Iraqis dying to tell the story

Rita Jean Underwood Wichita Falls,TX. — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:18:56 GMT

I just buried my baby sister who was 60.I can relate to your story. As the saying goes,it never hits home,til it's one of your own.

Keep writing.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

TML, BC, Canada - (formerly of Lewiston, Washington) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:39:56 GMT

It is a true shame how so many must risk their lives for something with so little return in the end. I hold the greatest respect for the Iraqi reporters, for they brave the violence to tell us the story of their country, a story that we try to ignore, downgrade, or simplify. Their's is a risk just as great- if not greater than our soldiers- for though they all face the same threat, at least our soldiers can come home to a safe place in the end, the Iraqis must retire to the very war zone that almost kills them daily.

And so, to part: sincerest of wishes to all in that horrible conflict zone. Soldier, civilian, and reporter. Iraqi, American, and European, god bless them all.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Fred Derf — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:43:12 GMT

Maybe some of his photos should be shown on American TV instead of the soldier holding the kitten, show the real cost of the war on both sides

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Natalie — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:50:24 GMT

May all who put their lives in danger to bring the world the truth be blessed a million times over. May those who have given their lives for the truth live in peace everafter.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

J.H. Los Angeles, California — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:51:38 GMT

If you place yourself in an active war zone you can expect to be injured or killed. If the deaths aren't acceptable the journalists shouldn't place themselves in this area. Pretty simple, huh?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Sal Apple, New York, NY — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:53:44 GMT

These reporters seem a bit self important.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

RHP, Kansas City, MO — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:57:13 GMT

Though they appear to be crazy for taking the chances they do, Iraqi reporters are really quite sane and unbelievably brave, almost to the point of being insane!
But if they weren't there to tell their story, would the world ever get to the truth? Probably not because the leftish media would continue to blame the U.S. for every negative incident that happens.
It seems that a life in Iraq is an easy thing to dispose of...that is unless one personally knows a victim. God bless all who are trying to bring us the truth.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Dan Jones, Crofton, Md — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:57:17 GMT

Even given that Saddam Hussein was a murderer, a violator of Iraqi civil rights, it is hard for me to justify the killing that has occurred since the US invasion of March 2003. I hold President Bush responsible for what has happened. It is hard for me to believe that he has not been impeached. I hold myself accountable for voting for him in 2000.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Edward Mora — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:09:57 GMT

Let's not get emotionally confused! There would not be any stories such as these and pictures such as these, if the US had not become involved in this war; and, we do not have the right to be in this war. Years later, as it usually happens, history will reveal that it was an irresponsibly deliberate and totally wrong decision to invade Iraq. I can assure you that, as always, there already are those who know this was a sinister dictatorial decision. Therefore, nice stories and nice pictures coming out of this war, while I feel for those we made our victims, usually do not mean a damn thing to me.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Rudy Johnson, Kenmore, Wa — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:10:58 GMT

All this senseless killing has to stop - on both sides. Isn't it amazing how money keeps Bush in the office - we all talk about empeaching him, but guess what? - he is still there. The Iraqi reporters, as well as all reporters, are to be saluted for their bravery for going out there. Thank you all.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Mark V, Santa Monica, Ca — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:15:08 GMT

Keep filming, keep writing, and maybe we'll someday evolve beyond our lizard brained ancestors and deem war to be an unacceptable option. Until then, man's inhumanity to man is a story that will need to be told on a daily basis.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

JD, Lehi, Utah — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:20:28 GMT

I believe in freedom, freedom comes with a cost of death, turmoil, anguish. I feel for the families that have lost a son or daughter in this war. Those Iraqis and Americans who have lost their lives didn't lose them in vain. They lost their lives to give freedom. Look at the Revolutionary War, it was hell! But our forefathers understood the blessing it would reap for themselves and their children's future. Because of them, we don't really live in fear in the United States. I hope through this destruction peace will come to Iraq.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Julius Gargano Estero, Fl. — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:27:43 GMT

To answer: Our nation has 150,000 targets in Iraq and real bullets fly by them daily. To single out reporters as a non-combatant, Remember our troops didnt kill them for thier speach its the people that we are fighting every day. WE show enough death and carnage on our TV not holding kittens, its the same enemy and it isn't us.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Glen Burnie Maryland — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:28:04 GMT

War, what is it good for? Abosolutely nothing! It is evident that in a time a war any loss of life is a tragedy; whether bond or free, whether Jew or Greek, Iraqi or American a loss of life is senseless and unfortunate.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Julius Gargano Estero, Fl. — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:30:23 GMT

I love censorship even from the Blogs, where does this one have its office <> IRAN >??

