http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspxBy NBC local journalist in Baghdad* As Iraqis, the everyday scenes of blood and killing have become normal to us and even our children; we have become numb to a certain extent. But it is different when you hear news about the death of a relative oren-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#207543Wed, 30 May 2007 13:42:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207543boulder, coloradoit looks like the oil-hungry americans aren't doing such a good job. it's sad. i'm sorry for your losses.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#207548Wed, 30 May 2007 13:43:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207548Ben Cohen, NYCWhat a terrible tragedy, a terrible mess. If only American statecraft were more intelligent, fewer people would have died. I fear many more will die.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#207598Wed, 30 May 2007 14:16:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207598james, north carolinaI'm glad for this story to reach the press. In America we never talk about how much the Iraqis themselves are suffering, all we talk about is the 3000+ dead American soldiers, and we forget that millions of Iraqis have been REALLY affected. That's the luxury of fighting a war in a far-off land that most Americans have never even been to. During one of the presidential debates, a candidate stated "we need to remember that we are doing this for the Iraqi people" and the audience clapped. But are we? I don't know anymore. I now think that this mess was actually intended by the pentagon strategists. Iraq will NEVER recover. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#207601Wed, 30 May 2007 14:18:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207601political nightmarethank you for sharing your heart-felt story, part of an enormous tragedy. may god bring peace to this turmoil. and may we find some politicians smart enough and courageous enough to end the bloodshed immediately.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#207603Wed, 30 May 2007 14:19:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207603john floridathis is one of the saddest postings yet.i am sorry for the families of these men. when will the government of Iraq decide for the good of the people to move forward on their behalf, instead of the benefit of some whacky religious leader they represent.The population of Iraq deserves to be reprsented no matter what branch of Islam they practice. Why a slight differance in their religion should cause an entire country to suffer like this is beyond ignorant. People are people no matter what religion they feel the same pain, bleed the same blood, and are just as dead when a bunch of narrow minded idiots get together to the detrament of all the good people who don't have the protection they deserve from their leaders. If you want to kill someone start with the so called religious leaders that preach death to anyone and watch them put a lid on it to save their own skins and if you want to drive the point home wrap the body in a pigskin as a lasting message to anyone preaching death from their so called church.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#207632Wed, 30 May 2007 14:33:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207632patriotthe average american thought we were doing a good thing, the right thing. we were lied to and misled. we thought we were going to help, but really we just made a mess of things. i am sorry for all the bloodshed in iraq. i don't know if we are really there for the oil or not, i don't know if we can trust our politicians or cia anymore. it's a sad state of affairs. i feel like i've been betrayed by my own government, my own people.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#207636Wed, 30 May 2007 14:35:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207636LNP, Maryland, USAI am so sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine the horrific conditions under which you live. I cannot wrap my brain around a reality in which human life is so devalued. I hope there will be peace in your nation one day soon.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#207677Wed, 30 May 2007 14:53:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207677TESTRUN#1to john in florida: killing is NEVER the answer.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#207864Wed, 30 May 2007 15:25:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207864Cem, Washington, DCIt's a few months old, but relevant: Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, October 11, 2006; Page A12 "A team of American and Iraqi epidemiologists estimates that 655,000 more people have died in Iraq since coalition forces arrived in March 2003 than would have died if the invasion had not occurred." I'm sure the number is much higher by now. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208124Wed, 30 May 2007 16:01:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208124RAJ KOTHARI, JERSEY CITY , NEW JERSEYHOW CAN WE IMPOSE SO CALLED DEMOCRACY ON OTHER NATIONS? IF OUR GOVERNMENT HAS REAL GUTS THEN IT SHOULD TRY TO MAKE NORTH KOREA AND IRAN DEMOCRACIES.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208196Wed, 30 May 2007 16:11:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208196Tina/ChicagoWe are the peace keepers............why can't anyone see they are the ones killing even their own people. There is no God that believes one should kill another person for whatever reason. We have tried to reason with them and to no avail. It is sad that innocent people get caught in the crossfire. I stand for my President and for my Country. For those who don't leave the country and live somewhere else and see what freedoms you would have..........none........wake uphttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208401Wed, 30 May 2007 16:41:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208401Verna, Big Lake, MNWhile this is, indeed, a tragedy, the article did not say that the gentleman was killed by American soldiers. What we are seeing is a civil war. It would have happened even if Saddam Hussein were still in power. Iraq is divided into three factions who are at war...the Curds in the north, the Sunnis and the Shites....each wanting power. Since Curd strength is not strong the Sunnis and Shites are duking it out. The U.S. and allies are ATTEMPTING to bring stability to Iraq. Does that count?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208440Wed, 30 May 2007 16:46:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208440john floridaTestrun#1 : if you know someone that can talk to the clerics and get anywhere whith them count me in i"m up for that. But so far talk has done nothing but stretch this mess out longer. their idea of talk is THEY TALK WE AGREE IF WE DON'T AGREE TO EVERYTHING THEY WANT THERE IS NO TALK. SO WHAT'S THE POINT IN TALKING IT GET'S YOU NOWHERE WITH THESE POWER HUNGRY BASTARDS THAT DON'T GIVE A CRAP ABOUT THEIR PEOPLE. I wish talk could help.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208481Wed, 30 May 2007 16:51:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208481JesseNothing will change until everyday Iraqi's arm themselves, and kill whoever they run into with their face covered, and carrying a gun. That's how the American West was won. The stagecoach robberies, bank robberies, and murderers were all killed when it was declared open season on them. Same with the Hells Angels. Open season means kill them on sight.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208514Wed, 30 May 2007 16:58:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208514jjGAI, too, am sorry for your loss and for his family's loss. He was working for his country and was killed by those who only know hatred and greed. As an American I can only wonder how these thugs continue to survive and operate when it seems there are so many more Iraqi people than thugs. If the people would rise up against these murdering uncivlized thugs, along with the Iraqi military and the allied forces there, they should be able to report them, not hide them and speed up the peace process considerably. Do the Iraqis want this civil war to continue, are they supporting these thugs because they hate us so much or because they are so tunnel visioned that Sunni and Shia cannot see the common sense of living together in peace as they did under the ruthless dicator. Will it take ANOTHER ruthless dicator to bring peace - by sheer terror and force? That is how it looks to an outsider. In our country, our soldiers are loyal to our country whether they personally agree or disagree with what they are ordered to do. They respect our nation, the rule of law, our freedom to worship as we choose. They fight to protect our nation and to keep peace in our nation. Our people may disagree with each other on every issue under the sun, including religion, but --- each of us is loyal to the UNITY of our nation and our people. The world saw that after 9/11. Unity and respect for each other is the glue that holds us together and that has made our great nation what she is today. My husband was a soldier during the Viet Nam war - we didn't agree with it - but we were loyal to our country and our government. Many of us disagree with this Iraq war, but our soldiers do their loyal duty to country regardless of THEIR personal beliefs. Is there no pride of country in Iraq within the people? Why are the masses not standing up and saying they are not going to have their country torn apart any longer? Unless they are willing and have the courage to do that - this war will never end and the thugs will rule that nation in a harsher way than Saddam ever did. It is just so very hard for an American who loves my country and obeys the laws of our land and would fight anybody who tried to take our freedom. Is it because those people don't understand what freedom is? Is it because of their religious differences? If that is the case, then nothing and no one can help them. There has be tolerance for one's brother and one's neighbor. Intolerance and the greed for power and control is what feeds the radical thugs - no respect for human life at all. Is this so ingrained that it will be forever as it has been from the beginning of time with people in that region? I don't mean to be unkind - I have the deepest sympathy and respect for your loss - you are suffering personal pain and national pain as well. None of us wants to see our people or our soldiers die. I just have such a hard time understanding why the masses of people cannot or will not stand up and take back their homeland from the thugs who are blowing them up, kidnapping, killing, torturing, etc. We can only do so much, the gov. there can only do so much - when it comes down to reality - the people themselves must stop this insanity.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208538Wed, 30 May 2007 17:03:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208538Mitzi, Liberty, TXAs an American, I am embarrassed by what our Government has done to Iraq and its people for oil money that doesn't belong to them. You and your country are in my prayers as are the Politicians who are trying to play God. There is only one God. God Bless you.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208555Wed, 30 May 2007 17:05:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208555T. Hill, Carrollton, TexasOh Please! This is a recycled story and the same answer applies, if the local Iraqis would get out of their ghetto frame of mind and start turning in the terrorist that they know are living amongst them then the killings would subside.