http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspxBy Karl Bostic, NBC News Bureau Chief After four years of coming in and out of Baghdad, I've learned to always expect some kind of change each time. Like a violent storm, with an occasional lull, there would always be some deadly shift:  moreen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214413Tue, 05 Jun 2007 18:57:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214413Orlando in New YorkVery, very sad. We hear about our boys dying there, being injured. We don't hear often enough about the Iraquis, those paying for our being there. There is no doubt that the country is worse off now. In fact, the entire middle east. And for what? I keep hearing for freedom. That's hogwash... we invaded a sovereign country under what I believe were false pretenses, an entire region which was unstable is now far more unstable, and the U.S. is now viewed as the villain throughout most of the world. Meanwhile, in our immediate south, Central and South America are begining to view the U.S. as an Imperialist state... oh my, oh my... my beautiful country, what will become of it?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214436Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:12:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214436Eva Thommas Spokane WaThis is really sad. Saddam is gone (he had to go) an now dark clouds are gathering to fill in the void he left. Average Iraqis get tortured and killed for trying to lead normal lives and provide for their families, instead of participating in the "jihad". I hate that word Jihad. It overused and abused. I think the moderate Muslums need to unite against the $&#@ extremests. I know some moderates are hesitent because the extremest claim to do their deeds in the name of Allah, but in reality they are abusing there faith... and they know it. Heck if a Christian (as was Hitler) I would personally kick some butt. I just feel sorry for Muhammad, and I hope his family get out ok.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214446Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:16:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214446jason lenox dallas, txit's a shame that a loyal employee would be driven to make such a decision. in a way, it's emblematic of what's happening all over iraq. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214495Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:38:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214495Rhea TrujilloHow sad it is that the radical nationalist in Iraq and in America are controlling the agenda. Let us ALL work hard for peace in the world.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214497Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:39:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214497PatrickA modern day 'trail of tears'. When are our leaders going to learn that old lesson...... that, those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214518Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:45:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214518TONY MARREN, PROVO,UTAHIn war--any war--there are side effects.I vote it will only get crazier in Iraq and eventually spread across the Middle East.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214519Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:46:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214519Ralph Hersey, Birmingham, ALThere is no mention of what Mohammed did before going to work for NBC. For those of you that "think" all is lost and the entire effort was wasted, you conveniently ignored Mohammed's own comments regarding Saddam and his former regime. It is sad that he has decided to quit, but isn't that exactly what most Americans want him (and us) to do here? What I don't understand is what "quitting" is going to accomplish now.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214521Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:46:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214521Don Atkinson, Plant City, floridaHe should stand TOGETHER with his countymen and fight terroism........ Not run and hide and let 20 jihadists take their place.............Our soldiers are dying for their freedom and they run.............. ?????? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214522Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:46:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214522tim wichita, kansasmohammed situation is typical of many in times of war. it is unfortunate but more desireable than the fate of many who are killed every month. i don't care what people like orlando say, the U.S did'nt start this war, the muslim terrorists did when they flew planes into our buildings. i prefer to deal with these inhuman creatures now instead of dealing with them on our shores, which is what will happen if we surrender like the democrats want us to.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214543Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:52:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214543Debriel Clovis NMThere are good people everywhere as well as bad people everywhere. It will all end soon. We jump from one "hot story" to the next. I was a journalist...just like a car salesman...we hop to the next story as soon as everyone has heard the last one. News is business too...big business...it's almost as though we enjoy the biggest, the baddest, and the most obscene...because it keeps us working. Sad, but true...you can't always believe the sensationalism in the news...we try to make it the biggest, the baddest and the most sensational because it drags in more money. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214545Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:53:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214545john floridaI am sorry to see that youre losing a good person. i don't blame him for getting out . the sad part is that the good people are leaving and the scum of the earth are staying. if the good people would unite and help us help them to get rid of those killers of their own people it would not take long for that country to return to it's former self.all it would take is for the people to rise up and so THATS IT AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE.if they want us gone and they believe it will solve the problem just have theie government say so and were gone.but it should be up to the Iraqi people to say so not the mulla's.good luck to youre man and we wish him god's speed.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214546Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:53:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214546tughral MirzaAs an Iraqi he helped Americans in their cause while risking his life. If he would have continued any longer the Shiatt would have killed him . They were in the process of more investigation before killing him and his family. Once labelled his future will always be at risk. Like most of the people who worked for the U.S. Army are being considered for American Visa, he should also be included in that list. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214553Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:56:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214553Mr. Bill, Davenport, IowaGodspeed Mohammed. May Allah smile upon you and your family.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214564Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:59:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214564Doug, Columbia, MoHey Orlando, we gave the Iraqi people freedom, millions of them and they have chosen death instead. Don't blame the US that they have decided to kill each other, we gave them the greatest gift you could ever give another person or country. But freedom isn't free, you have to want freedom and so far they don't. I know there have been mistakes made by our military and our government but it's up to the Iraqi people now to choose life and freedom instead of death and slavery. And what did we do to Central/South America? All we've done is let them steal from us by leaving our Southern border open, we don't owe them anything. I know its popular to blame the US for everything that happens in the world, but try to do a little thinking before hand.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214565Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:00:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214565asmohamed,Burao, SomalilandIt is amazing U never hear an American appologising for what they have done to the Iraqs Even those short sighted ones who served them well to propagate hogwash thru the Media eventually fall on the wayside without reward Who is going to pay for all this destruction?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214579Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:03:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214579Maria N Utica NYIt is very sad when any man has to leave his own country in order to feel safe. Yet, why are Americans put in a situation that even citizens find unbearable? It is important to point out that these citizens should fight for their country and homes. Not have Americans shed blood for a land that is not ours. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214599Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:15:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214599I. Ayub, Staten Island, NYIRAQ is a mess. Future President Hillary Clinton will have a tough job cleaning up the mess.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214600Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:15:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214600xLife is hell for the Iraqi people now, and we are the ones who lit the match.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214608Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:18:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214608Les, Denver, CoThe real blame goes with the countries that sat back, taking their kickbacks (Germany, France, Russia and others)and not wanting to change the status-quo because they wanted as much money as they could out of Saddam. The U.S. could see the writing on the wall. The sanctions were going to be lifted because of Saddam's kickbacks and the WORLD believed Saddam had Weapons of Mass Destruction,(the same countries that sold him the equipment). The world used the Russian system of "prove you are not a danger and we'll talk" and Saddam failed to show that he was not a danger. It was the civilized countries that sat back and said "We don't want to be blamed if anything bad happens" so they declined to help. They are like bystanders that let a child drown because they might get wet but one goes in and tries to save the child irrelevant of the dangers to themselves. The rest of the world is too blame for doing nothing. The Arab world, the Asian world, the European world, all the world is to blame for sitting back and doing nothing because they set this in motion and then stood back and watched the flames that they stoked take over. History will be the true judge and it will not be kind.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214615Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:20:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214615Maureen, West Paris MaineI wish more than anything, that Mohammed could stay in his own country, fight for his home, family and life, and MY SON could come home to his! Mohammed, an Iraqi can leave at will (liek he could before?) and MY son, an American is FORCED to stay in that place to fight for all the Mohammeds who wont! How about that for fair!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214616Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:20:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214616P. A. B., AlabamaHow anyone can refer to Iraq as a "sovereign" country under Saddam is beyond my comprehension.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214618Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:21:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214618Jon Tid, Havelock, NCrun while good american military men die fighting for freedom in Iraq is a sure sign of the decadence of Muslims ans Islam. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214621Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:23:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214621Bill HenryWhat hath Bush wrought in our names? Our country has been betrayed and all the people in our country have been betrayed....and for what? So Bush can say he did what he thought was right...against all advice, against all opinions, against all that was right. The worst president in the HISTORY of the US....no doubt and will the US ever recover...? No....we are at the mercy of the terrorists, and why? Ask Bush. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214622Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:23:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214622Kenny, Chicago, IllHEY TIM & DON...So, I suppose you would vote for a 3rd term for Bush, wouldn't you...you dumb hicks. You have no feeling for the human being and what these people are being subject to...they did not ask for this type of incurrsion by a foreign country...I thought that "WE ARE NOT THE WORLD'S POLICE" (When it comes to stopping genocide ie. Bosnia, Darfur, Kosovo etc.); but when it comes to OIL, Oh, well now...that is worth countless Iraqi lives. As Muhammad tried to right a wrong with his life at stake, why don't our wonderful hillbillies (Tim & Don) try something similar and stick their necks out to bring our troops back home instead of just bullshitting on this blog.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214635Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:28:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214635Ron, OKC, USA!The man is brave to have stuck with it this long. It’s sad to think that thousands of innocent people and brave soldiers are dying for a country that seems determined to tear itself apart. It’s even more horrendous to realize that, in addition to these deaths, countless families like Mohammed’s are being broken apart and fleeing their homeland all because of an ignorant, deranged egomaniac. Bush and his cronies (Cheny, Rumsfeld, Rove and the rest) should be tried for war crimes. To bad they couldn’t stay focused on the real war on terror in Afghanistan and on protecting our boarders here at home. What colossal boneheads!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214639Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:32:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214639sunshine, saint peters, mo.I am sorry that Mohammed* has to leave Iraq to start a new life. But at least he still has his LIFE. I can't believe that Orlando compared the loss of life and limb of our troops to Mohammed's situation. I can tell you what to do to save your beautiful country...become more politically active. I am so sick of people demoralizing our troops. Our troops are following orders and work under limited rules of engagement. Give them a break. I want our men and women home but our politicians are calling the shots and they are afraid to allow the Sunnis to take control of Iraq. Since this is now a Proxy War, there is no exit strategy. Our troops should pull out and let the Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites battle for control. Unfortunately, the consequences of this type of battle in Iraq could mean the end of our very safe and comfortable existience.