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Peggy Thomspon, Tuttle, Oklahoma — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:30:36 GMT

Before the U.S. Invasion, some Iraqis lived in hell because of the mania of Sadam and his corrupt and violent rule. The real reason for the Invasion was to take him out, regardless of what we were told, and this was planned WAY before Bush took office, by Bush and his Gang, provided that he would get elected. Out brave Soldiers and Marines are doing the best that they can, but there is no military solution to this. The daily casualties of both Iraqis and Americans bear witness to Bush's failed policy, his arrogance and gross stupidity; he and his cronies are responsible. Journalists are very important to bring the truth to the world, true Journalists, that is, and not the Hairdos we see on the nightly News posing as journalists; their loss is equally tragic. Bush and Chaney should be impeached but our cowardly Congress will never do it. Their main concern is getting re-elected.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Lena Johnson — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:33:28 GMT

All who are quick to judge Bush while they live comfortably should recognize that he has kept our country safe for 5 years since 911. And if Saddam had not been overthrown he would have strengthened Al Qeda, continued his nuclear plans and God only knows what this country would be facing today.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:34:28 GMT

We are only still in this war because we want to fight a "kinder gentler" war where we limit casualties. War should be so horrific no one ever wants to do it.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Mai Kalasilin, San Jose, California — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:36:40 GMT

The truth here in the U.S. is watered-down before i gets to us. The deaths seem just numbers, not actual people, until it's someone we know, or we, ourselves must find it. Our media wont give us the truth, whole, plain, and simple.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Andrew, Syracuse NY — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:37:29 GMT

Of course war is terrible, but would you rather it happen here, in another Sept. 11th style attack, or have terrorists blowing up buildings in D.C. every other day? I think a lot of people forget that this war was inevitable if we want to prevent ourselves from being ruled by Shariah Law or seeing buildings blow up across the street by Islamic terrorists. GO USA!!!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

G Scott, Houston TX — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:38:11 GMT

These people didn't place theirselves in harms way. We brought it to them. They are doing what must be done to educate the world about the cost of America's latest misadventure. People should be demanding access to this information. The blunders continue each day without oversight or any fear of ever taking responsibility for destroying this nation, it's intrastructure and the lifes of so many of it's citizens. Our actions have forced millions from their homes and attributed to the deaths of nearly a million more. How much innocent blood can we shed to secure oil under a blanket of fighting the terrorism we inspire and facilitate?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

debbie marie, Hilo, HI — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:38:25 GMT

It is understandable to miss those you worked with and loved. Try to remember that they have done what they came to do, and have gone home.
Everyone will have to take responsibility for their actions, Everyone.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

PK, Marion, KY — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:41:50 GMT

What a horrible, hopeless mess. God help us.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

CEH — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:43:29 GMT

I by no means am a fan of the way this war has been managed, but if we are going to blame President Bush for the thousands of deaths that have occured since the Iraqi war started, shouldn't we give him credit for stopping the HUNDREDS of thousands more deaths that most likely would have (and did in the past) happened to Iraqi citizens if Saddam were still in power? Are we perhaps too one sided in our "hate Bush and America at all costs" mentality that we can't be fair? And don't forget, there would be no reporters there to report on those hundreds of thousands being silently slaughtered were the US not involved.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

CMe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:44:53 GMT

No, we shouldn't have invaded. It was a barbaric and unjust thing to do. Now we hear of families torn asunder both here and abroad. However, let us not forget the brutality that Iraq endured under the iron fist of Hussein. It has to mean something. Some will say it's about oil. We don't get that much oil from there. I think Bush's impact on history will be that he wore his emotions on his sleeve. He's not intelligent enough to be so devious. Eventually, they'll need to come to peace with themselves with out foreign help. I will reserve my judgment on the whole affair until then. In the mean time, many, many lives will be lost. The majority will see their sacrifice being for the greater good. I'm hard pressed to disagree, just yet.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Delmar Fairchild, Barron, Wisconsin — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:52:56 GMT

This reporter dying is just another example of why the moderate Muslim world should take on the Radical Islamic facists on their own. They aren't going away any time soon unless their own countries will take care of the problem as happened in Pakistan. Radicals do not want reporters telling the truth.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Shawna, Denver, CO — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:54:28 GMT

I know not the truth of this war. I only see what is shown to me on the television & hear what those who have been there tell me. I am not in a position to pass judgment on anyone, that is God's job. I only know that it aches my heart to see the suffering that is so prevalent around the world.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

R Woodland, Hawaii — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:55:57 GMT

Some of the readers seem to always blame America for every death in Iraq but have blinders on when it comes to who is doing the indiscriminate killing. The truth is that most of the deaths including this one are caused by outlaws and terrorists. Why not call for terrorists to stop the killing instead of condemning America and Bush for for their distruction. No mater how many times some people try to make us believe it, America did not start this war. America and the world was under attack by terrorists long before The war in Iraq. It took 9/11 to wake some of us up and now it seems many have been put back to sleep by the liberal press who consistently give the terrorists a pass and instead blame Bush and America for all they do. This war started by terrorism and it is the terrorists who have come into Iraq after its liberation with the intent to kill Americans and anyone else they choose. The terrorists are the bad guys and cannot be allowed a safe haven in Iraq or anywhere. If allowed the terrorists will not choose peace but will instead gain strength. If allowed to win in Iraq the future struggle to defeat terrorism will make the struggle in Iraq today look like a Sunday school picnic. God bless all those who have sacrificed their lives or been injured to protect the rest of us.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

RAMAN LAL RANIGA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:59:35 GMT

EVERYTHING HAPPENS which HAPPENS WITH HUMAN KARMA THE CHOICES WE HAVE MADE LIFE LONG AND THE DEATH IS THERE NO ESCAPE BUT FOR PEACEFUL LIVING HUMAN HAS TO UNDERSTAND SCRIPTURES SPIRITUALLY NOT MISINTERUPT TO SUIT THEIR OWN WHIMS OF LIFESTYLE AS WE READ A POEM BY GEORGE BENARD SHAW

In the words of George Bernard Shaw:
We are living graves of murdered beasts
Slaughtered to satisfy our appetites.
We never pause to wonder at our feasts,
If animals like men could possibly have rights.