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208558Wed, 30 May 2007 17:06:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208558oneamerican, Lake Havasu AZThank you for making this "personal". Each time I hear of one more American dying there -- accompanied by a story of Iraqi citizens killed at schools, while shopping, working and trying to rebuild their lives, I shudder over the losses WE have caused. Our original enemies who caused 9/11 have suffered so few losses, while innocent Iraqi citizens lose entire FAMILIES, even generations of families - due to our worst president-ever's idiocy and greed. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208585Wed, 30 May 2007 17:15:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208585Melita Colombi, Charleston, SCWhat an enormous loss for you, their family and friends. As an American, I am ashamed of the results of the horror the Iraqi people are enduring. Every day I see an increase in death and torture of innocent people there. This is a war of politics and America now has blood on their hands. The more time it takes to come out of Iraq, the more impossible it becomes. As an American, I want to say I am sorry for the actions of our leaders. But it seems as if it is too late. Every day there are more deaths and torture. The torture extends not only to the victims but to their families and friends. But still the question remains, how much longer will this continue?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208593Wed, 30 May 2007 17:17:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208593Tom, OhioOne of the largest reasons that our soldiers and other man and women are geting killed is because congress is pushing so hard to pull out our troops. What is that going make our Nation look like, a whimp. we need to put an end to the fighting but we need to back the troops completly. We need to help them get the job done and get it done right. Yes I understand that it means more fighting but Islam and all of the other anti-american cults will fight and are fighting to bring the war to our homeland. Thats not what I want and its not what you want either.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208597Wed, 30 May 2007 17:18:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208597Jane DoeBeing able to voice opinions of what should or should not have been done with the war in Iraq is the VERY freedom that has been fought for and the soldiers fight to give us that freedom. We should be supporting our military instead of criticizing what they are doing. Many, many of the Iraqi people are glad to see us over there, as well as there are those that are not. To put the war down, from the American and Iraq standpoint, is to say that all that have perished have done so in vain. If you have not been in the military, have not fought for your country, have not had the opportunity to run this country, NEEDS TO KEEP THEIR OPINIONS TO THEIRSELF as they do not know what they are talking about. Walk a mile in the president and military's shoes and then, maybe then you can voice your opinion what should or should not have been done or what should be done now. Its a shame that so many lives have been taken whether they be American or Iraqi people, but the support should be there for the Iraqi army and the American soldier that puts his life in harms way for all of us. God Bless America, The soldier and our President.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208608Wed, 30 May 2007 17:20:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208608Arv Jadhav. Dallas, TXImagine in your town you fear death everytime you leave home to take your children to school or buy groceries! U.S. force withdrawal is dubbed as 'surrender'. Can these critics clearly define what 'victory' is? The definition keeps changing for political convenience. Will Iraqis be better off when we leave Iraq?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208620Wed, 30 May 2007 17:22:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208620NYMy heart goes out to you. I have read through some of the comments from your story and I agree with PATRIOT, I don't believe the average American understood what was happening within the realms of our government. I am an avid voter...but it seems as though my vote no longer counts due to American's being mislead. We are supposed to be able to trust our Government, our people or else what do we stand for? I have not lost all hope in my country...but it has broken my heart along with so many others that are feeling the losses as you have. God Bless. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208621Wed, 30 May 2007 17:23:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208621Rick D. Holladay, UtahI am so sorry for your losses. I am an American and I apologize even though I did not vote for the idiot who created this mess. The American people should all apologize for getting you into this mess. Maybe we thought we were doing the right thing but then when it was obvious what a mess it was, we reelected the same idiot again. I think we will never learn and you have suffered unnecessarily as a result.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208630Wed, 30 May 2007 17:25:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208630jorgeIt makes me sick to think about the patriotic platitudes this administration and its lackeys shove down our throats everyday such as our troops are fighting for our freedoms in Iraq. They're not fighting for my freedoms as far as I can see. If they were, why are stories as this so scarce in our media? If their deaths were really supposed to mean something to me, it wouldn't reach me in this roundabout fashion. Our troops are NOT fighting for our freedoms over there. But, even worse, they're not even fighting for the freedoms of the Iraqis who die by the hundreds every week due to violence, who cannot even go outside for fear of being shot or killed by a car bomb, who cannot go to school, who cannot find work, who do not have running water or electricity except for a few hours a week. Is that freedom?? Is that what we're fighting to defend?? They keep saying a sudden pullout would be disastrous. Well, it already sounds like a disaster has occurred. How much worse could it be without us there? We're certainly not stopping it. Our soldiers are fighting for two people: #1 themselves, just trying to survive so they can come home, and #2 for George Bush who is determined to waste every life he has to in order to prove he's not the inept, vicious-minded, lying jerk that the whole world already knows him to be. Thanks, Congress, for giving into this turd and prolonging the war. I won't forget.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208649Wed, 30 May 2007 17:30:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208649Brunker alabamaIts sad, very sad. Terrible loss, I dont see as there will ever be peace, All these muslims killing other muslims, I mean its just like I go to the 1st street baptist Church and I am going to kill anyone from the 4th street baptist Church, Its all in education, Nothing more and nothing less, any radicalsz speaking out freely should be destroyed, and on the other hand I dont blame islam for wanting anything to do with the USA with all the gays and lesbians, ( stupid and barbaric,) I dont blame them a bit.........I think we also need to think about how we look to other people, http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208658Wed, 30 May 2007 17:31:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208658Proud military wife, KansasI am sorry for your loss. But, unlike most of the people who have responded. I chose not to cut down the American soldiers. My husband is one of them. It is a mess that we are in, but how would our country be if we just pull out now? How long will it take for the violence that you see in the streets of Baghdad everyday to end up here? Men and women like my husband are doing what they can to make a difference for everyone. It is sad that innocent Iraqis are having to die because of a bunch of people who kill just to be killing. But, just like those innocent Iraqis.........there are thousands of innocent Americans that die at their hands as well. So, instead of condeming the American men and women over there, why don't you help find a solution to the problem.............http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208668Wed, 30 May 2007 17:34:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208668Retired Military USA Officer, Atlanta, GAAmerica is not the killers in this story! Are you saying that are soldiers, their leaders (includes USA government), and other coalition soldiers and leaders are the blame for those that are willing to kill innocent people? I hope not. If you believe that the US government is responsible for evil people wanting to kill innocent people in Iraq or elsewhere then you need to leave the USA and live in another country because you just hate this country and what it stands for. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208672Wed, 30 May 2007 17:35:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208672Dave Maurer, Buffalo, NYGod Help us all, we the people of the US and the people of Iraq and the entire Middle East are simpley pawns in a rediculous and greedy power struggle. My heart felt sympathies go out to the families of this article. When will it end...!!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208679Wed, 30 May 2007 17:37:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208679William OOB, maineI am sorry for your loss. I lost a good friend while serving there. We were en route delivery food to iraq's when we were hit by a roadside bomb. SO we are there to help the iraqi people. Its the Iraqi people that are detonation these roadside bombs. I don't know what to think anymore. Obviously there is a few bad apples that are spoiling the whole bag. If they would let us build the schools and help with there water lines and ect we could be done already. but no, we have to keep going after these insurgents because the iraqi people are too scared to defend themselves against there own? So i guess at this point it doesn't matter if we are there or not. because Iraqis are never going to stop blowing there own women and children up until IRAQI's take a stance against there own. Its too bad innocent people have to die because a type of religion thinks there going to heaven for a bunch of virgins if they kill themselves and whoever else.... hmm yeah right. good luck with that. the last comment didn't make any sense. Oil hungry country. if we were so oil hungry why are we paying out of our butts for gas right now at the pumps.. think about that. Again sorry for your loss..http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208698Wed, 30 May 2007 17:42:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208698Steve, TxSorry to hear about the loss as well...the question I have is if the "WAR" wasn't going on and this gentlemen had died - would any of you really cared or would we have even known???? One thing that this war has done is brought a lot of attention to this part of the world that most people probably never really thought about before. I agree that the time has come to begin taking the steps necssary to reduce the American presence there - but now that you know about all of the Iraqi killings that the US presence has been accused of causing (I know I saw some astronomical figure reported in an earlier post) is it something that we need to rush before the chaos has been lessened? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208713Wed, 30 May 2007 17:52:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208713Sandy Glenwood Springs COWhat are Americans apologizing for? Iraq needs to take control of their own country, we are attempting to train them to do so. Or perhaps the apologetics are desiring this war to continue in our own country? Support our country, our soldiers, or leave.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208718Wed, 30 May 2007 17:55:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208718Tracy Bichl, Cleveland, Ohio I am sorry too as so many have stated. This is not the America I know and this war is not what our country is about. I knew immediately when I heard we were going into Iraq it would be a mistake, dreamed up by a very dangerous administration. I too wish to apologize for the actions of my country, I don't know how we will every make it up to you. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208721Wed, 30 May 2007 17:55:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208721CosmicRockerall Bush's horsemen of death; (Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, et all) All the king's soldiers; Can't put Iraq together again. GET OUT NOW!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208747Wed, 30 May 2007 18:06:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208747Ed Doe, Olympia.Wash Please explain to me why and how the Canadians have managed to stay out of this horable mess? If they could do it,couldn't we have done it too? Or our are so called leaders just too oil hungry?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208752Wed, 30 May 2007 18:09:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208752sharpstone, LAWhat you are all forgetting is that it was our own CIA that set the groundwork for this "civil war". It's about the oil. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208754Wed, 30 May 2007 18:10:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208754My RegretsAs an American, I am sorry and grieve for your pain. Too bad George Bush's administration doesn't share your pain (as he was warned repeatedly that this very thing would happen)! For the last couple of years, I am ashamed to be called an American. All I ever hear is "God bless America." How about "God bless the rest of the World." No, we are more interested in who wins American Idol..and mostly view the lives of non Americans (especially Muslims) as second rate. We will get ours one day (I am afraid).http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208755Wed, 30 May 2007 18:10:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208755c.j.Bush is a chimp. Cheney is a liar. Rumsfeld was an ass. The PNAC crowd should be lined up and shot.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208758Wed, 30 May 2007 18:12:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208758B, ColoradoI was in Iraq for one year (2006) There are a lot of good people in Iraq. If any one of citizens stood up agains the insurgance, they would most likely be killed. While I was there we had a maid that came in to clean areas of the house. She asked me for one favor, to teach her 6 yr old daughter how to swim. I saw so much light and potentical in this young girl. Because of meeting her it really turned my view around and I knew why I was there. I hope that the American and forign troops in Iraq will continue to do the right thing. I know I will always wonder for the rest of my life what that little girl is doing. Thankshttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208759Wed, 30 May 2007 18:13:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208759yaweh honolulouDrink until dawn? I think you are a liar? Are you george bush? Nope, can't be, you can spell....must be laura.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208774Wed, 30 May 2007 18:18:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208774oklahomaI'am so sorry for your losses. I'am ashamed to be an american and imbarrassed to have an idiot running our country. I'm glad i did not vote for him, but every dum person that voted for him should go to iraq and see if they return as heros. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208775Wed, 30 May 2007 18:18:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208775Kurt, Columbia, MO.The saddest thing is, Americans aren't killing these people, extreme factions are doing the killing. The Americans get the blame because we are there. That is no different than blaming a woman for being raped because she wore a sexy outfit. When will people wake up and realize the extremists are the ones causing all of the suffering and death in Iraq and Darfur and Afghanistan!!! The real idiots are the people who don't see and understand that the reason they use these tactics is to incite fear to get what they want, like the bully on the bus. Until someone stands against them and fights back, the world is doomed to more death of innocent lives. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208778Wed, 30 May 2007 18:19:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208778Fed up, Tampa, FLThe reality of this situation is that it is hopeless. We have gotten ourselves sucked into quicksand, and we walked into it voluntarily. The rest of the world is content to smugly watch the mighty 21st century US armed forces get "bested" by shadow armies fighting a 1000 year old grudge. And don't think of any quick pull out. We're going to be there another 10 years. Say goodbye to your Social Security and other benefits. We will need the money to pay for the war as well as taking care of the wounded from it. Bin Laden and his ilk know how to fight a war - use terror and proxies. You lose. If I sound bitter, there's a reason. It's how this whole global war on terror has been botched. And we are not safer! And to the gentleman who wrote that sad blog, please accept my sympathies, and I apologize for the rant.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208783Wed, 30 May 2007 18:23:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208783Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca.A very sad tale indeed. However, our president says everybody must sacrafice for freedom if they want it or not. He knows what is best and he is the "decider." To bad for the folks in harms way because bush can not be stopped. The machine of government is busted and no one can fix it. We all have other things to do.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208807Wed, 30 May 2007 18:35:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208807JBob, Butler, PAThis story is both heartbreaking and tragic; unfortunately, it is probably pretty common. We cannot just blame Bush for the mess but also must blame the citizens who voted for him and support this war. The post above by Tina is classic herd mentality "I stand for my President and for my Country." Unquestioned support for your president and country is both servile and unpatriotic. Our founding fathers are spinning in their grave(s).Unquestioned support for your president and country is both servile and unpatriotic. Our founding fathers are spinning in their grave(s).http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208827Wed, 30 May 2007 18:45:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208827Emad, MississippiI am an Iraqi American who left Iraq when Saddam came to to power. I still have all my family in Baghdad that are so miserable due to our action. For those who are defending the president blindly, and calling themselves patriots i say to you, you need to get the facts right 1st. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 or with Bin Laden Iraq was not a threat to our national security Iraqis are Muslims Iraq has the 2nd largest oil reserve in the world this is a prime example of some ignorant people who are writing with emotions instead with brain "If you have not been in the military, have not fought for your country, have not had the opportunity to run this country, NEEDS TO KEEP THEIR OPINIONS TO THEIRSELF as they do not know what they are talking about." so according to Jane Doe (she did not even have to guts to write her own real name) if you do not agree with me then you are against me!! and you call this freedom and democracy! the other person "John from Florida" talking about religious leaders, what you think GWB is doing? isn't he the compassionate conservative that have so far managed to destroy a country that have done nothing to us and changed the people way of life with his own stupid action in Iraq? so it is ok for Christians to kill Muslims and not for Muslims to defends themselve against an army that don't even speak the local languages. is it ok for our soldiers to abuse Iraqis under the pretense of freedom and democracy and if they are resist us then we can call them terrorist. So American soldiers can kill any Iraqi they want in the name of security but if they kill us back then they must be terrorists. the mission has changed so many times, we should leave Iraq, rebuild that country, pay compensations and apologize. this is the honorable's way to finish this mess. The Idea that if we don't fight them there, they will follow us here, what a stupid idea. people who thinks this way must be insecure and incredibly stupid. I as an American citizen can't get our government to give my family a visa let alone let the terrorists in. people who thinks this way makes me sick. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208828Wed, 30 May 2007 18:46:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208828Iris C. FloridaWords can never say how the world feels about our president invading Iraq. For whatever reason he gives, right now innocent Iraqis are dieng for the glory he wanted instead got a civil war that is killing thousand of their own people as well as our soldiers. This would not, could have happened if Saddam was still in power. He kept order by ruling with a iron fist. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208831Wed, 30 May 2007 18:47:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208831N. Craddock Huntsville, AlabamaMany people that i know as well as myselfthougt we would be just where we are if the US invaded Iraq, but were unable to prevent the so-called war, it is just a bad as we were sure it would be, but now too late to change. We must ge out as soon s possible.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208847Wed, 30 May 2007 18:53:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208847Mike, Philly PAI would just like to respond to Jane Doe who feels that if someone has not served in the military or in politics they should not have an opinion. That is absolutely wrong! This country was founded by people who had an opinion about how government and military should be run. You mention that having an opinion is what makes this country great, but yet only certain people can have them? That sounds like a dictatorship to me. It is people who do not listen to the oppositions opinions who are close minded and make mistakes like our president has made. I SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! They did not decide to go to war. President Bush made that decision for them. I do not support the war because it was done specifically to avenge the hit Saddam Hussien had out on his father, former President Bush. I think we have all missed that point. We talk about patriotism and have been led by our president to believe that being a patriot means you support the war. That is wrong, being a patriot means you love this country and what it represents, freedom. Democracy is not for every country. Just because we thrive on it and love it does not mean everyone wants it. This is not a political war in Iraq, it is religious and it will continue no matter what the US does. It has been going on for thousands of years. The only thing we did, was stir the pot. I am saddened that people follow our government blindly. Our country was founded by people who question government and speak out! I feel sorry for the innocent people who have died in Iraq (both Iraqi and American). I want our troops to do their jobs and come home, but unfortunately they have not been given tools to win a war that has been going on long before the US was here. Why does the US feel we need to fix everyone's problems? Why do we feel that we are better than everyone else? Why can't we fix the issues we have here before creating bigger ones over seas like social security, health care, and oil prices. Maybe it is time we look in the mirror and realize that we have only created absolute choas in Iraq and start to practice a bit more caution when deciding what is right for others.