Mask Ban Upsets Iraqis Hired as U.S. Interpreters

[babylonsister]

Mask Ban Upsets Iraqis Hired as U.S. Interpreters


An Iraqi interpreter for the Army wears a ski mask in front of a detainee. About 300 interpreters have been slain since 2003, a former U.S. official says.
(By Andrea Bruce -- The Washington Post)

By Ernesto Londoño
Washington Post Foreign Service
Monday, November 17, 2008; Page A01


BAGHDAD -- The U.S. military has barred Iraqi interpreters working with American troops in Baghdad from wearing ski masks to disguise themselves, prompting some to resign and others to bare their faces even though they fear it could get them killed.

Many interpreters employed by the U.S. government and Western companies in Iraq do everything they can to avoid being recognized on the job because extremists have tortured and killed Iraqis accused of collaborating with the enemy.

"The terps are the number one wanted here," said A.J., a 36-year-old military interpreter, using the shorthand for his profession. "More than the Americans. More than anyone."

The interpreters have come to symbolize the bravery of Iraqis who have aided the American project in Iraq. About 300 U.S. military interpreters have been killed since 2003, said Kirk W. Johnson, a former official in Iraq with the U.S. Agency for International Development who has fought to make it easier for interpreters and other Iraqis to come to the United States.

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/16/AR2008111602040.html?hpid=topnews

[NeedleCast]

1. Why not allow them to wear masks during interpretation at least?

I can understand not wanting masked people wandering around the green-zone, but this is just stupid. THen again, I spent enough time in the military to know that stupid often the way of life.

[babylonsister]

2. I agree. I have no problem with self-preservation for these Iraqis

who have helped so much.

[Gman]

3. "The interpreters have come to symbolize the bravery of Iraqis..."

Bravery? I think they're desperate for a job after we trashed their country.

[NNN0LHI]

4. They collaborated against their fellow citizens

I wouldn't trust them with or without a mask.

Snitches and rats can turn in a minute.

If they collaborate against their own countrymen what would stop them from turning on us?

I would never turn my back on one of them. Even for a minute.

Don

[babylonsister]

5. Maybe their main concern was feeding their families. Or,

the millions we put into the propaganda war worked, and we 'sold' them on our righteousness.

[Cid_B]

6. Met any recently?

Not being snarky, just curious.

I will also add, with a bit of snarkiness, that there is nothing wrong with "snitches." How the hell else is anything going to get done? Seriously do you think all these guys do is help the Soldiers over there plan the best way to fuck the greatest number of civilians in as violent a manner as possible?