We pray on Sunday that we may have light,
To guide our footsteps on the paths we tread.
We are sick of war, we do not want to fight,
And we gorge ourselves upon the dead.

Like Carrion Crows we live and feed on meat,
Regardless of the suffering and pain
We cause by doing so, in this we treat,
Defenseless animals for sport or gain -

How can we hope in this world to attain
The peace we say we are so anxious for,
We pray for it o'er hetacomba of slain,
To God while outraging the moral law,
Thus cruelty begets the offspring --- WAR !

TH WORLD HAS TO CHANGE TOWARDS BETTER WITH VEDIC LIVINGS
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/books_by_stephen_knapp.htm

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Marilyn Habian, Lyndhurst, Ohio — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:01:04 GMT

Why are we not seeing more realistic pictures of the war? How can we honor these journalists if we, as a society, choose to ignore their most valuable contribution?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

MIKE FRANK,ST. LOUIS MO. — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:01:08 GMT

WAR IS HORRIBLE, BUT WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT IT? A BRITTISH COLONY WITH A 60% TAX RATE GOING TO ENGLAND?
WOULD WE BE SPEAKING GERMAN WITH ALL NON-ARIAN RACES EXTINCT? AND NOW THE MUSLIM EXTREMISTS ARE VOWING TO MAKE THE WORLD A MUSLIM STATE. IF WE DON'T STOP THEM NOW, WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE OUR STAND ON U.S. SOIL.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Mary Alyce Owens — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:02:24 GMT

The war in Iraq is not keeping us safe, it just the sicko's among us who think, better there than here, better them than us...as long as their perfect little bubble world here in the US is safe, who cares about the rest of the world. There is more war a strife in the world, more terrorism in the world and we all as citizens of planet earth are less safe and less human becase of this war. Saddam did not cause 9-11. People who still think he did or that Iraqi's caused it are ignorant and brainwashed by the Bush fear machine...End the death, end the terrorism that war is to the Iraqis, the Palestenians, the Afgani's ...bring the soldiers home and leave the world to sort out their own versions of peace and prosperity ...the US is not helping these people..we are causing their deaths

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Robert, Redding, California — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:03:19 GMT

It is always interesting to me to see someone comment on the War in Iraq as if Saddam was responsible for the 9/11 attacks. You see, there is Bin Laden who was responsible for 9/11, and Saddam who was an evil man, but posed zero threat to the United States. Some may say that he was a threat to us, but where is the proof? Seriously, if somebody can enlighten me on the subject, let me know.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Paw Paw, NC — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:04:08 GMT

Why did so many Iraqi people have to die just to remove Saddam from power, how can so many people even begin to believe we are fighting for our freedom in Iraq, and why do so many American soldiers have to die trying to establish law and order in another country's civil war? Yes it is terrible and the American people should have to see it everyday, but it has been hidden from them just like everything else about this war of choice. In the words of the President "we'll tell you and show you what you need to know".

Iraqis dying to tell the story

ByeBye Bush - Illinois — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:04:38 GMT

To Lena Johnson - read more current news. The latest reports on terror state unequivocally that our invasion of Iraq has made the terror threat worse as more andmore splinter group are taking action and joining the militants in their hatred of the West. "W" did this for his arrogant and self serving interests only. Now many many people die so he can laugh all the way to the bank. Pathetic.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

tvb, Bordentown NJ — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:05:22 GMT

He was a reporter, thats what they do.. take pictures. They are killed all the time because they take the chances to get the pictures and the story. We have tragedy in our lives all around us, every day, no nmatter where, peacetime, war time, at home and away.. tradegy can strike anyone and anywhere. God Bless the United States military and its continued support to free the oppressed people of Iraq, long live George Bush, may his glory shine in the annals of history as the greatest president the USA ever had..Thank God he was at the helm when we were attacked and hopefully he will stay the course as we persue the radical muslim terrorists who continue to run to Iraq and confront us.. may as well fight them there, they all yearn for a fight.. so we gave it to them. GO BUSH! GO Military..

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Rudolph S. Daldin Windsor Ontario Canada — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:06:51 GMT

July 13, 2007
When Will The USA Leave Iraq?

At a Press Conference July 12 President George W. Bush answered several dozen questions about his plans for a withdrawal of American Troops from Iraq. He dodged them all with his now standard replies knowing fully well that the USA will never consider any timetable of withdrawal for their occupation of Iraq as this complete and total occupation of Iraq was the real motive for their military attack on Iraq and is only the first step in the birth of establishing a military, economic and political beach head for the reasons seen below:

WHY THE INVASION?