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208848Wed, 30 May 2007 18:53:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208848Texas Hound DogI agree that we need to get out of there asap. Ironically, I think that is the best thing that we can do to "help"... or at least to minimize the damage we've caused.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208862Wed, 30 May 2007 18:57:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208862d.d., bamaThe BIG PICTURE is that we need to get Israel's interests the hell out of Washington! And I think you know who I mean.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208870Wed, 30 May 2007 19:01:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208870Alan , Mesa, AZI can't help but wonder the "WHYS" when I read these types of stories. Occupation always brings about discontent and that leads to the types of violence we are seeing everyday. I honestly believe that if Iraq was to use there new found democracy to demand the USA exit ASAP that we the leaders of Democracy would not comply. It is not hard to imagine the day to day conflicts in a country that already had plenty of violence escalates as a result of our continued presence as though it was justified. Seventy percent of Iraqi's have indicated that they would like the US occupation to leave. At the very least you would think that a new stardegy of pulling back to the outskirts of town to simply contain the intrusions from Iran, Syria and others and allow the Iraqi's to fight this out or finally come to some resolution about their continued existence. They do not need us to fuel the already volitle fire within that country. As for the argument of winning a non-existant war from the Politicains if we pull out. This is not a war put a police action. One more lost Soldier, body part or fractured mind will not solve this crisis. Only Iraqi's with Iraqi's fighting until they are exhausted and willing to compromise and rebuild their nation on their own with monetary help from our mistakes will they ever see a peaceful sunrise or sunset ever again. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208873Wed, 30 May 2007 19:02:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208873DonnaPellegrino bath maineIam so sorry.As Iragis was the scene of blood and killings there befor our troops came to Irag? It does numb one to a curtain extent,but then you feel things like you want to cry,you want to hate,you want to love, its sadness, its fear,its hard to seperate the gunman from the good people in Irag. I wish i could learn and understand so i could be me again.Iam sorry.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208884Wed, 30 May 2007 19:10:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208884Rick, Belleville, IlPlease make no mistake that any loss of life is tragic. Call it civial war, but it is the Islamic crusades. There are the Sunni insurgents coming in from Jordon and Egypt that are creating havic and the Iraqi people. Make no mistake they are there to serve there own agenda and not what is best for the Iraqi people. The Shia are paying the Sunni's back for years of oppression under Sadam's rain. The Sunni's decided not to participate in the government and the Kurds have a working government structure in the north. Make no mistake that if the US was not there, there would genicide. The Shia would wipe out the Sunni's and the Kurds would be the next target. I have seen what they are doing to each other. They are indiscriminate of who they kill, to include women and children. It is bad there, but if we weren't there it would be worse. Lets face the fact that the UN is just for show. They would only call on the US to anyway, so for now we are the only thing stopping the genicide in Iraq for now.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208898Wed, 30 May 2007 19:19:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208898Billy Bob, STPP, MNI'm sorryhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208912Wed, 30 May 2007 19:24:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208912Cadman, HawaiiI grieve with you for your loss, and the mess America create in Iraq. And, fear the carnage and violence will continue in Iraq, with or without American troops there. I just hope we, as Americans will learn from this fiasco, freedom and democracy is something desired by the masses, not another country. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208927Wed, 30 May 2007 19:33:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208927John, MS"What are Americans apologizing for?" Sandy, How about for destroying their country and killing a lot of Iraqis who has done nothing to us? "Iraq needs to take control of their own country, we are attempting to train them to do so." Iraq was under control and the Iraqis were safer and happier than now. they did not need us to train them. "Or perhaps the apologetics are desiring this war to continue in our own country? Support our country, our soldiers, or leave." hahahahaha this is so funny, we do support out troops Sandy, and you should do the same and demand they be brought home to their loved ones alive and not dead. all they are doing now is defending the interests of GWB and Dick Cheney. Do you know that the original name of the war was Operation Iraqi Liberation! which translate into OIL? So, if we disagree with your philosophy then we should leave! what logic is that? This is the United States of America and not the Untied States of Sandy or the United States of the Bushes?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208931Wed, 30 May 2007 19:35:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208931it's all for the oilIt's all about the flow of oil. 2.2 million barrels of oil flow per day out of Iraq and into American oil tankers.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208932Wed, 30 May 2007 19:35:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208932lee dailyKeep the politicians out of the war. Let the military run it or get the hell out. The same American public that voted to go to war does not have the stomach to do the killing that needs to be done to finish this mess. That puts soldiers lives at risk. We have some dilusional people in this country that think that they can fight a clean war.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208936Wed, 30 May 2007 19:36:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208936Bill, Middle of Nowhere, USAEmad makes a great point...you're either for me or against me and if you're against me, you must be a terrorist. In the eyes of the Iraqis, George Bush is probably considered a terrorist dictator who has invaded their country, unprovoked. Time for regime change. Anyone ever consider how many WMD are in the U.S.? You know, "peacekeeper" missiles. Thank God that's not a criteria for someone wanting to invade our country by force. And for those of you who want those of us who "don't know what we're talking about" not to speak, go read the First Amendment to the Consitution.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208954Wed, 30 May 2007 19:42:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208954Rick PriceI am sorry for your loss and all the idiots on here posting as well.. peace ~*~http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208955Wed, 30 May 2007 19:43:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208955StevenNews flash... Americans are not the bad guys. Americans are fighting the bad guys. Sorry for your loss. I hope the men who killed your friend pay in kind.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208957Wed, 30 May 2007 19:44:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208957Morris Carlisle Houston TexasTEXAS...... Only the stupid sent in such irresponsible REMARKS! Only TEXAS would put a man in the WHITE HOUSE with the IQ of an roach & expect GREAT things!~ ON THE JOB TRAINING ISN'T A GOOD THING FOR "PRESIDENT" folks...... ALL this for WHAT! For GEORGE OF COURSE.... Y isn't his two daughters on the FRONT LINE? That would change the COURSE for him! Morris Carlislehttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208961Wed, 30 May 2007 19:45:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208961Mike, San DiegoI don't grieve. I grieve for the 3000+ US Citizens who have died trying to clean up someone else's fetid mess. I grieve for our people who have died actually trying to make the world a better place. Pick up a rifle and take back your own country instead of a pen. Only when you and millions of other Iraqis do that will you truly have your own country. Until then, you are our welfare project. There was death and violence before we showed up. There is death and violence now. Every time we try to build something and restore utilities, services, etc, these people blow them up again. They don't want to improve. They just want to kill each other and they HATE us. They want our welfare, they need our welfare. I agree with an earlier post - open season. Or we plain outright pull out and let the stupid Iraqi people deal with it. How about we let the muslim world clean up it's fetid sores? Not possible in our lifetime. How about we go in and cut out that cancer for them? I'm all for the latter. And of course innocent people will die, it's the nature of warfare. But better them than my innocent children on a domestic flight next year. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208962Wed, 30 May 2007 19:45:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208962Dave, Gaithersburg, MarylandWe should never have invaded Iraq - everyone finally sees that - therefore we must get out ASAP - Iraqi's must resolve their own differences without our interferencehttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208968Wed, 30 May 2007 19:49:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208968Emad, MsRick, I was born/lived in Iraq and i know iraqis more than you do. Please make sense of what you are writing. "Call it civial war, but it is the Islamic crusades." i thought GWB who invoked the word crusade first. You have repeated the MAKE NO MISTAKE few times in your post, it is time for me to tell you make no mistake, if we were not there Iraq would be a lot safer than now and there would be no genocide. "I have seen what they are doing to each other. They are indiscriminate of who they kill, to include women and children." Have you lived in Iraq or the green zone? as the Holy Bible teaches you to find the truth (Seek ye the truth and the truth shall set you free) I ask you to open your eyes and find the truth. this administration have lied us into this conflicts with no regards for human life, as GWB stated one time on his briefings that "we will do any thing to achieve our objectives" Americans are expandable to this administration in my opinion.