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214642Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:32:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214642david,baltimoreI was astounded to hear last night on one of the cable shows that the rumor is that when PETRAEUS gives his report in September it will not be positive and that Bush will then mobilize another 35,000 men to IRAQ in a second surge.That in fact the Pentagon has already given orders to have 35,000 men ready to go. HAS the man lost his mind?Isnt it obvious that there is no sentiment for a united IRAQ AMONGST Iraquis?They are not Iraquis first;they are Shia ,Sunni ,AND kURD and none of them will subordinate their tribal interests to the national interest.What is it about this situation that Bush does not see?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214651Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:36:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214651Chris K, Charlotte, NCIt is unthinkable that these people are running away from their country. 2000 a day? I don't know the exact numbers, but the general population has to be a much higher ratio than the number of militia members. These people are backed by the mightiest military on Earth. They should be grabbing up sticks, stones, frying pans, torches...whatever they can get their hands on... and beat these extremists down once and for all. There will be major casualties, but isn't that the case now? DO something about it. Run away??...http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214653Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:36:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214653Nick, BostonOrlando I completely disagree with virtually everything you said. Did you think there would be no cost for freeing a nation from a tyrant? The cost is very high for both sides, but that doesn't change the morality of the decision. To allow a "sovereign nation" controlled by a totalitarian sadistic hitman to publicly torture to death countless thousands of citizens, conduct ethnic cleansing inside its own borders with illegal weapons of mass destruction, invade, murder, and rob its neighbors, ignore UN weapons sanctions THAT WERE CONDITIONS OF THE CEASE FIRE (THAT'S RIGHT, WE HAVE BEEN AT WAR WITH IRAQ IN A STATE OF CEASE FIRE SINCE WE LIBERATED KUWAIT) then when SHOULD we step in? Mistakes were made, the cost should have been much less for both sides, but it's the fault of the USA that suicidal maniacs are blowing themselves up and killing innocents- our soldiers are dying everyday to do their best to prevent it. This is the fault of those that are brainwashing, training, and supplying civilians to kill each other based on a horrible corruption of the religion of Islam. It makes me sick to think that there are people in this country that would sweep a foreign peoples' basics human rights under the carpet because it would be difficult and politically unfavorable to stop it. As we watch Venezuela's population slowly and steadily being stripped of their freedoms and futures I cringe at the thought that the fear of bad press will win out over stopping an evil dictatorship with eyes on expansion. Show the world that any dictator can get away with anything they want without fear of US intervention and we would see terror on whole new scale.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214656Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:36:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214656Ashwini, Houghton, MII wish the militias saw the consequences of what they were doing. Saddam had to go, there was no other way. But since there has been no progress after his fall, good people like Mohammad are still leaving Iraq. Looks like one has to pay a heavy price for peace. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214673Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:41:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214673Arkansas ManBush the Elder had a good idea of what bringing down Hussein would bring to Iraq - chaos. Unfortunately, we are being led by G.W., who is an idiot. The U.S. had Hussein completely under control; he posed no threat to anyone. Likewise, there were no (or very few) terrorists or acts of terrorism in Iraq before the war. Now, Iraq is a training ground for terrorism. They have killed 3,500 Americans (some don't count American dead unless they are in NY - that's stupid). What's just as bad is the 30,000 wounded soldiers, many without limbs or eyes. And for what? Now the world is much more dangerous. Terrorist have had a great shot in the arm. And our national debt is the highest in history. Sure, we killed over 600,000 Iraqis, but is that something to be proud of? We need to get out now. This is worse than Vietnam. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214675Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:42:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214675Pat, Jackson MIOkay! Iraq is worse off, unstable. But the old saying is the tough don't get going. Unfortunately, Iraq will never be able to recover with U.S. presence. We need to exit and let the Iraqi's figure it out. That is the way of a religious country. If not soon, it will be a religious or a state governed by another dictator. One thing was accomplished was keeping further attacks off of U.S. soil. Once we pull out, we will be attacked. Where will the Jihadist go. How about U.S. Oh God help us!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214676Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:42:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214676Mike, Sacramento, CAPeople keep forgetting how those Iraqis flew those planes into the WTC. What? They weren't Iraqis? Seriously? To those of you who think that the towers falling gave us a blank check to kill as many people in a similar shade of brown, guess what? It doesn't. And where is the outrage when Bush kisses the Saudi oil-lords on the cheek? We've become a country of war crime accomplices and you people who still make Iraq=Al Queda references are just as clueless as the majority of the German people circa 1940. Keep making making hay (lame excuses) while the sun shines, there will come a time to pay the piper.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214679Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:42:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214679SPC Joseph Seavy, Ft Lewis, WAI have to agree with the sentiment expressed that stated this man should stay, unite with his fellow Muslims, and stand up to the insurgents. Honestly, a major contributing factor to this situation in the first place is that these people lacked the will to stand up and take back from a madman what is rightfully theirs, and that even with our present example, they refuse to help themselves. We in America have what we have because we reached within ourselves, found some guts, and stood our ground in the face of a brutal regime lead by a delusional lunatic. We ripped our independence from an empire that, at the time, was THE preeminent political force on Earth, and we did it with fewer troops, less munitions, and the power of our faith in the knowledge that we would soon be free. Besides, keep in mind, that ANY solution to the conflict in Iraq has to come from the Iraqi people, not the military forces now over there. All we can do is buy time for the diplomats to find a common ground and implement a plan for peace. Maybe Congress, in their wisdom, should stop trying to establish an artificial timeline for withdrawal of our armed forces and instead come up with a plan to solve the issues keeping us there. It sure is easier to point the finger of blame than to become the implement of improvement, isn't it?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214680Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:43:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214680B.E.Ellis, Arlington, VAI'm not convinced it would be that much better if we hadn't gone in, or gone in at a later date. Should we have kept 200,000 troops on the border indefinitely to keep the inspectors there? What would Saddam have done once the sanctions collapsed? People talk about UN sanctions against Iran and Darfur, but what good are they if we let them be ignored year after year? How does that serve 'multilateralism'? My biggest fear is that the Western democracies are no longer capable of doing anything difficult.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214694Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:48:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214694Meghan, St. LouisGod help us, what a mess. I, too, was hopeful that moderate Muslims would stand up and fight for their country's freedom, but after reading this blog and hearing about their government's two-month vacation, it's pretty clear that's not going to happen. When crazy Joe Biden has the best idea (divide the country into thirds, put a base in Kurdistan where they like us and they have the oil) you know we have to have reached the end of our rope.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214697Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:50:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214697John Swinton, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaNot only in Iraq, but the world over, there are special people, however, it is so sad when one is driven from their own home land. I wish this man the best of luck with his family.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214703Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:54:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214703al, floridaTim from Kansas, I agree with you that Muslim terorists flew planes into our buildings but the war at this point has nothing to do with that situation. The country of Iraq should not be at war. There is not real solution for this situation except to get out of Iraq but continue the fight against extremists in a smarter way. Intelligence and swift covert actions imo. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214706Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:55:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214706Nicolle, Reno, NevadaIt is horrible that Muhammed has had to leave his own country because his life as well as the lives of his family are at risk. It is even more horrible that we have people still believing that 9/11 and Iraq are connected. The U.S. did start this war and the current administration does not want it to end. The concern should be for our troops that are fighting for a cause that the Iraqi people see as hopeless. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214708Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:56:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214708John Doe, Seattle, WashI can't believe that even at this late stage we still have people saying we are there because of the terrorist who attacked us on 9/11. And folks saying if the Iraqi people want us out we will leave. They have voted already 70% want us out. 70% feel it's ok to kill U.S soliders. Isn't that a hint and half to get out? Geez!!! And then you have people saying why don't he stand up and fight with us instead of running? He's a Sunni. Have we taken an official stand that we back the Sunni's? NO. It's a civil war... don't you get it. We really destroyed millions of peoples lives -- for what? and don't bring that silly argument "it's better if we fight them there than over here". It's like saying I'm going to entice crack heads to chase me to my grandma's house so that we can mess up her place instead of messing up my house. Screw grandma, yeah I know she had nothing to do with 9/11 but I needed a place to fight crack heads and I couldn't do it on my lawn ----http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214710Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:57:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214710t.scottIt would realy be nice if people here in the US would get the idea that if we don't do this there we will be doing this here on our own soil. Can't people see that it is not just Iraqi, and that it is Afganistan, Indonesia, Argentina, Somolia soon to be Syria and Iran. I mean this is a world thing not just an Iraqi thing. I do Pray for Mohammid and his family during these very tough times. I wish we could gather up all those who are afflicked in this terror and set them free. I do hope that the Iraqi people see their freedom come to them. Where they are brothers and sisters helping each other instead of killing each other and for what a beilf system that has been twisted against itself. Just dosen't make sence. Take care. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214717Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:01:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214717sebert hamilton,kingston, jamaica as some who lives in the caribbean i read mohammed's story with a heavy heart. o the pain and suffering and the tradegy of war. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214734Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:08:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214734Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca.Good o'l Mohammed was always just as he now appears. He did what was necessary for he and his family to survive. He was always for sale to the highest bidder. I am sure that he sold out the west on more than one occasion as the west could not provide safety and freedom for fis family. We were just a paycheck and he now has enough to survive in another land.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214746Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:14:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214746Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia The Middle East Baghdad Bureau was very fortunate to have Mohammed working with them. He seemed like someone who really tried hard to do a good job for NBC. And as was stated that he never complained and was always in good spirits. I am so so very sorry for the way things turned out for him in Iraq. It appears that these militia groups don't care who they hurt and only care about a power struggle. I hope only the best for him and I wish him well in Syria or wherever he chooses to live. Your bureau has not only lost an employee, but also a friend. Best wishes Mohammed in your life. Peace to all! http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214763Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:26:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214763KEN FUNGIn Reply to to Don Atkinson, Plant City, YOU would have to live his life to understand why he's leaving. Imagine living 24hrs/day 7days/week for 365 days/year for 4 years of living with bullets, bombs, artillery, combat aircraft flying overhear, dead bodies, and seeing family, relatives, friends dying! He is a civilian. Even TRAINED U.S. solders come back with PTSD. Poor guy can't even simply say "I'm a journalist" because he lives in fear. He's already done a great duty for his country doing the job he did for so long. I hope he and his family found safety and a new life somewhere else.