Upon closer inspection it will be seen that the State and the Governments of Israel are not Judaic
nor does the State follow and believe in and observe the ancient beliefs and practices of Judaic
Law. Israel is a secular state. It is a modern Anglo-American- Zionist State given over to a goal
of global political influence and economic power and domination. The State of Israel is their
beachhead to the entire Middle East.
THEY NEVER LEAVE
Today they remain and maintain multiple military bases in Italy, Germany, Japan, and even a small military base in Great Britain. They now have over 1000 military bases and installations covering the entire globe.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Maryann Zirngiebel~New Hampshire — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:08:53 GMT

It is real on all sides. Does anyone think that the good families of their country are not suffering and not losing life as we know it. When our fellow GUARDIAN ANGELS (all Military) sign up, their lives change and they become the governments men and women. Nothing is fair and if this is not our hell, I feel bad for anyone that has to relive anything worse. Our men and women fall prey to anxiety, as well as the hunted. Take a moment, turn everyting off and sit and listen to natures cry, can you hear it? Nothing ever remains secret, it all comes around one day, whether we are here to see it or not. What about their childrens dreams, we have children and would you do anything to protect their dreams? Imagine that........

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Shane, Louisville, KY — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:08:59 GMT

I know that it is very tempting to blame Bush for everything but really did we have a choice. No. Bush couldn't end this war if he could. Things are in motion..it has to play through. You would know this if you truly knew the middle eastern culture and mind set. If Bush pulled out of Iraq who do you think would pull in...that's right IRAN. Now if Saddam stayed in power who do you think he would supply guns and money to? Yep, you guessed it Al Qaeda. Now what is one of our Presidents job descriptions? That's right, to protect American citizens!!!! That's why he gets a paycheck from us.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Big Guy, Delaware — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:09:29 GMT

Let's get one thing straight. This is not 'The Iraq War'. This is 'The Iraq Liberation'! We did not depose the dictator to enslave the Iraqi people as some of you propose. We are fighting for their freedom and the world's safety. The Journalists are part of the conflict and should expect casualties. Freedom against murderous regimes is paid for in blood. War will never go away. It is up to just countries like the US to uncover the genocidal mission of the terrorists (not hard to do when they publicly broadcast the annihilation of the western people) and minimize the loss of life.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Patriot, Miami, Fl — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:15:38 GMT

The U.S. is terrible, we invade countries on a whim, we kill thousands upon thousands of innocent people, and we only care about ourselves and our interest. Is that the opinion that you so-called "Americans" have of this beautiful and wonderful country? Where is your patriotism? Your love of country? The rest of the world thinks we are out of touch, and they are right. We are out of touch with ourselves. You live in the greatest country in the world and all you people can do is attack it and what it stands for. It's incredible to see how many America-haters live in this country under the guise of freedom loving Americans. You think that you are sympathizing with the rest of the world by condeming this country but all you are doing is feeding the propaganda machine that these terrorists count on to recruit the next suicide bomber that might one day blow himself up next to you, taking you both to meet allah. It's not the actions of this country but the self-loathing of it's citizens that make the best recruitment point for these terrorists. All they need to do is show a would be suicide bomber all the negative things the U.S.'s citizens have to say about their country and ask them "Is this the type of country that you want to live in? A country that it's own citizens hate?" People love the country that you live in if not, go look for another one that is more to your liking. May I suggest Iran?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Adi, Singapore — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:19:07 GMT

What Bush and his croonies have done in Afghanistan, Iraq and sooon Iran will only strengthen the Radical and the Extreme elements within the Muslims. When they see all the suffering in their countries, u cant really stop them retaliating against the forces that caused their immediate demise. War will only create more extremist.
Happy and satisfied people will not resort to violence. They will do all to protect their peace and livelihood. However, desperate people with nothing to loose and nothing to keep...will not hesitate to be suicide-bombers...why? coz life for them now is just not worth living...

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Boris K., Jacksonville, Florida — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:19:17 GMT

What is really frightening is that we have almost 30% of Americans who still support Bush and believe that the president has done a good job, according to the polls!!! Have they heard about the two million of Iraqi refugees - with hundreds of thousands of civilians dead (including women and children); well over 3 thousand of American soldiers dead and over 20,000 seriously injured? Indeed, a strategy worth of their support! I think that they simply do not care, - not their pain… not their loss! Shameful!
Mark V, Santa Monica, CA., “Lizard-brained” - is a correct way to describe such species! It seems that no evidence to the contrary will show them the darkness of our actions. Millions more will die before they evolve.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

BillyBob, Burton,MI — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:19:27 GMT

Barbaric and unjust thing to do, to go in and take out a dictator who killed many of his people? Bush should be impeached? Just to remind you all. The Democrats voted to go to war! They went on the same info Bush did! And the Dems could care less about you as any other politiction. They'll all in it for the money!
When was the last time a bomb went off in this country? Thank you Mr. Bush! Can't wait to see this country really go down hill when a Democrat becomes Pres. Watch your taxes go up, and more wars to follow!
God have mercy on us!!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Glen Jamaica — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:19:36 GMT

