women cowered on a dusty rug. Then a platoon sergeant politely wiped his muddy boots, came in and talked to the family about the violence suffocating their city.

Staff Sgt. Michael James of the Army's 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment came with his platoon on a search-and-seizure mission. But he was careful to follow up with expressions of respect and concern.

“Tell them, 'Thank you,' for their hospitality,” James asked his translator. snip

“Winning the hearts and minds – that's what it's all about,” said James, 32, of Chillicothe, Mo.

But swaying sentiments and calming anger is not always as simple as handing out gifts.

Some children have seen troops burst into their homes and haul away their fathers and brothers. In Ramadi, about 70 miles west of Baghdad, soldiers have been pelted with the same candy they tossed out as presents.

[leftchick]

1. yeah that's the ticket!

thank them for letting you violate them some more. Incredible that they think this shit will actually work! Simply incredible.

:eyes:

[WePurrsevere]

2. "Hospitality"? Hospitality is something freely offered, not forced & taken at gun point.

It's difficult to believe that some people in the US military actually think this type of horse pucky will win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.

[RC]

3. It's better than shooting them in their beds while they sleep.