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214765Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:27:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214765Joe Volkmann, Tucson AZ.All wars bring disasters, some national and some personal. It is shameful, that radical Islam, and Islam's own, internal lack of religeous tolerence (Shia vs Sunni) are robbing the Iraqis of their right to freedom and happiness.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214772Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:31:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214772Wayne G. SkaggsNBC should do itself and Mohammed a favor. They should intercede in order to get him and his family to America. There should be lots of employment for his bilingual skill and background. We are currently receiving lots of Iraqis with less credentials and no such exemplary record of cooperation. This would look good for NBC and rewarding good work is always the best advertisement for America. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214775Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:35:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214775marie smith, oakland.cairaqi need to work with us state as other countries its important to us to do this. not kill chlidren man women in the world work together help take care of each other and help one another each countries keep in contact always we need each other as one whole world.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214786Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:45:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214786Pat from Green, Kansas I hope that Mohammad and his family are reunited, it has got to be difficult to see the country that you were born and raised in completely destroyed, we have never had war on our shores due to the valient men and women that served and protected us. I look over the years of my life and I cannot understand how we as a human race can be so cruel to each other. Today they just found more victims of the holocost. I pray for everyone that is involved in this terrible war. Our men and women and their families that live in fear of receiving a phone call or visit to tell them they lost a loved one, for all those that have been severely wounded and still have such hardships to face. To the families in that war torn area the are also losing loved ones and have no way to escape. Why can we not accept those that are different from us? whether in color , religion, ideas and quit trying to force our livestyles on others. Please let us all find peace and be able to love one another. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214789Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:46:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214789Dick, Clarksville, TNHow easy it is for some of us to sit over here and say platitudes that in the real everyday world don't mean anything. Our lives are not at risk every minute of every day. We complain if the crime rate goes up in the inner city. For thoes who think we should stay then you go over and fight. You see what it is really like to live in fear for yourself and your family. Yes we did start this war in Iraq, who had no influence on or over the terrorists who attacked New Yorks' World Trade Center two times. Yes it was under trumped up charges and we still haven't caught the mastermind. If we had instead spent our money and used our troops to catch Osama at least we would have cut off the head of a serpent. Now we have created thousands of new serpents. What we have done is unbelievable and will last for to many generations. You can't WIN a war anymore.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214790Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:46:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214790Allan Hytowitz, Alpharetta, GGThere IS a "solution" to "our war" in Iraq. "If you break it, you own it" is the infamous quotation from Colin Powell. Unfortunately, Powell's training and sense of duty kept him from exposing the Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld-Bremmer idiocy that "won" the battle for Iraq but lost the war. We could have won the war and should have won the war, but dissolving the Iraqi Army in 2003 instead of having them "on our side" created an unemployed enemy that now only wants us to leave. The "solution" to ending the fighting in Iraq is to realize who benefits most by a decimated Iraq being unable to add to the world's oil supply. The countries with the most to gain are Saudi Arabia and Iran. Our excursion into Iraq to eliminate Saddam was "almost" as if Saudia Arabia and Iran had "out-sourced" their war with Iraq by having us fight it for them. What Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld-Bremmer failed to understand is that after over 20 years of despotic rule by Saddam has created a culture of corruption. Iraq is no longer capable of having any type of civilized government. Except for a few areas such as the Kurdish part of Iraq, most of the "honest" Iraqis have either fled Iraq, are dead, or soon will be dead. The ONLY way to purge Iraq of the culture of corruption and violence is to disarm Iraq door-to-door and border-to-border. Except will take an additional 350,000 troops which is a lot more than our meager "surge" could ever supply. The United States does not have the manpower, resources, will, or credibilty for such an effort. However, there IS a country that DOES have the manpower, resources, discipline, and credibilty with the Muslim countries that can bring peace to Iraq. We need to out-source our war in Iraq to some other country. That country is China. China also has the most to lose of any other country if the US economy fails since we are their biggest customer. They also have the most credibility with the Muslim countries of any industrial country in the world. They also have a greater need for Iraq's oil than we do, and China has as much expertise to re-build Iraq as we do. We need to go to the United Nations (most of whose members would love to see us admit failure) and apologize for our misinformation and misunderstanding of the existence of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the mess we have created in Iraq. We need to beg the UN to send in a 350,000 Chinese peacekeeping force to Iraq so that Iraq does not become another Cambodia. If we do so, we can get our troops out in 90 to 180 days and have them replace by 350,000 Chinese troops. If Iran and Saudi Arabia and Jordon stop the supply of weapons and insurgents into Iraq (which adequate border patrols could not monitor), it is very likely that the violence in Iraq would end in 6 to 18 months. The biggest reason for it NOT happening is not opposition from Iraq, Iran, or Saudi Arabia, but opposition from Halliburton and its subsidiaries because we are destroying their "cash cow." And until Cheney dies or is impeached, the US will have our soldiers dying to benefit Halliburton rather than for the benefit of Iraq or the US. If you agree with my observations, please pass them on. There is no dishonor is stopping a fight when it is futile and based upon a mistake. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214796Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:49:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214796Patrick, Phoenix, AZWhen I read these posts I had many thoughts of why leaving Iraq is the right thing to do for Mohammed and that we should thank him for sticking by his country for the four Years that he did but one thing comes to mind regarding the 2000+ per day that the Iraqi's are vacating there own country. That is around 700,000 strong in just one year that could help fight these extremist's and help save his country. I believe staying the course by his countryman is the better choice but the choice has to be made by the indiviuals.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214805Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:52:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214805Rob, Boston, MAThe Middle East is absolutely insane. I want nothing to do with any of those nations; they all make me sick. But I do feel terrible for their citizenry. Well, the U.S. can say they tried to give them a better life and sacrificed a lot to do it, and for what? Staggering ingratitude and constant demonization by their "leaders." The way I feel now, screw 'em...all of them. Someday, PC apologists will come to realize radical Islam has one non-negotiable objective: to slit each and every one of our throats. "Gee, maybe they were the bad guys after all."http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214810Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:54:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214810Charles MarxThe remark "He is a tireless worker, reliable, and trustworthy – qualities that are not always apparent in a lot of people here", strikes me as demeaning to the people of Iraqi. This blog tells me more about the distorted cultural lens through which the US media view the Middle East and Iraq than it does about the actual conditions in that country. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214829Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:09:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214829Sal Akbani, OFallon, IllinoisFor those of you with stunted memoray of history, 9/11 was the direct result of Bush senior's involvement in the 1st Gulf war. This is what happens when we continously want to stick our nose in other countries. What you get is blowback, aka, 9/11. Blowback from junior's misdeeds will make 9/11 sound like a friecracker and will haunt us for a generation or more. Senior gave us 2000 terrorists. Junior, always wanting to out do his father, has given us 200,000+ terrorists and 1.4 billion pissed off people. Way to go Neocons. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214830Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:10:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214830Ashley Potts Durham NCits a very sad thing our boys are over there fighting for there freedom and they keep trying to blow them up or kill there own peoplehttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214833Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:12:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214833Steve, San Francisco, CAWe need to provide sanctuary in the US for these folks who have put their life at risk. Having messed up their country, at least this is the least we can do. Remember, just like going to a china shop, if you break it, we have to buy it.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214836Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:15:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214836Marc, Fairfax, VAFood-for-oil. Meaningless UN sanctions backed by whimps in Europe, and dictators worldwide. Russia and France doing their damndest to profit in Iraq and sell weapons to Iran and North Korea. Liberal doves that would rather turn their backs on the world problems than confront and eliminate them. Women forced to live as slaves, with no education, no rights, and no ability to refuse. An entire volume of UN recorded weapons that are just gone; weapons that require huge factories in the US to make them safe. In WWII, Dr. Seuss portrayed Americans as worthless, lazy, head-in-the-sand cowards. Amazing how in 70 years, things haven't changed. We can stand up to the criminals, or let them over-run us. It appears that our Congressional kakistocracy, and our President as it's leader, have chosen to let them over-run. We look for failure, and we need only view as far as our own Government.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214844Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:19:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214844Steve, CaliforniaComment to those who think that Mohammed is a coward by quiting: what would you do if you and your family were in this situation? I would do exactly what he has done. Sacrificing your self is one thing, but putting your entire family at extreme and clear risks when you know that there are better options for them, is immoral. Every man for himself, and safe your family first, before your country. Let's be realistic.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214848Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:22:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214848Will in TexasI am terrified by what I have been reading. It isn't the terrorists that scare me...it is the fact that 80% of people posting comments on this board can't spell!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214851Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:23:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214851Ron Saathoff, San Diego, CaliforniaDon't blame the US for jihadist violence in Iraq. No American ever piloted a bomb-laden car into a crowded market in Baghdad with the intention of killing men, women and children. Our mistake was to stay too long. Having left a body part there, I can say that it sure as h*ll wasn't worth it. Not at all. The physical toll, the toll on my family -- the ingratitude of my employer, all would have left me a bitter man if I didn't have my fellow unit members and veterans to rely upon. Even my adoring wife will never understand. I have this to console me: that when the bullets flew, I didn't cower or run, I fought back. Some men are cowards, some are reluctant heroes, some are bona fide courageous men and women. I'm no hero, but I know I'm not a coward. That's what I cling to as the one thing that means anything personally to me.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214854Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:24:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214854chloeso sad that the freedom we have some takes for granted when others live in fear.It is so heart broken to see people suffer because of the country they are from or because of their race..http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214856Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:27:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214856stonewall J., Charlotte,NC.It's so easy to tell someone. stay put and keep fighting. this guy would not know if the next man that passes him on the street, will pull a knife,throw a bomb or Lord knows what. We don't have to live what he is living. His family is sitting in a country where they can be a target.Even still somebody has got to stand up to the people trying to destroy his country and stop them. We can talk, but these people have had more than thirty years of this stuff. God help us all.