I do not think the world has ever been as unsafe as it is today. Thanks to the so called "LEADER" of the
free world. George Bush should be in a mental institution, that is where crazy people are kept. Neither this nor generations to come will ever know
how many innocent lives have been lost because of
this man, this crazy S.O B.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

John Doe, Olympia Wash. — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:24:19 GMT

Thank you Andrew and everyone else that sees our presence in the Middle East as inevitable. I haven't understood why Bin Laden hasn't been taken out, but I hope Saddam's fate shows any future terrorist leader what his fate will be. I wish there was a greater 'World' presence there as this is a threat to every nation. As for the U.S., it simply wouldn't have made sense to just sit here and cry after 911, and do nothing.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

T. Hill, Carrollton, Texas — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:24:46 GMT

Journalist are lying to tell a story. Two Reuters employess died in US airstrike and the questions never answered by the media, why were they with the enemy? Another story claimed 20 beheaded bodies found as reported by "Iraqi Sources" only to be debunked by the fact, there was not 20 beheaded bodies. The Media went on to blame terrorist planting stories. Could that be the case in almost every story? We always hear about bodies being dumped in Baghdad as reported by "Police Officials" only to hear later about these same police officials are being arrested for working with "insurgents". Why don't we ever see these bodies on a regular basis being the media loves blood and guts? It's sad when todays journalist are ranked right there with used car salesmen on the integrity scale. I encourage everyone to look up the name of Associated Press photographer Bilal Hussein. Why doesn't the foreign journalist get outside and tell their own stories instead of using Iraqi Stringers whose motives are very questionable?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Rob C. PA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:24:55 GMT

"One of them showed up yesterday with footage of former insurgents who had teamed up with U.S. forces west of Baghdad. He had likely risked his life to get the footage. We told him we’d done that story and he went away to try to interest someone else."

When the heck was this story "done?" This is the exact kind of video that is NOT BE@ING SHOWN by the likes of NBC and MSM. I can't believe Jane even mentioned this. Heaven forbid a journalist mention a successful US operation to actually kill and take out our enemies.

Newsflash Jane, Al Qaida is our enemy, not the Bush administration.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Scott, Columbus, Ohio — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:26:17 GMT

I am simply amazed that most people somehow blame the U.S. for all the iraqi deaths!! Who is purposely killing innocent iraqi civilians? evil george bush? no... rather it is the islamists. yet somehow you people choose to blame those who would free people from such tyranny for the horrible deaths that the islamists cause. when you anti war people wake up and join the world of clear thinking adults we will welcome you with open arms... till then go back to your starbucks.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Okham R., Edmonton, Alberta — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:30:21 GMT

Reading through comments submitted here, I find a re-occurring theme, where moralization over the United States involvement within Iraq overshadows the story here. For whatever reasons that the US ended up in Iraq, these are largely irrelevant issues now, as the problem at hand is the state of lawlessness in Iraq where revenge killings, or even less understandable murders, are the reality of everyday life for many Iraqis.

The US quitting Iraq does not solve this problem – and would if anything push Iraq over to something just short of civil war and an extended period of anarchy. It is important to realize – as this article does – that a good many Iraqis would have reason not to look forward to a US withdrawal or anything that would further jeopardize what little security they have left.

Like it or not, the US has a responsibility to stay in Iraq – not necessary to fight the ghosts of International Terrorism, find WMDs, or other made up reasons – but simply to provide the Iraq people with enough security to prevent a slide into civil war.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Tom Tuttle, Tacoma, Washington — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:32:59 GMT

Saying that we should have done this or should have done that does nothing to improve the situation. Standing on the sidelines and complaining about the game can be done by anyone with a mouth. War is war. It is fundamentally the same now as 2,000 years ago, with its atrocities and injustices. If you are truly opposed to the war, do something other than complain. An impeachment trial will not help any person alive in Iraq, and that is one good reason why it hasn't happened. Reporters are there voluntarily and get paid for their work. Journalism is competitive and reporters and photographers want that big scoop or shot that sets them apart.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Tom Tuttle, Tacoma, Washington — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:34:07 GMT

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Shawn Elliott, Ashburn, VA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:36:38 GMT

They can't take on the radicals. Their religion *requires* them to give preferential treatment to the worst sinners within their religion over any nonbeliever. It's one thing to ask people to stay out of the fight, but it's another thing entirely to ask them to join you in going to hell.