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208992Wed, 30 May 2007 20:03:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208992JohnAs a father in law of an officer in iraq, I must say it saddens me to see what happens in Iraq daily. But its not really about oil, its about trying to help a group of people who cannot help themselfs. But I ask do the people Iraq really want to be saved? You can blame the Sunnis or the Shi'ites for all the murder that takes place in Iraq. Don't blame the US or Israel for the horrors that take place each day in Iraq. All people have a right to live free and not be murdered for their beliefs. No mattter how you believe, God does not approve of murdering thy neighbor. The Israel people did not start this war. Yes Bush lied about why we went to war, and his phony war record for Vietnam is a shame. Its about power, power to corrupt be it here in America, Iraq, Iran. Korea, its about POWER. The people in Iraq are out to gain power, Saddam is gone but someone wants his power and will kill to acheive it. So it hasn't changed. 3500 American lives and untold American victums is all in vain. Lets leave now before another good American life is lost on a peopel who can't help themselfs. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but until they want us there, we serve no purpose. Its sad that incocent lifes but be lost. The children of Iraq did not ask to be mureder by their own kind. Good bye and farewll Vietnam-opps Iraq http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#208997Wed, 30 May 2007 20:07:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208997BJ-ConnecticutAfter 9/11, I visited ground zero, where the twin towers were. I went there with a group of people from church. It was like approaching a giant cememetery. All my life, I was taught in church to love my enemy, and to forgive. However, after 9/11, I completely supported the war against terrorism. I was even on the phone with a recruitment officer, almost ready to join the war. My dad stopped me. Now, some years later, I think about it. Somebody needs to stop the terrorists. However, for every terrorist we capture, it seems 2 or 3 more are putting a bomb in a school or another public place. I am beginning to wonder if this war will ever end. Each year we lose more and more soldiers. And more and more families are being separated here in America. How many years has it been and we haven't found Bin Laden? Maybe the terrorists want us to chase them around the world, while we are losing more and more soldiers each year. How many more years will we sacrifice the brave lives of our soldiers? How many more years will we chase the terrorists around the world, because we are afraid they might enter the U.S. one day? How many more women and children will cry at night, because their husband and daddy won't be coming home for christmas? The terrorists need to be stopped. However it has been many years, with more and more bombs each year. God give our leaders wisdom to take the right decisions.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209012Wed, 30 May 2007 20:17:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209012FED UP, Woodland Hills, CASome on this blog, thank God not the majority, believe that America owns the world, that can intervene, impose democracy, etc. This is why our Media never questioned the morality and legality of this warm, just the efficacy of the policies. Shame on this country for the grief it's caused Iraq. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209016Wed, 30 May 2007 20:19:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209016Juan Villacampos, New MexicoThe apologists on this post who act as though it's the fault of America when Iraqi sectarian violence claims innocent victims make me sick...and they sound pathetic. The bad guys are the ones doing the killings in the name of Islam. Yes, the removal of Sadam's mudering regime fostered the conditions that led to a sectarian civil war. And yes, there have been casualties caused by the fight against the insurgents. Believe it or not, this is a war. If your neighbor chased a rabid dog off your property, would you attack him as being a bad guy because a rabid squirrel showed up (probably because the dog was gone)and bit your kids? If you do, I think you're completely crazy!! People like you aren't worth spit. I may not support this conflict, but I sure don't blame America for sectarian violence perpetrated against the Iraqi people by Muslim extremists. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209023Wed, 30 May 2007 20:21:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209023Kyle, Greenwood, South CarolinaI am sorry about you losing your cousin and friend. But another Arab took those lives. If the Iraqis really want us out than they would rise up and fight the insurgents themselves. Most of the insurgents are from other Middle Eastern countries. I get so tired of hearing about how great the Iraqis were, Mesopotamia. We expeirenced the same things in the Revolutionary War. But we rose up together and defeated the most powerful army in the world. Your telling me these Iraqis can't fix the problem. No wonder Saddam rose to power and stayed there. These people are too busy stabbing our boys in the back rather than fighting for their country. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209037Wed, 30 May 2007 20:29:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209037Prashant, Jacksonville, FloridaWhat is the root cause of war ? War is simply the law of karma in action. As long as we maintain the concentration camps (slaughter houses) where millions of animals are butchered everyday we can expect the same in return. Why are we callous to the sufferings of the millions of animals that are brutually slaughtered everyday ? we are kind to our pets and eat a ham at McDonalds .. . If we inflict violence on other living entities, we will surely get violence in return. That's the law of karma. We can't escape God's laws ! http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209045Wed, 30 May 2007 20:34:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209045Donna Klotz, Florence, KYI am sorry for your loss and for the loss to Omar's family. I am certain you love your country and the people in it just as I love my country and the people in it. Was is a terrible thing and causes pain and anger on both sides. If we can talk together to show our governments what we as citizens want that would be a good thing. No one wants innocent people - men, women, or children destroyed as animals are. No one wants memories of these things to haunt them. Soldiers on both sides are killing each other and leaving families and friends alone. I pray with all that is in me that this was will stop and people from both nations can see that it was a terrible thing and forgive each other because in war, there is no real winner.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209066Wed, 30 May 2007 20:49:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209066J. Johnson Portland OregonEVery one of you who slandered and put down America because the poor man lost his friend, need to go with his friend, and get out of true Americans country who love and stand with our country and our military that are doing their best to help the people of Irag. They are dying for those people to try to help them achieve a peaceful and free country. As the saying goes Freedom is NOT Free. You can't understand that, then you and all that think like you should leave NOW. You and yours are NOT wanted here. qhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209067Wed, 30 May 2007 20:51:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209067factoid9/11 was most likely done by mossad (israel) and allowed to happen by the CIA.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209069Wed, 30 May 2007 20:51:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209069RachaelAmerica should not be in their back yard. Period.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209070Wed, 30 May 2007 20:52:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209070TavvieI can't belive we're letting in the enemy! We're so dumb! Make the Iraqi refugees stay there, dont let them come here. We have enough troubles with Mexicans coming over the borders, we don't need troubles with Iraqis!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209071Wed, 30 May 2007 20:52:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209071OIL MANIT'S ALL ABOUT THE OIL! WHY ELSE WOULD WE BE THERE? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209077Wed, 30 May 2007 20:55:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209077tony chicago illinoiswa wa wa , im sorry im sorry im sorry! quit crying babies. hug your kids tonight and thank God your Americanhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209092Wed, 30 May 2007 21:05:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209092Concerned US Citizen, NJWhere the hell are all these refugees going to go? It's enough that there's problems here in the US with Americans jobless, hungry, homeless, etc...the irony in this is that these refugees will get better treatment than our own people. Shame on the American government for abandoning their own people...to help others!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209096Wed, 30 May 2007 21:08:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209096OILOILOILOVER TWO MILLION BARRELS OF OIL PER DAY FLOW OUT OF IRAQ AND TOWARD AMERICA. AND YOU THINK WE'RE NOT THERE BECAUSE OF THE OIL?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209116Wed, 30 May 2007 21:26:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209116david ,baltimore ,mdThe loss of life in Iraq is tragic.Certainly our intervention has contributed to that.On the other hand,it is difficult not to believe that sooner or later there would have been civil war between the Sunni and Shia once Saddam was out of the way or as IRANIAN influence grew.Lets not forget there were brutal slaughters under Saddam to any who opposed him or who he thought opposed him.The American intervention was a cynically calculated move but it only hastened what would have eventually happened in Iraq between Shia and Sunni.After all the hatred they have shown towards each other cannot be attributed to the americans. We need to be clear about something.THE real victim of Bush's folly is not iraq but the USA.How could our citizens have allowed all of the excesses and incompetence of this administration to go unchallenged.If we want true freedom we have an obligation to be vigilant of the actions of those who would disenfranchise us and violate our privacy.IT nauseates me to see all of the phony support our troops hypocrisy that politicians from both party utter with contemptible regularity.What they really mean is that as long as none of our children has to worry about being drafted to fight this war,then let Bush worry about it.We are too busy watching the stock market.If this war was so damned important to protecting us from terrorism then we would send over hundreds of thousands of troops;but the truth is if Bush attempted this he would fail miserably becuase nobody belives this or lay their life on the line for the biggest incompetent we have ever had as a president.