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214866Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:33:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214866John, Nampa, IdahoBetter to remain silent and thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubthttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214869Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:34:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214869JohnMeh. I don't pity any of them. The Iraqi's have the ball in their court and are dropping it. This type of "I'll just quit..." attitude disgraces the soldiers of all ethnicities who died to give them freedom. Have fun in Syria, Coward.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214872Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:36:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214872brian, los angelesyeah middle east is a mess, you think iraq is bad wait till syria and iran.. war is so unreal, and its part of human nature.. sadhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214875Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:39:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214875Eddie Lee, Orlando, Fla.Last comment from tughral Mirza : Why would you want to let middle east people into the u.s. and kick out the latins who have made the country tons of bucks ?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214877Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:40:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214877brian, los angeles,cayeah middle east is a mess, you think iraq is bad wait till syria and iran.. war is so unreal, and its part of human nature.. sadhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214882Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:45:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214882Greg there is a simple solution to all this. Americans who want to fight should go to Iraq, and Iraqis who don't want to fight should come to America. Mr. Bush could then be called President of the United States of Iraq. Less worry, be happy :) . Also, people who are saying their kids are forced to go fighting in Iraq... well, those kids joined the army VOLUNTARILY and are being PAID to do their job. It's sissy - not to mention unethical and totally immoral - to run from duty to your employer when it's finally time to earn your pay. If fewer people joined the army, well... there'd be less of an army in Iraq don't you think? And fewer of those "MY SON"-types would be dying in a foreign (read: occupied and hence ours) country for the rights of foreign (read: occupied an hence ours) people. I don't blame Mohammed for leaving. He probably has little kids. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214890Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:50:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214890Ed LeeRob,Boston, MA I can identify with your comment and believe you only left one thing out. $$$ for the U.S.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214893Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:51:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214893Ruth P.Mr Allan Hytowitz, American soldiers dying in Iraq is disagreeable but Chinese soldiers dying in Iraq is not? What kind of logic is that? We have to stop outsourcing our brains people. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214920Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:13:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214920Mark Sawtelle, Providence, RITo those heroes here who are excoriating "Mohammed", from 6000 miles away, for "running" instead of "fighting back": what are his chances if he tried? The local militias and jihadis are tracking him. He's not armed and armored, like our troops. Unless he joins one of the gun gangs himself, he's a sitting duck. Do you want to fly in and take his place?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214929Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:17:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214929 d carrIntellectually, we are way off base with the idealism of creating individual rights, the rule of law and the hope of a democracy in a muslim society. Bottom line, Mohammed is a nice guy that had his dreams crushed by the middle eastern religion that tolerates and perpetrates murder of men, women and children for no other reason than to control and subdue their rights and individual freedoms. Sounds like hell.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214941Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:23:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214941Leo SullivanOh! all the experts. I wish those who talk about history repeating read more history, like when the continental congress wanted to replace General George Washington with General Gates. What a disaster that would have been. The reason: "This war is not going well" its actually tough!!!??? And if I hear one more inflated statement about Haliburton I may puke. Come on countrymen lets have less hyperbola and more solutions. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214946Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:26:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214946Mark Sawtelle, Providence, RIPeople, everywhere, want two things, and sometimes do extremely violent things to get them: - To feel secure that they won't lose the little that they have. - To do something important at least once in their life.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214967Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:33:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214967Elder Ebson, San Francisco, CALets see. North Korea is threatening to annihilate us with nuclear weapon but the Bush administration is using diplomacy to resolve the issue. North Korea is a country that has a proven nuclear weapon and is actually willing to us it against the United States but we're not invading that country! Don't you Bush stoogies get the irony here. Iraq, no nuclear or biological weapon, but we invaded them and sacrificed our troops. For what? So we could drive the biggest and baddest SUV and maintain our freedom. What happened to the true conservative in this country. We are not the police of the world and our country can never do it alone. Terrorism is an ideal and it can never be defeated with military might alone. Do I know the answer to fight terrorism? Heck, no. I'm as dumb as Dubya but at least I do not have the power to sacrifice some poor soldiers in the name of the mighty Oil God.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214984Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:42:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214984Jacob M. Hemet, CaliforniaI have said it before and I'll say it again. Iraq is not about politics or religion. Solidiers ( U.S.) die over there, why? One less mouth to feed. One less person to compete with, one less person to give medical and retirement benefits too, one less person who will destroy the life's of many. One less future convict. The century of survival is what its called folks. Well I have heard that before you say. Then again history always repeats itself! My point: only a few, NOT THE BEST survive. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#214987Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:43:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:214987Chris G, Toronto, ONDon atkinson, you're an idiot. He's under constant death threats and you want him to stay, just because "we're dying for them"?? Do you really care that much about *them*? If war ravaged your city and your family was in danger, would you stay just to make the lives of the soldiers who came into help worthwhile? It's people like you that give Americans a reputation for ignorance.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215004Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:49:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215004jose contreras, corona, californiaI believe you are a coward, war is till you die or you kill all. i am an immigrant from mexico and arrived to U.S. at age of 5. now at 35 it upsets me that i was never allowed to serve this nation at war. but will if called to do so, i have five children and they see me cry when i speak of our men die for freedom. hope you live a happier life with your face to the ground. because my chin is up when i walk, i'm mexican by birth but PROUD AMERICAN by choice. allah, allah chingadahttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215010Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:52:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215010Corey, Boca Raton, FLGreat job NBC once again. You guys always see the glass as half empty. Reporting news with the mentality of “if it bleeds it leads” is the very reason why you continue to lose market share along with the other big news networks. Your executives always explain away the loss of viewers as competition. The real truth is people are going elsewhere for their news. Places such as the blogs like PajamasMedia.com, Hotair.com as well as the countless blogs of our beautiful soldiers who are telling it like it really is (because they are there living it). We want good news. We want to feel good as Americans that our blood and treasure we are sacrificing every day in Iraq is making a difference. Yes, we have made HUGE blunders in Iraq. We made a mess of Iraq and made a promise to the Iraqi’s that we would leave their country better than we found it. That promise is reiterated every day by our troops while the Iraqi’s are begging them not to leave. Brian Williams saw that with his own eyes. Does keeping our word not mean anything anymore? Are we really a paper tiger like Bin laden said? Are America’s best days behind us? What you guys are reporting on Iraq on a daily basis is not even close to what is going on over there. There is a lot of positive progress being made by our brave soldiers every day. Ramadi? What about the progress there? How about the Anbar Salvation Council? Attacks in that province are down from 30 per day a year ago to less than 1 per day. That was the most violent and lawless place in Iraq just a year ago. Where is that positive news? Did you know that there are only 9 reporters embedded with US troops in the entire country of Iraq currently? That is 9 reporters total from all countries! Those are true embeds. Not Brian Williams coming in for two or three days and mostly sitting safely in the green zone. You can’t get your reporting accurate when you are not there to see it with your own eyes. Doing a 1 day embed does not cut it! It requires continuous embeds with the troops. Giving us third and fourth person hearsay accounts from people who are not trained journalists is not reporting! You only report rumors, lies, and half-truths that way. Everyone reading this post needs to think about this: The media is a big advertising machine. Think about it. When a company wants to promote a product, service, or an agenda what do they do? They usually run 30 second commercials in programs that reach their intended audience. Well look at all the hours of free airtime the network news organizations have to drill negative depressing news into us. Remember the coming stock bubble in the late 90’s? How about the bursting real estate bubble in the past year? How about the coming future stock bubble? They say how high can it go? Its gonna crash and its going to be really bad! Eventually by being bombarded with this negative propaganda we start to believe it. The media just has no clue how much they affect this great nation of ours. They make our troops sound like poor weak soldiers who can’t defend themselves. Their deployments are too long. The Army is on the verge of breaking down. They can’t keep this up for much longer! They are gonna collapse. They are at the breaking point… blah blah blah….. That is such BS! Our troops are the best trained, best equipped, and best ones for this difficult task. Are they up to it? Can they do it? How about the fact that the Marines are continuing to exceed their re-enlistment goals? Why is that? BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE IN WHAT THEY ARE DOING! IF YOU SAY YOU SUPPORT OUR TROOPS THEN, YOU SUPPORT THEM, YOU SUPPORT THEIR MISSION, AND YOU SUPPORT THEIR PLAN. If not then go live with the rest of the surrender monkeys in Europe who think appeasement will work with the terrorists. By the way Al Qaeda is pissed at the French for whom they elected as President and has vowed to attack them now. America is the greatest country in the world. Shame on you NBC for focusing 99% of your news on negativity that continues to undermine and erode our confidence and national pride, but wait… there is some good that can come from your news coverage. We could use it as an interrogation tool on the terrorists we capture. We could force them to watch continuous broadcasts of your negative news until they either talk or hang themselves in their cell. Oh wait… that would be considered torture and inhumane. So just keep blasting that garbage to us until you either go out of business or we all slit our wrists because you have convinced us that there is no hope for this country or humanity. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215020Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:57:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215020Rick, Norwalk, Ca. (Former desert storm GI)How about this "Mohammad" Dont run, dont hide.... Our GI's aren't. So what makes you so special? NBC?, Americanized? Give me a break "MOHAMMAD"http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215027Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:02:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215027Jah rastafariThe United states has more blood on its hands then any other place in the world.This country was founded with blood and will end with blood.We act like we have a model society.Who are we to police the world.Saddam at least had order.Iraq will never be the same no america. People wake up before it is too late.True freedom is not cheap but peace is not either. Free yourself from mental slaveryhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215034Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:05:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215034Robert in Riverside, CAIMHO Mohammed's situation is the example of what is happening in Iraq that we (Read "W") knew would happen in the first place and chose to ignore, that of a sectarian civil war. Iraq is a tribal country and, with Saddam gone, everyone wants to be top dog, and nothing we can do will ever change that situation. You might as well try to sell ice cubes to Eskimo's as try to sell western style democracy to the Iraqi's. The Iraqi's have no use for anything that will get in the way of hundreds of years of historical infighting between the three major sects that have occupied that land forever. Someday it will be over, and just like, in Viet Nam, the killing won't stop until we leave. Yes, the next President Clinton has a very tough job ahead of her, lets hope that Hillary and Bill can undo what a president who, without his fathers name, couldn't have been elected dog catcher, was able to do to destroy America's credability in the world.