Islam doesn't need a Crusade, it needs a Reformation.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Bruce Archer, San Francisco, CA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:38:40 GMT

I feel really the loss that those close to the reporters feel.
I feel sad for the loss of those freedoms here in America that we supposedly fought for in Vietnam, at least that is what they told us in Pairs Island Bootcamp.....almost 40 years ago.
I just hope to God that when the Iraqi war vets return home to America they will be given better treatment than we were...Viet Vets..
So please end Iraqi war vets homelesness....brought on by greedy real estate brokers who's greed will never be satisfied and the rents just keep going up.
Meanwhile reporters like Daniel Perle and those brave Iraqi reporters.......well lets hope that their sacrifices to bring us the news, will never be forgotten. Because without the news folks, the truth will never come out. And wouldn't the radical killing Jihadists just love that.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

K Sullivan, LA ,CA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:43:27 GMT

You nimrods who think in such simple minded terms our 'decider' has endlessly repeated really peave me. I find it hard to believe after all that has come to pass that cheney/bush have any supporters left. Wake up!
It is not about good vs. evil. Everyone of us is both and we all in the end want the same things. The solution to the killing is not more killing. Peace can not be achieved with guns and bombs. We need to try to understand what our 'enemies' are trying to say. Peace can be reached. We just need the right leaders.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Joseph E. Cosentiono Sarasota, Florida — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:47:44 GMT

If we leave Iraq before the job is done, we will pay such a high price, and ten times more lives will be lost; the middle east will go up in flames, and so will Jordan, Saudia Arabia, and other country's in the area...let alone a great lose to our country and others, say what you will. of oil. The price of fuel will be ten dollers a gal.and then listen to the complaints from those who do not see the bigger picture. It boggles the mind how little others know about the real world problems, and the congress of both party's are running second in the race. We all are so spoiled the way we live today, that we won't even give up one luxury to protect our freedom. Chamberlain thought he had it right, and it blew up in his face, and then we had the big war. God help us.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:47:52 GMT

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Mark Martin, Las Vegas, NV — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:48:05 GMT

Unfortuately, Journalists die reporting the truth and Soldiers die trying to protect the freedom of truth. The real truth here is that, with rare exception, our elected officials did the "blindly we follow" routine. Now they do the "I did not know" routine. We as voters, rightfully, depend on our representatives to make decisions based on true and sound information. Peggy Thomspon is correct that our elected officials are re-elected obsessed and "GOD" knows they want to protect their fantastic retirement plans. We elected them and we can un-elect them in 2008. We are fighting two wars. The Iraq War and our own Border Security War. We need to end the War in Iraq and concentrate on the assult of our own borders. Not every threat on our country will come directly from the Middle East. It will come from the terrorist that enter our country through unprotected borders. We are not protected. Look at the shameful attempt by Congress to pass legislation that would help. Since they cannot have everything they want they pout and blame their counterparts and pass on a great opportunity to do something, anything that would get us on the road to a solution. I guess the 2008 elections are more important than our security. We should all have the lofty positions and lifetime retirement plans that require no accountability.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Jorge Magana, Monterrey, Mexico. — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:50:24 GMT

As a relative external opinion to all of this (there is obbiously and influence on us as well as neighbors of your country) I can say that its understandable how everything Bush is doing is protect the American way of life. Maybe not by the most humane means possible, but bashing of his actions without fully understanding them or without proposing a better solution is just wrong. Let us remember that the people running the country are all educated from some of the best schools and best thinkers in the world. Always speak up! But love your country also.

Greetings to all.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

ThePressIsToLiberal, Texas — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:52:56 GMT

I think we should send all of the reporters from NBC there! That would be a lot of bonus points!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

George Ardon — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:53:40 GMT

Most demo/liberals are so full of hate for Bush that want to blame everything that goes bad on him.
War is ugly and unfortunetly is some times necessary to defend the country. I don't like it and I may not like Bush, but he is the President and the Commander in Chief, AND WE ARE AT WAR AGAINST THE CRAZY MUSLIMS WHO WANT TO DESTROY US.
Demo/liberals seem to want all of us to become muslims or beheaded by those barbarians in order to be politicaly correct.
Our armed forces should be used to fight terrorists anywhere they are, before they come to the U.S.(again) and kill a bunch of us, civilian men, women and children.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

J.B. Storey, Columbus, GA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:05:04 GMT

I fully supported Bush as did many citizens and congressmen when we first looked at the reasons TO invade. I still think Bush has the best of intentions to try to support freedoms and civil liberties to the people of Iraq that they were without during Saddam's reign of terror. With that said, I think we all underestimated the hatred between the Shiites, Kurds, and Sunnis and the ability of those sponsering terrorism to fuel that hatred. I an now skeptic of success in Iraq until there are more like Khalid Hassan who embrace the opportunity for freedom for all Iraqis.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Diane ,Pana, IL. — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:05:39 GMT