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209120Wed, 30 May 2007 21:30:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209120Wade, oklahoma CityI am truly sorry for the loss. I am however not ashamed to be an American or ashamed of my government. I just returned from a long tour in Iraq and feel I must try to convey what I saw through my own eyes. We (the U.S. Gov't/ military) are not killing innocent Iraqis. We are not there to destroy the country but to rebuild and stabilize it. What America needs to know is we are not fighting normal Iraqi citizens, but a group of terrorists (syrians, iranians, militants, etc.)who have decided to make Iraq the battleground for their cause. The rebuild and democracization of Iraq was going well and so they had to change their tactic to stay in the news. Can anyone guess what that change was... start infighting amonst the different divisions to create turmoil. Their tactic is to try and keep this up so the American public opinion will sway and hopefully we will run tuck tailed home like Vietnam. The only difference is that if we pull out now they will come after us here and the bombing and unrest will be main street USA instead of some far off street in East Baghdad. ALL of the the Iraqis I had the good fortune to come in contact with reassured us that we were welcome and they know that we are there to try and help. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209127Wed, 30 May 2007 21:39:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209127RichardI've read and re-read this story. It is the story of two good and decent human beings being murdered by faceless cowardly dogs, apparently for praying, perhaps in the "wrong" mosque, drinking Pepsi and serving faithfully the government they hoped to make better. (Unless you consider Omar to have been just a tool of the occupation.) Nowhere in the article do I find the slightest hint of animosity toward the U.S. on the part of the writer who, more than anyone responding here, deserves to lay blame. Yet, there is not a hint even though there is ample opportunity to do so. Instead, the only place I find animosity is from U.S. citizens directed at their own country. By blaming these acts on the U.S. and apologizing for them, you essentially excuse the sub-humans who carry out such acts. Our soldiers understand that they are targets. It's fair to direct your anger at those who have put them in that position. But have the intellectual honesty to refrain from apologizing for the actions of the dogs who caused this reporter so much pain, a reporter whose very life is in danger simply for working with NBC. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209132Wed, 30 May 2007 21:41:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209132Jane, Reno, NevadaI support our troops of course because they are there and I guess believe in what they are doing over there, but why in the first place are we in a religious war that has been on going since the beginning of time? We don't belong there!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209156Wed, 30 May 2007 21:56:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209156dan graves, boise, idahoOur world is complex and for one country to think it can bring understanding and an end to violence is absurd. We need to fold our tent and go home. Let us for once concentrate on the problems that have besieged us for years. Problems of universal health coverage, hunger, homelessness, and education. We will never solve the world's problems when we can't solve our own. We need to close our borders, heal this contry and begin again, only this time we do it with our eyes open and knowing what can happen when the corporate world and politicians run our daily lives. Ours was to be a government for the people and by the people, what the hell happened and when will we make it so again?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209166Wed, 30 May 2007 22:02:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209166Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,GeorgiaThere is no excuse for what happened to your friend and close cousin. I am so very sorry for you and for your friend's family. There has to be peace soon because it must not go on like this forever. These people do not deserve this hurt. Peace must be accomplished soon! Peace to all!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209169Wed, 30 May 2007 22:04:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209169LouI'am so sorry for your loss, however if the US were to leave, there would be thousands of these stories in the first day.The "terrorists" are totally protected by the Iraqis since they hate the US even more. I cannot understand it all. The original concept which some call "the lie", was to free the Iraqis and they would love us for it. NOT SO!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209172Wed, 30 May 2007 22:07:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209172Gil, huntsville, AL.Daily, I am saddened that my country - a country which used to stand for good and right, has been overtaken by the stupid, the greedy, the fear-filled bullies. Intelligence and reason, REAL compassion overtaken by the self-serving, mean-spirited, unenlightened in places of power. This is not the America I grew up in. I am embarassed and ashamed my country has sunk to this level.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209193Wed, 30 May 2007 22:25:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209193Here they come AP, Updated: 1 hour, 39 minutes ago WASHINGTON - The United States will soon begin admitting a bigger trickle of the more than 2 million refugees who have fled Iraq, acknowledging for the first time the country may never be safe for some who have helped the U.S. there. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209205Wed, 30 May 2007 22:34:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209205Ron, Rockville MdThey don't want us there. We don't belong there. They would be better off without us and if Sadam was still in power. To hell with them, most of them don't appreciate what we are doing. Not any of them are worth one American life. To hell with them, let them kill each other. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209222Wed, 30 May 2007 22:52:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209222Abu mahmoudSaddam Was a ruthless dictator, I am glad to see him gone, but was his life worth the hundred thousands of Iraqies how died the hundreds of thousands that will die? I THINK NOT. The misery and the ugliness that Bush brought to Iraq is unforgivable, for me he is uglier than Saddam. If you need to make sure of how Iraqies feel, ask them do they prefer these mad times or Saddam ruthless rule, I would prefer to still have my brothers my friends my neighbors around me like all times under the rule of Saddam. \\\\you think that Bush brought freedom to me, I wish he can bring my father back, freedom taste too bitter. America occupation to Iraq brought death and carnage on scale we never seen before, I hope that Bush will suffer the way I SUFFERD. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209226Wed, 30 May 2007 22:54:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209226Syd, CA, USAIt's amazing how some are still brainwashed by our government's ''canned slogans''(demoracy, freedom...), we played a great role in the mess Iraq has been suffering from since we invaded their country, our gov invaded Iraq under the famous historical lies, because of which the whole world except a few hate us or at best despise us, Saddam was a ruthless dictator but at least he had all and everything under control, we never heard of terrorists in Iraq before we invaded it, did we? there was no link between Saddam's regime and Alqaida, we found no weapons of mass destruction, we invaded Iraq for maybe 3 reasons:1- to settle accounts between the bush family and Saddam, since senior bush could not get rid of Saddam back in the 1st gulf war the son wanted to finish that job, 2- then to protect Israel from the mounting influence of Iraq in the region thanks to its strong economy and advanced scientific research, now we've reduced it to a pre-historic condition, 3-and lastly for the sake of preserving our dominion over Iraqi oil fields because Saddam was about to give oil contracts in 2003 to expanding rival China. Because of our invasion of a sovereign country and our oppression and humiliation of its ppl( abu ghraib, rape and cold killing of civilians like in Hadeetha and other places...) we turned Iraq into a magnet to foreign and local fighters who rose to defend their country, in the process some factions became embittered and started killing innocent civilians from other sects and everyone they think collaborates with us, including the puppet gov we put in place. I can not believe the price we paid in blood and money, billions of dollars that could've been spent to remedy the aches of our country and then some, not to mention the almost million Iraqi civilians that died primarily because of us, i don't put all the blame on us, the mess in Iraq is also caused by local lunatics, but we bear the 95% responsibility for the turmoil and tragedies whether on our side or theirs. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209251Wed, 30 May 2007 23:22:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209251Jeff, Sacramento, CAI'm so sorry for your loss. It's a shame more American's don't get to see the human impact of the actions taken on our behalf by our war mongering President and his cronies. Many have responded here by pointing out that your cousin and friend were killed by Muslim extremists. That is true enough, but I ask: What is the likelihood that these innocents would be dead today if we hadn't started this misbegotten war? Others have talked about the need to "fight the terrorists". I ask: are there more people in the world today than before the so-called "War on Terror", or less, who hate us and, driven by that hate, are willing to kill and be killed. Does anyone honestly believe we can make reduce that number by continuing this war?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209257Wed, 30 May 2007 23:34:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209257RetiredParatrooper-MNFor Emad in Mississippi: Hey Bro, if you don't like living here in the USA, then go back to Iraq. We already did your country a giant favor-Saddam is DEAD now, correct? But now since his death, the scum-terrorists have taken over where he and his sons left off before they were taken out. Its not the Americans guy, its your very own countrymen that are killing your very own countrymen. Basically a religious battle between two sects of muslims, which has been going on for thousands of years. The same crap in Bosnia, which I served at with the US Army. Your people in those countries need us and other NATO countries there to bring your people into the 21st century. If you are against our Government, our President, and our Servicemembers, then just leave and take your family back to Iraq. We're fighting to give those poor people freedoms that they've never had in their lifetime. Get a clue, WWII was much worse. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209290Thu, 31 May 2007 00:15:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209290Jerry, Sparks, NevadaThose of us (Americans) who are old enough to remember Viet Nam can see the similarities. I suppose those who fought in Korea also have an opinion. It is always about being able to persuade people to die for a principle. You would think the PERSUASION would be easier in a less technologically advanced society as Iraq and the Middle East, but look how many Americans are willing to give their lives. Somehow, it seems that fundamentalism in religion has a big part to play here on all sides. Religion always seems to be persuasive.