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215066Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:22:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215066lara, Fort Wayne, INMaureen, your son isn't forced to be there--he signed up to be in the army, of his own choosing. Don't get me wrong; I respect and admire him for doing so, and I pray for our troops regularly. Asmohomed (sorry if I mispelled your name), there are Americans who think this is a travesty and who would apologize to you personally if we could. Going into Iraq had nothing to do with September 11th. Even if Saddam did have wmd, that had nothing to do with 9-11! Saddam didn't attack this country in 2001. The UN inspectors asked for more time, and we refused to give them that! Time! If we still "had" to attack, we could have done it after giving the UN the time they asked for. Jon Tid, your ethnocentrism is part of the reason Americans are looked down on. I'm sure there are Muslims in our military, who are over there fighting. It is easy to criticize someone else for running in war when it is peaceful here. Every religion has its radicals, not just Islam. If you read the Koran, you'll see that it is supposed to be a religion of peace, but others are hijacking it (just like Christians did during the crusades). Thank you, SPC Seavy and Ron Saathoft. Right on, Sunshine, Arkansas Man, Mike, al, Nicolle, Dick, Pat, and I agree 100% with you, Will in TX. Meghan, you mentioned helping those in the areas with oil and letting the others do whatever...we keep hearing that this war has nothing to do with oil. Nick, we hide all of this behind 9-11. We say we had to liberate the Iraqis from Saddam. Well, if we need to liberate folks, why have we done nothing about the starving Koreans under Kim Jong Il? What about those folks in Somalia? If we were really hoping to liberate people, we'd have been in a war a long time ago. What a mess. Let's keep praying, and contacting our representatives in the hope they do something appropriate for once. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215094Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:36:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215094Dave, St. Louis MOIf we had spent half of what we did on the initial attack on Bagdahd on hunting down Osama Bin Laden instead, then we'd surely have caught or killed the person responsible for the 911 attacks on us. Then once Bin Laden was out of the way, if we spent just half of what we're spending in Iraq on homeland security we'd be in good shape. I'd be feeling much safer if that had been the case. "I'd rather fight them over there..." oh give me a break! All we're doing is providing fodder for terrorist recruitment videos.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215108Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:51:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215108dumbcountryboyI'm no fan of Sadam for sure, but you must addmit he goverend that people the only way possible,with an iron fist, look at the palistines, just as wild as the damed iraqis, you can dress them up, but you CANT take them to town, dumbcountryboyhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215139Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:06:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215139LisaIt never ceases to amaze me how some people blame the victim for his victimization. The common people of Iraq are leaving in droves, because they fear for ther lives and those of their families. To say that they should fight against their oppressors is ignoring the fact that their lives under Saddam Hussein, while outwardly peaceful, were lived on tenterhooks, because they never knew when they and theirs would become "enemies of the state." Now they're faced with roaming gangs of thugs who care not who they kill, except that they are "different" from the thugs themselves. Torture followed by beheading, car bombs in the marketplace, house to house searches for those "different," demonization and death contracts for those who work for the invaders, corruption in political appointments, militias owned by various feuding mullahs,,, Iraq is a cesspool! Sooner or later, even the oppressed run for the borders, because their lives have taken on a terror that makes them incapable of fighting back. These people are not inherantly cowardly, but there comes atime when enough is more than enough. We should have sympathy, not loathing for those who escape the Iraqi killing fields. Mohammad*: Live long and prosper...http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215140Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:08:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215140Caitlin Addison-Howard, Santa Cruz, CAThe sun is going down in California as I write this. I imagine it is coming up on the other side of the world. The son-in-law that went to Irag in 2002 as a Marine is back home. He went to the police academy when he returned (good re-entry strategy). After three months of patroling his local city streets, he realized that he was controling marginalized people. He stopped. Now he is a video producer. He shows truth in a way that can be interpreted by the observer. There is a bigger cosmic order that humans have spent thousands of years studying. Many of the early observations of the progression of change in the universe were done by the Babylonians in what is now called Iraq. What they understood 5000 years ago has been lost and covered over by the sands of time. What is left is the calendar and the concept of datum (zero). Most of the people in the world are using the same calendar and clocks. Using those great tools to organize reality has put us into a shared system of timespace. The problem is that each person comes to awareness of time at a different aspect of the moment. This causes distortion in many ways. Communications are distorted. What we see and think and feel are governed by this network of time and so we lose connection with each other. After reading all the emails that preceded mine, I can do the math. We aren't moving from this hell until we have some common understanding. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215146Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:13:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215146Jim, Durham, NCFirst of all, to end the inane argument that poor Saddam should have been left in power...The 1990 war in Iraq NEVER ENDED. Clinton failed to garner support to enforce the terms of the cease fire. The man should have been taken out long before W.Bush got in office. Also, my wife works with the weapons inspectors from that time and I can tell you they found traces of WMD that could only have been there hours before. Blame CNN if you never heard that before. Second, before commenting on the poor Iraqi's and how we are making their lives miserable you need to go and research the history behind the strife occurring in Iraq. Most Iraqi's have no concept of a larger war and are acting on the Shiite/Sunni hatred that began in 632AD when the prophet Mohammed died without naming a successor Caliph. Shiite's and Sunni's are killing each other at a higher rate than American soldiers are killing anyone there. Are we so small minded as to think a monster of a man who has attacked and killed thousands of people "just because he could" would be a better leader of Iraq than the people can elect for themselves? I fought in the war, was injured, and have a titanium plate attached to my spine now as a souvenier. I was proud to serve, the cause was just, and the regular people there thanked me. Don't let 10% of the people in that region who are extremists cause you to stereotype all of them. And more importantly...Stop listening to the press to formulate your opinion for you!!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215172Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:26:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215172Mike, Louisville, KYPat, you made the comment that we have never fought a war on our soil. That is not correct. The Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War were all fought on American soil. In fact the Civil War was the bloodiest war in our history, because all of the people who died were Americans. But before the Civil War Americans did not think of themselves as Americans first. They thought of themselves as Virginians or Texans, or Tennessee Volunteers, or Hoosiers, or citizens of Massachusetts or New York. The units that fought in that war were troops from the individual states, who were fighting for their states, not their countries. That is the situation in Iraq today. They see themselves as Shiites, or Sunnis, or Kurds, not as Iraqis. It took America a bloody and costly civil war to forge one nation despite the fact that we had been a sovereign country for 85 years. We expect the Iraqis to do in 4 or 5 years what it took us decades to do. We have been incredibly naive. We have forgotten the past and we are now being forced to repeat it. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215179Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:36:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215179Orie, Miami, FloridaAs americans we take a lot of things for granted. Iraq is just an example of it. We have a tendency to think that our christian based fundamentals could be universaly fitted along with our model of democracy to just anywhere in the world. That couldn't be farther from the truth. Mohammed came too close to our way of life by working for NBC. He stood between two different ideologies: one that loves life and the other one that hates it. He was torn apart by standing in the middle. Could any of us remember any sectarian violence in Iraq while Saddam Hussein was in power? Probably not. He ruled supreme over anyone, anything. Brutality was his middle name and absolutely no one could escape his control nor his diabolic wrath when called upon. That's the kind of ruler these radical peoples deserve! Western democracy is too soft and too forgiving if not naive and weak. Remenber Yugoslavia's General Tito. He kept his peoples under tight control but once he passed away all hell broke loose. Iraq is no exemption to this rule though there are many good Iraqis who long for peace and prosperity but their voices are not being heard loud enough to make a difference. Religious and sectarian fanatism is loud and clear. After all, their suppresor -Saddam Hussein- is long gone. Our young american soldiers are giving their lives so Iraqis could live but -saddly- no one seems to appreciate their ultimate sacrifice. God bless our troops, God bless America.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215191Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:44:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215191DJ, Danville, VAWorking hard for peace usually means going outside of the comfortable realms of acceptance. Radicals of extreme of any group are usually out of touch of their own group they profess loyalty too. So here I say, believe in your religion, but know there are others that take the easy way out of religious conviction, they overstep its religious bounds in the name of it. They use its name as protection from response for inappropriate actions. Its as if a child comes to you after breaking something and says” I am not responsible because I am only 6 years old”, yet the do the same thing when they are 12, and again when they are 20. These people need not be untouched by the laws of the earth. True scholars of any religion know occasionally its time to tame the weeds, or else the garden will be lost. I believe the true victory is for the muslim community to weed out their own lost fruit. And we Americans can continue doing so as we have always been thru the criminal justice system. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215197Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:46:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215197LaNell BarrettSuch a shame that the Iraqis did not know of OUR Civil War, and the 'brother killing brother' mentality. Not knowing that history has them doomed to repeating it.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215201Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:52:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215201Chris Fort mill s.cGodspeed Mohammed. To all those who would label him a coward, try living his life. Get out from in front of your t.v's and try nurturing something other than your gut and ego's. The war with Iraq is not going to be better until we get rid of corporate inspired politics(Halliburtin)and the people who support it. As far as pulling out, we can try but it would be more of lobsters in a bucket. Something always pulling us back in.We the people have been replaced by I your leader and it's getting worse.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215228Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:06:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215228Debbie Kearns, East Hartford, CTWell, Saddam was just like Adolf Eichmann or Hitler: he needed to die because he was a mass murderer of innocent people and the 148 Shias who tried to kill him but failed. As the prophet Samuel said to King Agag of the Amalekites in the First Book of Samuel (and now I say the same thing concerning Eichmann and Saddam): "As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women." (1 Samuel 15:33, NAB) I also like to add in the words of Riku/Ansem of "Kingdom Hearts" who said concerning Maleficent, and I quote concerning Saddam's hanging: "A pitiful end for such a fool." Now if only people need to work together to stop the violence that keeps going on in Iraq.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215232Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:09:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215232Tim, Canadato : t.scott You mention that people forget that if America didn't bring the War to Iraq, that the war would have been brought to America. What you suggest about "taking the War to Iraq" is ideologically parallel to policy led by a German dictator in the 1940s. Gosh. Do you not realize that the founding fathers deliberately established the United States as a xenophobic republic? It wasn't until WWII that the U.S. had any significant play in foreign affairs. Now look where it has led? Relisten to Eisenhower's farewell address. Please. Relisten to John F. Kennedy's speech about the type of peace being sought, "Not a Pax Americana forced upon the world!" Only a generation later, and we see the miltitary industrial complex calling the shots on the Hill and US Citizens are asleep at the wheel failing to call representatives to task on this critical issue of American forein policy.