Folks No one likes war,but you know our solder's read all the stories of people putting down what they are fightting for,we are to support them,they are fightting to keep us safe here in the US!! (9/11) People was in our country,look how many died and they did nothing but go to work that day!Don't it make you feel safer knowing when u go to sleep at night,you will wake to see you kids,ur husband ur wife?our men and women fight to save our life and trying to bring some peace to the Iraqi citizens also!Bush may have made a few mistakes But so has many of other men in office! Before we put down Bush when you go out today or sit with ur family to have a meal look around and look at all the lives he has saved,you ,ur mate a son a daughter,a friend!If we didn't fight there,it would be here,as we all saw in 9/11!I have some really close friends/family soldiers over there fightting for us! Lets not forget Bush was also the one that fought to get the soldiers the stuff they need to do there Job when it was held up because gov. didn't want to spend more money on stuff!Bush made sure there was computers so family get to talk and see there family there!Holidays they get a meal thats just like home!They get RR,time to fly away and pull them self together! Many of our soldiers have touched the lifes of the Iraqi citizens ,in ways that they would have never known.what have you done to help our men and women there?I send out care packs monthly,our men and women love them!! It shows we care,why don't all of you that have done nothen for them,find a list of what is needed,they are everywhere on the net,and just send a few things or take it to a group and let them send it,if you can't afford to buy things sit down at ur pc and just write a few thank you,we miss you letter to soldiers,and get them sent,it don't matter if the one that gets ur letter knows you or not,to a soldier it brings a smile,peace and love!! sorry this is long lets just support our country,if we don't who will??

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Jack jack — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:20:55 GMT

Yes Saddam killed his people...but why did he do it. Because they were trying to assassinate him. What would the CIA do if someone tried to assassinate our President? I bet they would not hesistate to kill them. Saddam was a bad person but in the middle east you need a bad person to keep people in line.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

rjw . Farwell Nebr — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:21:31 GMT

mr bush tell the world what we are doing in Iraq. so far no one has told me. I would really like to know.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Sean, Torrington CT — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:23:25 GMT

Well,it's not like the reporters volunteered to go kill innocent Iraqis. They volunteered to report stories.

It is more of a shame that a reporter die for this war, than should a new recruit die for the war.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Mark Henry, McKinleyville, CA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:25:32 GMT

I am a 54 yr. old veteran, all of my life I have heard that death, dismemberment, the loss of loved ones etc. is the price that we must pay for freedom. I have never heard anyone question this. We must begin questioning this belief system.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Tony Lopez, Beaverton, Oregon — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:31:47 GMT

This and many other horrendous acts of violence agains Local Nationals and US service members is the reason for the US to be more "active" in combating insurgents/terrorists/cowards in Baghdad and in the rest of the country! Action, strong military action (US Military), is the only solution in a country where many (perhaps as much as 69%)of their Army and their Government members are in collusion with the evil men who conduct such vile acts of terror! The need for action is a grave one to be certain, but who will do it? Who can do it? And Why? And is Diplomacy the solution? This last one is most certainly a NO! It has been let loos, diplomacy, for some time now and it has failed miserably! Act! Do it! Don't talk about doing it! Do it!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

PG, Flint, Michigan — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:34:31 GMT

Ah, the arrogance that we demonstrate -- do we really think that we can summarize the reasons we went to war in a sound bite? or a journalist's story? Politicians think we are stupid and they spout off one liners to make themselves look better but at the end of the day there is too much history and economics that we will never understand that made us go to war. We may never know why we went, the only thing we can do is vote for people that represent our views and hope for the best. God bless the soldiers and their families

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Chris Eidsmoe, Jacksonville, FL — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:37:51 GMT

It is sad that people have to risk their very lives to do any job- especially if there is not much opportunity and the choice is to be destitute or take a dangerous job. I salute all those "over there", not just workers or soldiers- there have been way more plain old people killed than any other sector of society.

The thing about the whole situation that I cannot identify with is the people doing the bombing and the executions, hundreds a day- what is their motivation, can anything in the universe actually justify what they're doing? I do not believe so.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Anita Lauria, Rincon, GA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:49:19 GMT

I don't believe freedom is won by killing, or fighting. Ultimately, freedom is won through education, money, and understanding. If you look at any civilization in history, you might be tempted to say freedom was granted through a paticular war or event. I would say freedom was on its way one way or another. The corrupt can only remain in power so long. Wars cost everthing and gain nothing the French Revolution brought down a King who trying to improve the quality of life for all. It did not bring down the responsible parties only the sons of the responsible parties. War is revenge! Revenge is rarely appropriate.

Any reporter trying to make a difference showing the truth, I thank you. The soldier who come home and in conflict with their experiences and what is depicted on TV and in the press. I apologize. War is hell, and having to pretend it isn't is worse!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Craig — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:50:31 GMT

I have one critical question that I'd like you to answer --- Who pulled the trigger that ended the live of Khalid Hassan? Was it a policy? Was it an American soldier? Was it George Bush? Or was it a fellow Iraqi citizen. He would not have died if one of his own didn't decide to murder him. Iraqis are dead set on destroying one another and there is nothing anyone is going to be able to do about it.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

John, Las Vegas, NV — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:51:29 GMT

The army is a sledgehammer, not a scalpel. Take them off their leash, and let them do what they do best. When do we finally have to realize that we have to take the gloves off to gain the upper hand? Why do we have to wait to be attacked to defend ourselves? Would you rather fight in New York or Baghdad? Washington or Tikrit? Do you all honestly believe if we pulled out of Iraq that all of a sudden the terrorists would leave us alone? Come on...