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209304Thu, 31 May 2007 00:28:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209304Voice of Reason, Portland, OregonNow on the subject of this article, it is truly sad that so many lives have been lost thus far and my sympathies go with you and all who've lost loved ones, American or Iraqi, due to this inane war. However, this article is a perfect example of one of the fundamental problems with Americans today. We read about one man, a man with a name, a family, a story, being murdered by lunatics and our hearts break. Where is the sympathy, the compassion, the outrage when hundreds or thousands die? It seems people only care about innocent deaths if they can be marketed. If they can't sell your life story than your death really is meaningless because no one but your own family will give a rats ass who youwere or what you did unless it'll make newspapers sell. Why does no one care when dozens are killed in a car bomb, when a hurricane or tsunami wipes out hundreds of lives and ruins thousands more? I am truly disgusted by Americans indifference to these terrible tragedies. I am ashamed of you, America. you've allowed the nation to be controlled by evil men whos only concern is to make money and I'll tell you, nothing makes money faster than the military-industrial complex. Now on another note, I couldn't even finish reading the comments posted here because I became nauseus from some of these responses. In particular, the rat bastards that continually say to support our troops, support the war or leave the country. Do any of you realize how fascist you sound? The United States was founded on the principals of freedom of speech, of freedom of choice. The soldiers in Iraq chose to be there, no one forced them to enlist and though I don't agree with this war, I respect their right to choose. How dare you refuse to reciprocate that very simplistic notion. To suggest that because one does not agree with the governments policies and actions that that makes them unpatriotic is ludicrous! In fact, it's quite the contrary. The founding fathers, considered terrorists by England, would most certainly disagree. A lack of trust in the government is what created this governmnet to begin with. Why do you think the 2nd amendments there? It's not for hunting or sport, the right to bear arms exists so that if the federal government get too powerful, which in my opinion it did a while ago, that the people can arm themselves, rise up, destroy the corrupted government and reform it so the government serves the people again, not the other way around. It is those of you who would dare to intimidate or threaten others for their beliefs on this war that deserve exile. People like that are no better than the religious zealots on the loose in Iraq. I don't support this war but I have bloodkin who do and I respect their right to do so. A couple more things that bug me, the "fight them there or fight them here" argument is inherently flawed. Think about it. Our MASSIVE borders are horribly undersecured and most of our military is spread out overseas. At this very moment, we have never been more vulnerable. Now if we pulled our troops out of Iraq, that would mean a good 140,000+ soldiers would be within our borders, ready to rise to a homeland crisis in no time. Now, explain to me how having an army IN our country makes us less safe than if they were OUT of it. One final comment from me, I have heard many people say that those who object to this war go live overseas and see how free they are. These people clearly never bothered to read the ironically titled "Patriot Act", the foulest piece of legislation ever introduced in this nation and our first major step towards corporate imperialism. My friends, America is dying and unless something is done to save it soon, an armed rebellion will be our only hope. So get off your asses and do something to control these lunatics in the federal government! United we stand or united we fall. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209393Thu, 31 May 2007 03:41:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209393Black-Axe, New JerseyAs a Blackman I believe the burden falls upon me to fight for peace and justice. I observe many people crying out for peace, but very few crying out for justice. Very few realise most of the global chaos is caused intolerance. Too many people believe that either their nationality, race or lifestyle makes them better than other nations, races, religions or cultures, until they learn tolerance and respect for others, there will be no peace. Another option is to isolate themselves and stop invading foreign lands. The world today is at a point where neither economic or political domination will be tolerated, it is at a point where technology allows either one man or a small group of men to do what too an army not so long ago. The dependence of the imperialist on superior conventional military power and nuclear blackmail must end. I remember the days when a certain middle east country (with superpower blessing) helped apartheid South Africa develop the nuclear weapons that were quickly and silently dismantled before a Black majority government came into office. My experience with struggle teaches me that a terrorist/insurgent in the eyes of one group might be a freedom fighter in the eyes of another group. We call the clerics with whom we disagree terrorist, but yet we fail the label the televangelist who calls for the assination of another world leader. Are we really freedom fighters or just followers of a long tradition of exploitators. Call me unpatriotic or any name you desire, chances are my ancestors were called worst. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209396Thu, 31 May 2007 03:46:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209396Catherine DumasRetired Military USA Officer Atlanta. I don't hate America.I even voted for Bush the first time around. But the ink on my ballot wasn't even dry when I started regreting it. Our invasion of Iraq was wrong, wrong, wrong, based on ignorance and arrogant assumptions,fueled by deceit and manipulation of fear of terrorists after the 9/11 tragedy. I'm afraid that this stupidity has played right Osama bin Laden's hands. We have opened another playground for Al Queda in Iraq. The pain, suffering, heartache resulting from bloodshed in Iraq, the dispair of the youth is fertile ground for the seeds of jihad to grow. Stop and think. Imagine your self living in total dispair. The instinct is for survival but only those who cannot see or hope in a better tomorrow are willing to end the pain by suicide. And being blinded and bitter enough to take innocent lives in the act. I grieve for those of my country men and women who have sacrificed life,limb,sanity and soul in this mad misadventure in Iraq. My heart and prayers go to their families. My heart and prayers also go the the Iraqi people who suffer. We have empathy for the victims of the tragedy at Virginia Tech but there seems to be a disconnect when it comes to the suffering in Iraq. IF the job begun in Afghanistan and then abandoned had been worked on to completion we as a nation might still enjoy the moral high ground among nations of the world. Has anyone checked out the latest news from that country? Taliban are back in force and opium is flourishing. That's what happens when the job is abandoned before finished. I support the men and women in service BUT not those who sent them to Iraq. Survivor 9/04/86 http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209397Thu, 31 May 2007 03:48:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209397Jeff Conn -BR,LAWhat a truly amazing fighting force, the Iraqi insurgents that is. They can strike at any time and anywhere. They can even strike deep inside The Green Zone. They use many clever tactics to obtain brief tactical superiority to accomplish their mission(s). They can even capture and kidnap heavily armed and trained U.S. soldiers (supposedly the best in the world). They can even annhilate U.S. Special Forces units and sometimes heavy mechanized armor units in some situations. All without bases of operation and supply, massive rear echelon support and state of the art surveilence systems. They do NOT have $80 million apiece fighter planes or $30 million apiece helicopters to ferry around their troops. Nor do they have any $7 billion apiece aircraft carriers. Neither are they college educated or even technically or classically trained in the Art(?)of War. Simply put, they cannot be engaged because they cannot be found, I think they are an amazing fighting force, the Iraqi insurgents that is. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209402Thu, 31 May 2007 04:01:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209402Roy James, Wellington, NZEmad you are absolutely (100%) correct. I too have lived in two middle east countires and know how life is.It is sad to hear americans make comments about the killings in iraq. I feel sorry for John Florida,his IQ must be like the President that he put in office and lied to about going to war, not that he cares, tells it all. Iraq was a better place with Sadam in charge before Bush lied his way into going to war and now the american people are paying for it, grow up and open your eyes america. No country or nation under this earth "can" imposed democracy on another let alone america. America talks about democracy, just look in you own backyard and record, 'it dosen't look rosey does it!!!'America once was a nation that all look up to, not anymore it is the most "hated" nation in the world today and that happened on GWB watch. This nation has gone from one scandal to the next and they thing the can solve the mess they greated in Iraq, think again people. You will never stop the violence unless you leave Iraq period and let the "people" of Iraq elect there leaders and not "puppets" that this american adminitration installed. So I will say that it is heart breaking to hear and see unnecessary killing and death in Iraq and to those whom do not know the reality on the ground in the middle east please do not write things that have no facts at all. America and its people must come to terms of the reality of the mess its government has greated in Iraq or are you quite happy as tax payers paying for this war for "WHAT!!" http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209403Thu, 31 May 2007 04:05:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209403Delois Lambert, Abilene, TXI am proud to see that more US citizens have finally realized that GWB is so stupid and has NO idea what he is doing and does NOT care as long as he doesn't have to admit he made a huge mistake in sending our kids to war. I love my country and I am a patriot. I especially love the troops and don't want any more parents lose a child, another wife or husband lose their spouse, or a child that will never see its mother or father again. GWB has no loyalty to anyone except himself. He is selfish, and a good Christian (as some describe him) president would not want to be the cause of the deaths of so many of our troops, as well as huge numbers of other nationalities. Then there are the BILLIONS of dollars being spent on this war that are needed here in the U.S. for homeless and hungry people, education, etc., etc. GWB, apparently, has always been rich, never had to do without, and there is no evidence that he has ANY sense of responsibility. For those who voted for GWB not once but TWICE, were you giving ONE thought to what it takes to be president of the U.S. Bill Clinton is a genius, made one mistake that did not cost any lives, did not cost taxpayers any money, and he was replaced with an imbecile who has to rely on more of the same kind--money hungry and interested only in their own well being. They are all wealthy. Not one of them care that our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will still be paying for this war. GWB needs to admit to ALL the mistakes he has made..so far he can't think of any mistakes he has EVER made. Is there any wonder that our country has lost the international standing we once enjoyed because of GWB and his buddies? I am sorry for all the lives being lost on both sides in the war in Iraq because of such incompetantcy and hope that the Iraqi's understand that not all Americans are heartless, as it may seem.