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215255Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:36:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215255F. downsYou tell them kenny. Don AND Tim have thier heads up you know what. They should spend a year over there and they would see that our troops are just spinning thier wheels. Iraq will be a killing field until one sect or the other comes out on top.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215260Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:41:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215260Jack FairwayThe blame for the mess in Iraq is on the Islamofacists. Not on Bush. The US ousted Saddam and set up a mechanism to start the democratic process. What happened next was due entirely to the bloodlust of the peoples of that region. The media tries to blame Bush or the USA but don't you remember when they castigated Bush Sr. for not continuing on to Baghdad in the First Gulf War?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215264Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:47:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215264Miguel, in His gripFor those who think that what we are doing in Iraq is futile and wrong, then you are ignorant and you're just enjoying the fruits of our fathers who went to war & who made USA the greatest country on earth. I served the military during the active phase of the Iraqi war on immigrant status, now I'm a citizen I am proud to call myself American.I have seen the world/USA in my eyes as an outsider having travelled to 13 countries, I haven't found a place as loving and as beautiful as America. There's a time for peace and a time for war, now we are called to war...Having a choice between Islam and Christianity as a child, I did not regret becoming a Christian. Even then the people I call friends were taught to hate Christians/Americans/Jews/infidels. Any part of the world where there are Muslims, all they care is to propagate a religion of hate and world domination. The excuse is always "jihad", not understanding that there is no such thing as holy war... http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215278Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:56:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215278veteranpull our troops out, give them (locals) one week to get out if they want and then nuke the whole damn area, end of war!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215280Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:57:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215280Jason Lininger, Fayetteville, ArkansasIn my opinion the Journalists in Iraq ARE soldiers. They are soldiers who are armed only with a camera, a computer and the bravery to use their talent to show the world what is happening in such a war-torn country. They live under the same cloud of uncertainty and with the same dangers as our military that are armed with weapons of war, appropriate to protect themselves and the innocent in Iraq. These journalists face the same turbulent conditions as any soldier in Iraq, in order to capture the true nature of a day-in-the-life of a nation of people that are forced to live under such terrible conditions. It really surprises me when I hear others criticize people who must leave their homes in Iraq to protect their families. Mohammed spent 4 years with NBC doing the opposite of what some may accuse him of doing ("running and hiding"). In fact he spent those 4 years fighting terrorism by educating the world through media. I do not blame him at all for leaving his home in Iraq to be with his family in a much more safe and stable environment. As a father and husband, I would do the same to protect my family if that is what was needed. Especially if I had fulfilled my duties for 4 years under such difficult circumstances as what I can only imagine Mohammed has faced as a journalist in Iraq. I personally wish him the best and applaud him for making the decision to live a safe and happy life with his family. I have the same amount of respect and admiration for every journalist in Iraq that risk their lives every day to continue the flow of information that we as people so desperately need. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215286Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:00:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215286HasibThere is only one solution to the crisis in Iraq: You have to get a big multinational muslim/arab + indian force to replace the american/british and other occupation forces. Otherwise more chaos.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215288Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:03:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215288Hasib, Lorton, VAThere is only one solution to the crisis in Iraq: You have to get a big multinational muslim/arab + indian force to replace the american/british occupation forces. Otherwise more chaos. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215289Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:05:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215289Rich Conner, Newport News, Va.it really is sad...ive stood my post at the syrian border in iraq and watched people (iraqi citizens) come into iraq only to re-new visas so they can stay in syria with all this going on.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215292Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:07:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215292J it's sad that this man must now flee his home. If you truly look at his life you'd see that the company (NBC) he loves, a long with all Media outlets are more to blame for the problems in Iraq than even Saddam Hussein. If the Media would report on more of the truly awesome steps the Iraqis have made and less on the propaganda that sells papers, this man would not have to flee his home! http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215293Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:07:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215293Koop, Sacramento, CAYes, farewell, Mohammed! Now, let's print some stories of Iraqis with a sac, and the successes that are taking place in Iraq (btw, been there, and there are SOOOO many, but that wouldn't fit with the agenda of this medial outlet)....but that would burst the bubble of all of you instant gratification types who don't understand history or warfare...it's messy, mistakes are always made, but what wins the day is persistence, tenacity, and guts....peace is earned, folks, and thank God George Washington didn't give up after getting his tail kicked out of New York and New Jersey and EIGHT years of constant warfare with the Brits....if he had, none of you would be on this blog right now.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215300Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:12:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215300michael maher nfld canadaBush,Chaney and their ilk must be charged in the world court for the terrible tradehy they have afflicted on Iraq.God almighty if this was done by the leaders of another nation anyehere on the planet Americans would be crying for the heads of those who committed such inhumane acts against fellow human beings. The world must demand that these monsters be brought to justice.We cannot allow this terrible crime against humanity to be ignored.Someone out there please in Jesus Christ name lead a cry for justice in This matterhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215344Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:00:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215344SPC Freemole, Las Cruces, NMKenny from Chicago, you have no idea do you. We have been to Kosovo, we have been to Bosnia. You must not read your history. As for Iraqis leaving, I feel they must stand up for themselve before this will work. Its a simple concept for a stubborn population. We can't do everything. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215354Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:12:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215354John, Port Angeles, WaOK, Iraq invades Kuwait. We "shoo" them out, no problem. 9-11, we invade Afghanistan looking for Osama. We beat up the Taliban seemingly easy. Now, Bush starts talking about possible WMD. Hmmm. We beat Iraq easily, they have OIL, hmmm. Should be a cake walk, right? Fast forward to present. No cake, no oil. Less and less world support. Big trouble.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215362Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:21:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215362Jim, Durham, NCGet out now? Iraq and 9/11 were not connected? Bumper stickers written by the liberal media that all the lemmings in America seem to pick up as their new mantra. Bush did not start this war, it was started in 1990 when Saddam invaded Kuwait and we were obligated to help Kuwait. Bush was the only leader with the Balls to finish it. I can actually see that most of the liberals answering this blog probably still blame the gun that killed the Va Tech students and not the Korean/American student whose brain went on vacation. Let's blame the school too, and the bullet manufacturer. Where am I going with this? Saddam started this and we ended it. The chapter that had Saddam ended when we took over his beloved country in 2 weeks and captured him. He alone had the responsibility for ending this by showing the wimp of a President (Clinton) that he got rid of his WMD and would play nice in the sandbox. Instead, the end of the war came 10 years later because he was too stupid to just tell the world what they wanted to hear. He was not convinced we would back it up because of the idiot liberals who say "let's talk it out". Guess What? They do not understand talk, I have been there. They understand strength and action. Talk is empty and unless you act when threatened or acted upon, then you are nothing. You are less than a man and less than a human. Something to be crushed like a bug. Do what you say you will do. Now we have some real whacko's to deal with that take pot-shots at our troops over there and have not the honor to do it for any reason except they are ignorant and someone told them to. People will believe anything, which is why the liberals on most of these blogs just parrot slogans from News programs. Think we are any better here in America? Well yes we are, but then again we riot when sports teams WIN. The difference is we will stand up to even our own government when necessary to protect our civil liberties. And the difference is that as long as it happens over there then it isn't real and people can cry as if they saw someone crush a kitten. They forget that the atrocities incurred by the Kuwaitis had not had justice rendered to the fullest yet. Someone mistakenly said we only fight for Oil. Of course that person is a well-rounded scholar that only missed Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Horn of Africa, Wait!!! Well I think you get the point. Get a clue folks!! I am an American fighting in defense of our country and your right to be ignorant and wrong. I cannot wait to go back over this year once I heal up from the last time over there. There are people there worth fighting for and they include some Iraqi civilians. Most of the ones I talked to want us there to protect them. They know things will get better. Frankly, alot of them have 99% less than some people who are writing on this blog, but they will fight to keep it. What will you fight for?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215371Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:26:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215371Haglund, Lufkin, TXBush is obviously an idiot for starting this war, and a complete moron for not listening to Colin Powell and doing it right. His idiocy was demonstrated through his belief that all mankind wants to be free, and that freedom can be easily given and not necessarily earned. War is a last resort option for protection, and not a way to test a hypothesis. Many of the Iraqis that haven't fled are the ones that have succumbed to amoral Islamic fascism and base tribal loyalty, with the belief that killing is their right. I don't believe that any decision regarding troop reduction would mean we have "lost;" it just signals an understanding that more Iraqis believe in Islamic fascism with its nihilistic amorality than believe in freedom. Since we don't have the political determination (as this is an optional war without our survival as a nation on the line) to do what it will really take to stabilize the country, we will be forced to acknowledge that we need to withdraw and allow the Iraqis to fully reap the consequences of their own behavior. Then maybe the Iraqis will understand they have a choice: to step up and create a functional country, or find another Saddam who will manage to be more violent than everyone else.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215385Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:41:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215385willliam meier austin texaso yes war is the way to peace -- what a joke that so call intelligent beings believe this -- as for me is total stupidity and i use total with no reserveshttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215406Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:59:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215406Charlie, Long Beach, CaliforniaIt's really sad to read the utter ignorance of the die-hard Bushies. Get your facts straight. Fact: the CIA supported Saddam Hussein's original coup. Fact: the Reagan/Bush administration armed Saddam Hussein to the teeth.Fact: American defense contractors supplied Saddam Hussein with the materials for the chemical weapons he used on the Kurds. Fact: not one Iraqi was involved in the 9/11 attacks, officially or unofficially. We ostensibly invaded Iraq because it was ruled by a bad man who ignored UN resolutions. Every one of our Arab allies is arguably a "bad man", and Israel has made a hobby of ignoring the UN and its resolutions. Six years on, the only true beneficiary of the Bush plutocracy outside of his kleptocrat cronies is Al Qaeda. You can spout all the macho "stand tall-don't cut and run" drivel you want, but it won't change the facts.Bush and his regime had the opportunity to end Al Qaeda, a creature of Reagan's Afghan policy. Instead, he invaded Iraq. And our brave sons and daughters are paying for that cynical choice every day. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215416Wed, 06 Jun 2007 05:09:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215416Mark, Albuquerque, NMJust read D-Day and Band of Brothers by Steven Ambrose. Hmmmm - French people, who were brutalized by an evil Dictator - then suffered horrible casualties at the hands of their liberators (Pummeled by Allied Ships and Planes) and then our "Boys" get chewed up on Omaha Beach and very badly planned Glider landings "called a fiasco". We lost more men the first week in France then 4 years of Iraq. THe ONLY difference then and now is the media - "Liberation" was that day's media cry - today it is Oh whoa is Mohammed, the great Iraqi employee. Shame on us and our defeatist attitude. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215420Wed, 06 Jun 2007 05:22:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215420Gina, Gig Harbor, WashingtonTo Ron Saathoff and the many others who have faithfully served, THANK YOU! I don't agree with this war, but I am proud to see that dedication and servitude, do still exist in the face of adversity. We have done our duty and it is time for those who will continue to live in Iraq to attempt at running thier country. Who knows, GOD willing they may achieve a semblance of order. They may not achieve the democracy we expect, but thier culture is also not the same as ours! To Will of Texas, yes it is deplorable that many Americans can not spell correctly, or use correct grammar. Apparently our country isn't as perfect as many believe! To all fellow inhabitants of this vast planet, no matter who or where you are, are you perfect? Can you do it better? What is the correct answer? Mohammed apparently served faithfully for 4 years, but as a human on this planet, he has the right to leave a job or living situation that has become intolerable to him. The msnbc associates also have the right to be saddened by Mohammeds leaving, as they had personal experience with Mohammed. Do you not grieve when those you are familiar with leave??????? I am not a politician, nor a world leader, nor wise and all knowing, but I have the power to pray daily and ferverently for all to know the Good News, that this is but a temporary condition.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215424Wed, 06 Jun 2007 05:27:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215424Bob, lansing, kansasok...so let's end the argument. The Democrats should be in power, they should apologize to all the Mohammeds/Muslums in the world...after all they know we are Godless (when was the last time you went to church/prayed, we even go so far as to make sure no one can pray in a government (city, county, state or federal) facility, school or public area) as we all know they pray many times a day wherever they are....and then we can let them all, friend and foe alike come to the poor dark demon US and kill us all..then we won't have to worry any more. Wake up and smell the coffee people. Pearl Harbor obviously didn't mean or teach you anything, the Twin Towers seems to be lost in the mist...our country, our way of life and our physical being is under attack. If you don't want to fight, be like Mohammed thank everyone, shut up and ....get out of the way. We scared prisoners with dogs, fired weapons near them and wow we even humiliated them (less than a college frat hazing by the way) to get information that would keep our soldiers (brothers and sisters all) alive and then we....us turned around and releaved those people from duty and sent them to jail, those who did those deeds...and yet the terrorists maimed and then cut off the heads of our soldiers and civilians who are there to assist and help them. Orlando, I spent over 20 years in the military protecting the rights of snivelers like you to say what you want but your line of snot is getting old. You are making this country weak. Grow up. At least the inteligent Democrats know it's just a line to get them into office. Maybe you and the rest of those people propagating the drivel who don't like the US need to find a home closer to what you believe...maybe in some Latin American country they think the same as you. Try living there....they won't be up to your style of living, I'm sure, but so what they probably believe like you that the US is always wrong. The only thing I can say is Gen PETRAEUS please, oh please keep this as an away game. We have too many people here who would get our children and grandchildren killed with their poor sense of patriotism.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215425Wed, 06 Jun 2007 05:30:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215425deedee bend oregonTo the ones who think he should not have left. I really wonder what you, would have done if you had been in his situation. Until you are, you do not know. being in such a danger, must be terribly stressful. So do not judge!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215434Wed, 06 Jun 2007 05:55:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215434JC Virginia Beach, VA It never ceases to amaze me how Americans can make staements such as; these people should stay and fight and that we're dying for their freedom and the US didn't start this war. Are you people sane or just uneducated as the staistics seem to indicate (our youth incapable of competing w/ those from India, China etc) People of this nation are completely brainwashed if they think there is any other reason other than imperial hubris and intent to nationalize Iraqi oil fields for our being in Iraq! (-11 was no accident people and it sure as hell didn't get formulated in the minds of Osama and his cohorts. Oh, I'm sure they have their part to play but, I'm equally as sure if you were able to get true answers from a number of members of the Bildeberger's you would find there was something else going on. Unfortunately, as Americans, we're unable to think back past yesterday and in so doing are unable to fathom how in the hell we reached this point. The plans of Wolfowitz and others were contrived long ago and the mechianations necessary to put those plans into motion were derived from events such as 9-11. There can be no doubt that if history extends out far enough there will be a truthful explanations of the crimes being committed in our name, by our government and by others in the military industrial complex and international corpratists, that will explain what has truly happened here and on 9-11. We will pay a dear price besides the lives of our soldiers being lost, our citizens on 9-11 and perhaps our own fragile democracy after all is said and done. I guess I shouldn't be amazed though, the same idiots I hear here evoking such call to arms of other citizens of other countries are the same baffoons that put a pair of criminals in the white house! Our nation had disgraced in 6 years what tooks over 200 to build. Downhill from here folks, strap in.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215436Wed, 06 Jun 2007 05:59:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215436Chandra, Knoxville,TNSomeone judged Mohammed for running saying that he should stay with his countrymen and fight, and that our solders are dying for his rights...Please don't judge this man...imagine your american suburb under fire, men with guns wanting to kill you and your family because of your political & religous beliefs. Then imagine your home whose walls are meant to shelter your wife & children from the elements, not to withstand bombs, missiles, grenades, and stray bullets. What would your war be as the Civilian. Would it be the war of fighting as a soldier or would it be the war of the civilian who isn't trained in the military, who has a deep primal need to protect his wife and beautiful children. The Civilians war is not just the Iraqi war, it is a war of the heart & soul of his family versus the havoc of war. Mohammed was an average man who before the war supported his family mainly thru tourism. What would the average husband/father do if in his shoes. My husband would protect his family by getting them out of harms way and ensuring that that not just our bodies be safe but also that our minds be protected from the visions of war and the terror that accompanies the obvious fact that all of our lives are in great danger. The children in Iraq see things that many of us as adults cannot begin to imagine. Fighting a battle doesn't always mean you react with violence. Mohammed reassesed what his plan of action should be to protect his family. He stepped back and saw that the simple truth be that things aren't working. His intial perception of why he stayed and what his identity was was lost. I think his perception changed because not only were we misled as Americans but the Iraqi people have also been misled. If you ask me they have the shorter end of the stick. I have two brothers who are solders who have fought in this war, and the pain and fear my family felt when they where there and the and mental sacrifice one of my brothers (PTS)has made cannot compare to the Iraqi people as a nation. I pray for and I support our troops with all of my heart. I have wept because of the toll this war has taken on our soldiers and the the families. But I I do not have explosions near my home, death threats to myself and family, and I haven't seen hundreds of my fellow civilians get massacred infront of mine and my childens eyes. Yes our solders are being killed (in the thousands),injured with deformities, limbs blasted, minds damaged, and American Children left without a parent(s), and wives have lost their other half. Our fine Solders inlist in war and are blessed above all for the sacrifices they are willing to make...but Mohammed is a civilian...please do not judge this man, this father, this husband, for wanting to love and protect his family and even his own life. I don't think we should abandon the Iraqi people...but please lets take Mohammeds example and reassess. Our men & women are dying as are the Iraqi people. We must come together as a nation and brainstorm like no other storm and find a solution because I don't know about everyone, but I know that most of us are tired of weeping, tired of worring about our soldiers lives, tired of the bloodshed and gore, but most importantly we are tired for progress that has come in such small amounts that it is translucent. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215448Wed, 06 Jun 2007 06:27:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215448Asad AbuKhalil, Modesto, CAThe NBC Bureau chief thought that he was writing a sensitive and kind story. He then said this: "He is a tireless worker, reliable, and trustworthy – qualities that are not always apparent in a lot of people here." That should tell people that the problem with the news coverage goes beyond the traditional left/right or Republican/Democrat. Those who cover foreign affairs are biased in ways that are beyond their comprehension.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215449Wed, 06 Jun 2007 06:37:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215449Peg, Sacramento, CATO Ron Saathoff from SD. What do you mean "no American ever piloted a bomb-laden car into a crowd?" It might not have been a market, but did you forget about the bombing of the Oklahoma Federal building? by An AMERICAN EX-MARINE? He killed Men, women, and CHILDREN!!!! Did you forget our own homegrown terrorist? OUR mistake was electing Bush as president; not once, but twice. And I am sorry that you left a body part in Iraq. It just goes to show you that you cannot trust everything you are told. You were led blindly into a war that was presented on false terms! I am sorry that we still have our men and women fighting and dying for a false reason. I am sorry for the innocents in Iraq that have no say and no other place to GO. Bush went against our own Constitution. Entering a war without being attacked first. Sadam didn't attack us! And if anyone thinks that 9/11 was orchestrated by someone in the Middleeast, they are sadly mistaken. The implosions of the buildings were all too-well planned. Even building #7 that was NOT even HIT by a plane; it imploded too gracefully. Come on now People! It was none other than insiders, probably some of Bush's friends wagging the dog! You are all misinformed! This Mohammad isn't a COWARD. He is a displaced person. His family is a displaced family. There may be people in Syria, although same ethnicity, not willing to welcome him. Too many coming and no room. Who wants extras, if a country cannot handle it's own? Remember Katrina? We whine about the same thing, anytime Mexicans make it across the borders! Shame on the U.S. for killing thousands, displacing even more! Why is it that people are unable to connect the dots. OSAMA does NOT connect to SADAM.. But Bush does connect to IDIOT!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215454Wed, 06 Jun 2007 06:54:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215454Walt Perkins, San Lorenzo, CAAlan Hytowitz's comments about bringing in the Chinese really got to me. That is the most stupid solution I have ever heard. As the whole world knows, the Chinese "liberated" the Tibetans in the 1950's. Never mind that they did this thru mass slaughter, executions, and annexation. Since they d tolerate no religion, they would start first with the Shiite & Sunni militias and Imams. The slaughter that would ensue would be larger than the Holocaust of the Jews. Thank God that this is such a hairbrained idea. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215460Wed, 06 Jun 2007 07:19:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215460Chris, Fl.Good idea, I'd be right there with you. The whole place is turning into an uncivilized waste land. It's not safe to live there even for a terrorist anymore. The whole country of Iraq is crazy with hate. America will leave eventually, but the blood shed may go on for centuries. What a waste! http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215468Wed, 06 Jun 2007 07:42:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215468DAWOOD,DURBAN.SOUTH AFRICA911 happened because the christians and jews were continuously killing muslims and stealing their land in bosnia,palestine,etcDO NOT JUST COMMENT ON 911 WITHOUT REASONING WHY.MUSLOIMS DO NOT ENVY YOUR WEALTH OR DEPRAVITY.THEY WILL NOT ATTACK YOU FOR THAT.SO YOU COULD CALL THE MEN WHO PARTICIPATED IN 911 REACTIONARIES NOT TERRORISTS. AMERICAN TROOPS ARE IN IRAQ NOT TO PROVIDE FREEDOM.THEY ARE THERE TO 'ANNEX"THE OILFIELDS AND MAINTAIN JEWISH MILITARY SUPERIORITY. WAKE UP!DO NOT JUST MENTION TERRORISM -FIND OUT WHY.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215471Wed, 06 Jun 2007 07:47:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215471Julie, Berne, INI really feel like George Bush is just settling a score his father started. His dad was over there (Middle East) and now little Bush thinks he needs to be there too. As most everyone has said it has nothing to do with 9/11. It just gave him an excuse to start a war and say it was to fight terrorism. What ever happened to Bin Laden? Has Bush forgotten his name? I haven't!! And where are these weapons?? He said that was why we went there to begin with. No, that was an excuse too. Why are we referees now? That is fighting terrorism?? No that's killing more American than 9/11. It makes us look stupid as a country and I will be happy to see him go!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215478Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:40:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215478Leon, Lakeland, FLIf someone, anyone, would give a logical explanation for the Middle East citizenry and their desire to take a human life so quickly and without apparent just cause, I would love to hear it. This is the classic "man's inhumanity to man" and it just does not make sense.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215484Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:24:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215484awabnavi, Myanmar"you conveniently ignored Mohammed's own comments regarding Saddam and his former regime." And you fail to recognize that Mohammed, for all that he said about Saddam, did not have to quit his country under Saddam. This quitting of his accurately emphasizes the mess America has created in Iraq - either purposely or otherwise.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215490Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:51:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215490Bill JohnsonBeing a Marine Vietnam vet, and having lived throught much the same atrocities we see on the news programs, and hear and read about, the only solution, no matter WHAT, anyone truly wishes to embrace, is to LET THE IRAQUIS THESMSELVES, DO FOR THEMSELVES, no matter WHAT sect they belong to. Sadly, our "President" does not, nor has he ever, comprehended the fact that followers of Islam, have their lives dictated overall, by THEIR RELIGEOUS BELEIEFS, NOT, THEIR INDIVIDUAL WISHES: "THEIR FAITH IS THEIR LIFE, PERIOD." Yes sadly, the extremists have totally corrupted Isalm with their twisted interpretation of it, etc, BUT, worse, the many "jihadists", are nothing more than mass-murderers themselves and no better than Saddam at all, in fact , WORSE. Our mioral obligation should be to our troops whom are dying and and losing limbs on a daily basis, with further hardships upon returning home, tha anyone can ever imagine, believe me, I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT, Semper Fi! The rest of the world leadres copped out on us, exept fr our allies there with us currently, and for what? I will tell you for what: MONEY,the money they were making hand over fst from Saddam, in kick-back, etc, oil contracts, and God knows what else, thes so called civilized nations, simply sate back like the cowards they truyl ae, Austria, Germany, Iran, Syria etc, etc, being the worst, and let the pot boil, while we fought their surrogate war, INSANE!? I would think so, BUT, to G.W.m perfecly acceptabel, it would seem, BUT agai, LOOK AT THE PRICE WE, AND THE IRAQUI COMMONERS HAVE BEEN PAYING, AND WLL KEEP ON PAYING, until someone steps up and say "ENOUGH". My humblew thoughts and satements, I am sure, refelct manyother peoples, pity is, you cannot fight a war with words, just bombs and bullets, and NOW, these "jihadists", have created even more vulager methods of kiilling people, for what!? I will tell you my fellow Americans: "FOR ALLAH"--and THAT, is the worst piece of crap I have ever written and true, but sadly and shamefully, for the true, peacful, moral followers of Islam, TE WORST SLAP IN THE FACE AND INSULT THEY COULD EVER HAVE FACED, ALONG WITH SADDAM'S! "BRING OUR TROOPS HOME G.W.", now, not tomorrow, thank you! B.J. ---NYC http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215493Wed, 06 Jun 2007 10:11:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215493anthony radbill. antwerp, BelgiumCongratulations Mr. Hytowitz for your analysis. However, I don't see China coming to Iraq to pull the chestnuts out of the fire for the USA. They are quite parsimonious with foreign aid. As well as trading with the USA they are a strategic rival and they might be enjoying the weakening of the USA position in the Middle East and its temporary or longer loss of reputation in the world. The game was given away on 24 May when Congress tamely agreed to no deadlines timetable, but benchmarks. One of the benchmarks was that no more reconstruction aid was to be given until the bulk of the Iraqi oil fields were privatized and leased to oil companies on contracts of twenty to thirty years. One knew already that the invasion was not about WMD, the non existent relationship of Saddam and Al Qaeda and looming danger. How could a broken down Thirld World country pose a threat to the USA. No, it was after all about getting one's mitts on oil. Well, the USA has five percent or so of the world's population, but consumes about twenty percent of the energy supply. Instead of leading the world in energy reform and considering seriously the possible threats posed by climate changes the Bush administration has made a Faustian pact with the likes of Halliburton and the oil majors. As a Brit and friend of the USA I strongly feel that this Iraqi neocolonial adventure has done an enormous disservice to the USA and the West.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215503Wed, 06 Jun 2007 10:51:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215503Vic Martinez Kussnacht am Rigi SwitzerlandWe need to let the locals try their hand in this. Unfoortunately they are running away. Being retired military in the last year and having served tours of duty. I do have some comments. I am a very proud American first of all and have felt the burdon of freedom. After 911 we waited too long to go into Afghanistan. It should of been within days....we had the intel where the camps were. Hell Clinton tried to bomb them. Iraq I belive was a big mistake. We should of told Saddam after Astan (as I called it) if you dont want us in your back yard like this straighten up. After this debacle I think most US politicians are idiots and Bush and mostly Cheney need to go now. Too bad we have to wait until next elections. My solutions is we pull out the troops. Let the insurgents make their camps and we lob VW's volkswagons from the destroyers in the waters off shore and send in special op's teams on search and destroy missions with plenty of fire power to get them all out then. Hell I should of been a general. But then again they can't do their job!!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#215962Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:47:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:215962Judge Advocate, Tribal CourtMohammed is simply trying to protect and defend his family from the heinous acts of those who respect nothing. He is essentially a victim and political refugee. The local government and occupying police forces cannot protct him when he/his family are being marked for destruction and to be made an example. He has no body guard and because he is neither justified as law enforcement/security he is probably denied a concealed weapon, let alone military arms for his personal defense. Even if he were to be qualified as a member of the approved security forces/Iraqi militia, he & his family have already been marked for the worst retaliation having aligned himself with the West. He is a WAR REFUGEE. As a vietnam veteran and supportive of all efforts to eliminate people from sources of slavery no matter the political label, it's still SLAVERY. When this man sees us doing the same thing we did at the close of hostilities in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq(Desert Storm), etc. and now in his homeland AGAIN; what should he do. When the greatest military power for freedom is making public noises about cutting and RUNNING like we did in those other wars, who do you look to for help/support. Most Americans/Europeans have no concept of tribal government, culture and mentality. Which is why are own Fist Nation Native Americans have sufferred in their own ancestral homeland as POLITICAL REFUGEES AND PRISONERS OF WAR. When will the talking heads learn. If someone makes war on you and your family you make TOTAL WAR ON THEM. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR VICTORY-----ONLY FAILURE AND THE RAMIFICATIONS IT BRINGS. WE LEARNED IT IN WWII AND IT COST US DEARLY. WE are as much at war with these inhuman criminals and international public enemies as the IRAQI PEOPLE. LETS DO WHAT THE GREATEST GENERATION OF WWII REALIZED---- FINISH THE JOB!! FIND THESE MURDERERS AND REPROBATES AND DESTROY THEM WHERE THEY HIDE. WHOEVER GIVES THEM PROTECTION AND SUSTENANCE IS THEIR ALLY AND OUR ENEMY. When these thugs like the NAZIS and their ALLIES realized we were totally committed, the hostilities ended and the world achieved peace and got back to rebuilding the destruction these War Criminals caused. Show these animals we mean business and the IRAQI PEOPLE AND OTHER FREEDOM SEEKERS WILL TAKE HEART-------- THEY WILL REALIZE THEY ARE NOT ALONE and are not about to be ABANDONED LIKE BEFORE!!!!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#216048Wed, 06 Jun 2007 18:49:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:216048Ray Brooksville, Fl.what a mess we have gotten into. all one has to do is read these blogs to see what this war has done to this country....... and the rest of the world. God help us all.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#216056Wed, 06 Jun 2007 18:53:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:216056Mark Sawtelle, Providence, RILet me clarify my previous comment above ("People, everywhere, want two things, and sometimes do extremely violent things to get them: 1)To feel secure that they won't lose the little that they have. 2)To do something important at least once in their life."). I think that those profound impulses are felt as much by the American soldier driving through Baghdad as by the jihadi trying to blow him up. Whether the soldier and the jihadi are equally justified in their feelings is a different question.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#216067Wed, 06 Jun 2007 19:02:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:216067LNP, Maryland, USAThere, but for the grace of God, go I. Go all of us. We are so lucky to live in the U.S., even with all its problems. Peace be with you, Mohammed!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#216340Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:56:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:216340Razzle Dazzle Anderson Indiana John from Nampa Idaho has probably said the most intelligent thing on this site. Not only are most of the people on this site incapable of spelling, they would do well to do a bit of reading concerning what the soldiers themselves think as well as about the history of Islam. There have only been a few areas in the world where muslims have lived with other religions for any length of time and not forced non-believers to convert submit or killed all non-muslims. It has never been a religion of peace unless all people convert to or are in submission to Islam. Those living under muslim law ( they are referred to as the dhimmis, which means " guilty " in Arabic, are required to pay a toll tax to the reigning muslim tax-collectors. The ones that live as Jews or Christians are always second class citizens with no rights whatsoever and must pay this tax, sometimes even selling their children to pay for their survival. Maybe this why the percentage of non-muslims continues to drop each generation as life becomes so unbearable that non-muslims find the only way to survive is to convert or die. There is no limit to what can be done to a non-muslim paying this toll tax, sometimes referred to as the Koranic tax. Even rape of the women and girls is common and accepted, and would take 4 non-muslims to equal a denial of a muslim believer to convict him. Equality like this we can do without. The majority of Muslims women have little or no actual rights, non-mulims none. And if a muslim should convert to any other religion it is a death sentence by Muhammad himself " whosoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him " This is not an extremist thought. It is mainstream Islam Americans should read more and listen more In other words listen and learn. It's easy to have opinions but a little reading would help. If it's worth harping about it should be worth taking the time to study a little bit. Information is free on the internet, take advantage of it. The Iraq situation, as serious as it seems to be,is not the main problem. It does keep our troops close to Iran whose president Ahmadinejerk is not only instigating the war in Iraq, but pushing for the apocalypse itself. As soon as he has the means to detonate a bomb on US soil, he will, and if he can accomplish this from the ocean in a way that can not be traced back to Iran, we will not know for sure who to attack. If this causes World War III then the apocalypse will usher in the coming of the Mahdi, ( a spiritual and temporal Muslim ruler who will establish a reign of fairness and justice all over the world ), which will mean that the time has come for Muslims to take over the world. At least that is the Muslim view. Never forget that the Koran is UNIQUE in sacred writings in counseling its adherents to make war against unbelievers as well as believers who are thought to not hold as strongly to the teachings of Islam. Muslim doctrine demands that all believe in Allah. Anything goes in Islam as long as it improves the status of Islam. There are no absolutes in the Koran. Lying cheating killing are all justified if they are for the advancement of Islam. Americans should find out more about the history of Islam, and you will realize the war for the world is just beginning in Iraq. The so-called moderate Muslim exists but I don't hear much about them relaying information to the government to help stop the extremist. One thing Bush said that I agree with. Either you are with us or you are against us. Make up your mind. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#216986Thu, 07 Jun 2007 13:23:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:216986natasha cordaywait, you were going in and out of baghdad for FOUR years and still managed to write this: "He is a tireless worker, reliable, and trustworthy – qualities that are not always apparent in a lot of people here." i've lived and worked in a number of war and post-conflict zones, and i've always managed to come away with a (generally) positive view of the populace, even when they are labouring under very difficult conditions-- like afghanistan, from where i have just returned-- so to imply that MOST iraqis are lazy, untrustworthy and not reliable, is, at best, racist and stupid. and you're the new bureau chief? good luck with that, nbc. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#217567Thu, 07 Jun 2007 19:34:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:217567Susan Farrington, Seattle WAThis is not the first person employed by the US, or one of our companies, to leave. If anything he should be given a safe exit and financial help. His leaving only emphasizes what we all need to do--get out of Bagdad and reallocate our forces. We are only acting as a police force for the Iraqi government, while the rest of the world watches us stumble,and die. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/05/214207.aspx#218010Fri, 08 Jun 2007 08:07:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:218010Joel, Panyu, Guangdong, PRCA lot of well thought out comments here. And some not so well thought out ones. Personally I think it's all about gods. The deities of lifestyle just haven't gotten around to living in peace and there is no thunderbolt at the top to put the hammer down. Religion, tribalism, ignorance and inequality make for a wonderful aperitif to any conflict. Add greed and mix ingredients, which abound in just about any country in the world, thoroughly.