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209427Thu, 31 May 2007 05:20:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209427Phillip MissouriYou know a tree by it's fruit.Either make the tree good and the fruit good or make the tree bad and it's fruit bad....what's a peacful religion? There is no peaceful 'religion'. There can only be a peacful RELATIONSHIP. Through Jesus CHrist who already became death for us. In Islam a father sends his son to murder others that he might have supposed eternal life. In true christianiy the Father sent his son to be murdered that OTHERS who believe on Him might be saved. Huge difference, large differnece, day and night, light and dark difference. Anyone who reads even this and believes can be saved. you have to be slain by his love for you. Death has got to come to your pride and every other imagined thing. "In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent his son to be a propitiation for our sins." "If any man says he loves God but hates his brother he is a liar, for who ever loves God must love his brother also, by THIS you know if the love of God dwells in you." JESUS http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209470Thu, 31 May 2007 11:26:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209470Rick tokyo japanWE need to get the maggets out of politics!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209472Thu, 31 May 2007 11:37:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209472Paul Larsson,Norrkoping,SwedenHi all Does the USA really want to win the war on terrorism in Iraq, please do not answer with the words such as it is a question of finance because I do not believe that.after 9/11 the free world was on the side of America and the later invasion of Afghanistan,what I do not understand is why the USA was hell bent on losing the high ground in invading Iraq but having done so and obviously winning the initial invasion why did they think it was possible to continue by using their troops as policemen,it has not worked in Israel, their experience of policing has been ongoing for some 50 years or more is the U.S. willing to stay in Iraq that long,was it just arrogance and incompetence from the advisers to the White House assuming anything else, war is war and it should be treated with your complete concentration on winning not going about it half heartedly otherwise you run a certain risk of putting your soldiers in unnecessary danger,in my opinion is that everyone in Iraq should be considered to be the enemy until it has been proven otherwise furthermore the rules of engagement should be reconsidered in other words the soldiers on the ground should be given a freer hand to do the job however distasteful that sounds, in that way I believe the people that have nothing to do with terrorism will be forced to help stop this violence continuing Because eventually they will realize it is the only way to get back to some form of normality,furthermore as a person living in Sweden where we do not have this religious fanatical thinking or where religion has any influence in politics where most people know that Sweden has one of the highest standards of living today, is it not time to question the acceptance that religion plays in people's life today. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209493Thu, 31 May 2007 12:34:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209493norma, Minnesota Please, please everyone,,LET IT BEGIN WITH ME,, to make peace in my OWN family, my OWN neighborhood, my OWN city, my OWN state, my OWN country!!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209722Thu, 31 May 2007 15:26:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209722ClintTell me what is new: Muslims dying for Allah and Christians dying for Jesus. This has been going on for what, a thousand years? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209794Thu, 31 May 2007 16:08:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209794john floridaEmad MS: I talk about religious leaders because they are the ones who have made it a religious war killing their own people based on an opinion of which branch of youre religion is right. The president never made it into a religious war. As a matter of fact it was never mentioned by anyone here.You talk about how much better life was before TELL IT TO THE KURDS !!!Your comment was based on if it does not affect me it is ok. We did not blow up the golden mosque, it was done to start the in fighting that you see. we do not set bombs in youre markets we try to defend against them.Youre people are dieing at the hands of youre people. we try to avoid killing the innocent while youre people make a point of it.In all these postings i have read only one mention of religion "YOURS" no one here either on the left or the right ever saw it as a religious war.So give me a break. You want this to end ??TELL YOURE PEOPLE TO HELP OUR SOLDIERS DO THEIR JOBS, NOT STAND SILENT. IF THE PEOPLE BACK HOME DID THE RIGHT THING THEY WOULD BE SAVING THE LIVES OF MANY, MANY IRAQUIS AND OUR SOLDIERS COULD COME HOME.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209912Thu, 31 May 2007 17:11:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209912Equal OpportunityThere are now 300 million Americans. Out of this, there are approximately 45 million hispanics, 40 million blacks, 13 million asians and 7 million jews. I suggest that we allow exactly 7 million arab-muslims into this country so there are exactly the same number of arabs here as jews. By doing this, we will balance the political spectrum and be more likely to have positive relations with the REST of the middle east!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209940Thu, 31 May 2007 17:37:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209940Catherine NCP.S. Sudan was ready to hand Osama over during the Clinton administration. It didn't happen did it? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#209981Thu, 31 May 2007 18:05:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209981A Patriot, AZ"RetiredParatrooper" "Retired Military Officer" and some of the others who WHEN IN DOUBT, pound their chest about our country and our troops. I am a very proud American as well. I happen to agree with Emad, Sir. AND I'm not going anywhere. Or may be you just want everyone to believe like you do. Just conform and agree, if you don't get out!! This great country of ours is under attack from within. We have allowed some horrendously unpatriotic and self serving people with un-American agendas to take over our coutry's affairs and they have somehow brainwashed some poeple to support them by using Christ and Country. We are too smart for that sir. My belief in USA is much greater. Just pounding my chest and waving the flag is not going to do it. At some point, we will lead the world and graduate out of waging wars to bring good things to people!! The very notion of bombing people into democracy is a monumental absurdness and most importantly UNAMERICAN. So, Sirs and all the others who want to support our country and our beloved troops!! Support America well and support our troops even more. We must first learn to learn more and learn WELL and then Vote well. Welcome and listen to others points of view. There is nothing more American. God bless the USA.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#210338Thu, 31 May 2007 22:25:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:210338Sean, Torrington CTIf you've ever supported this retarded military failure...the blood is on your hands. If you get hurt or killed in Iraq, no matter what your citizenship or job, I have zero sympathy. None. There is no honor in this war, everyone involved in this war is a criminal to one degree or another. But that's what you get when you let a stuttering drunkard try to solve a diplomatic problem with the military, eh? Me? I'm working on my language skills.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#210363Thu, 31 May 2007 22:52:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:210363Rochelle Blume Virginia Beach, VAI'm hurting for you. That is a terrible way to find out about your best friend. This war needs to end!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#210963Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:01:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:210963D in MNmy condolances for your losses. all humans share the pain of losing those we love. it is the way of the world ,none of us leave here alive. its too bad some feel its righteous to decide to take anothers life. god must cry at the site of his children killing oneanother, as our parent, it must break his heart.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#211202Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:23:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:211202Zahraa,BaghdadI don't kmow how to tell anyone in this world how much we lost this person, he was'nt my sister's husband only , he was my brother and everything . I thanked Mr Mohammed soo much for his feelings about Omar, I want to tell you you are right in every word you said. I pray to god everyday that GOD bless him, and stop this really war in Iraq coz it's really a disaster.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#211232Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:44:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:211232GB, Austin,TXSo what would happen in America if say there was an economic meltdown in the U.S. and Bush invoked the order he put in place on May 9th, where the power of the government lies in his hands. Then as a quasi- dictator the Chinese start to get antsy, they feel bad for the American people under this despot, and besides Bush has weapons of mass destruction and has said he's not afraid of using them. So the Chinese nation invades America "for our own good". Are you going to tell me that average Americans WOULD NOT become guerilla fighters against the foreign invader? Many might be happy that Bush was gone but they sure as heck would have no love for the Chinese. Why? Because we have the right to self determination. ITS OUR COUNTRY! Is it any different for the Iraqis? I'm sure they are glad Saddam is gone, but they still don't want to be under a foreign occupying army, would you? It's not just foreign insurgents in Iraq that are shooting at the Americans, its also Iraqis. Thats just human nature and we have seen this time and again all around the world through centuries. For the Bush administration to think anything else would happen was to ignore history. Some how in our naivete we always think it wont happen to us.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/30/207534.aspx#211669Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:22:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:211669Greg Mathieson, Washington DCMy condolances and prayers go out to you and him my friend. May you and all the others in the office keep safe.