Iraqis dying to tell the story

G Scott — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:51:29 GMT

Quite right. Saddam was a terrible leader. He comitted attrocities against the people of his country and neighboring countries.
Of course at the time he was our ally. He was using the weapons and expertise we shared with him to hold supress the shiites.
Why is it that so little conversation has been made of our role in enabling and even instigating the attrocities that he was condemned to hang for?
Because we don't want to know. We want to believe that GOD annointed US to rule the world for the sake of the world. We want to believe that our leaders share our values and are care about all of us. The rest of the world does not share our need to believe in the righteousness of America's actions. They are busy discussing what we have done to them, not how we justified it to ourselves.
We don't want to know about generations around the world trying to live under the despicable rulers we have propped up to serve our interests. We don't want to believe that people hate us because we supplied the weapons and expertise that were used to enslave them, tortue them, kill their loved ones.

This is not a republican thing. It is not a democratic thing. It is an American thing. If we want America to be what we tell our kids it is the time is now to stand up for what is right and decent.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

RON — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:52:56 GMT

Saddam's brutal regime killed more Iraqi's than the US instigated invasion, but Iraq was given a chance to live in freedom. They must now be strong in ridding themselves of the fanatics who are causing all the problems,and not leave the initiative to the US forces. God bless the brave reporters (Iraqi especially)who daily risk their lives to bring us the TRUTH .

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Mary — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:57:41 GMT

Bush underestimated the evil of Al Qaeda and islam
There is no way you can fight these murderers He tried to be their saviour and only Christ can do that His mission will fail but in some ways you cant blame him for trying Im so tired of people claiming that we
are the problem in Iraq No islam is the problem not only in Iraq but in the world It is like cancer and if you get cancer what do you do you get it removed You dont say Ill leave the cancer and hope it finds peace with my body

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Joni Chalfant — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:59:20 GMT

When you choose to become a Reporter, reporting from the middle of a war zone there are risks that have to be taken. If you can't handle the heat than get out of the fire, that's why you make the big bucks. I feel for the people that are losing loved ones, I have lost my oldest son and know the pain that comes with it.For those of you who think that American Tv should show the horror of those dying, then show how OUR soldiers (OUR KIDS)are losing their lives in this war! Not the Irquis reporters that choose to do what they do and are being paid very well for doing it!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Kelly — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:04:05 GMT

Its obvious why we havent found Bin Laden Ill bet you anything hes in Pakistan hiding behind a burqa so he wont be recognized .If islam is the truth,
Mr Bin Laden show up in person neither Christ nor your mascot Mohammed hid behind a burqa like a coward

Iraqis dying to tell the story

j.w. Keith — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:06:16 GMT

The armed forces of USA are at war and under attack.The american public is at Walmart,on vacation,or watching american idol on tv. congress sits in lala land inside the beltway, while precious american blood and the blood of others spills into the sands of Iraq. what is it going to take? If you think the worst is yet to come your right.Thanks to the many reporters who have given all their tomorrows so that we can see what is coming in our tomorrow.if we don't stay focused on the mission.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

SLS, Midland MI — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:12:50 GMT

This is a "war" we will never win. I get so sick of hearing that this war is "winnable". Just because we have not been attacked again in 5 years is not necessarily a credit to Bush. We know its coming again soon, they are warning us THIS SUMMER. I shudder to envision the world my kids are going to live in because all of this is going to "hit home" again very soon when they strike on US soil. As for the war in Iraq, it saddens me to think of all of the children who are without parents, siblings, or even killed themselves because one man is after OIL. Americans, get your butts off the couch and take an active role.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Wayne, M'town TN — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:20:05 GMT

"What is really frightening is that we have almost 30% of Americans who still support Bush and believe that the president has done a good job, according to the polls!!! Have they heard about the two million of Iraqi refugees - with hundreds of thousands of civilians dead "
Polls are polls, seldom do they have more than 1K responses.
Polls put Harry Truman at 25% or less during the Korean War.

The low confidence numbers are from the Newsweek Poll.
Newsweek is the rag that ignited worldwide rioting with its phony Koran flushing story.

Face it, the Media can no longer be trusted to get a story straight even when they try, and they seldom try anymore. They want circulation and feeding a target audience gets them what they want in return for feeding the target what it wants to hear.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

3616 Americans dead in Iraq, good job Bushie! — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:24:56 GMT

Boy do some of you commenters have tunnel vision. I watch and read the news, over the tv, on the internet and in newspapers/magazines. I don't see where NBC/MSNBC have a lot of bias. They present stories from both the soldiers point of view and the Iraqi citizen point of view. Seems as though a lot of your ears prick up when you see a story you don't like. Looks like bias on the part of the commenter, not the reporters. At least they are brave enough to be there reporting the story, instead of armchair quarterbacking.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Fred Lopez, Spokane Washington — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:26:05 GMT

I hate to be saying this, but in the end it will take another Sadam to pound peace into Iraq. We need to consider the history if we are to help with a solution. We could never accept the solution, so what are we doing here? Is it really the oil? As a republican this is the most embarasing time in history for me. I wish i knew how i could help for my kids sake.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Ser Anonimo, Haiku, HI — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:34:32 GMT

I live on the island of Maui and I have several Jewish friends here. One of my friends had a relative that had just arrived and we were discussing politics and US/Isreali relations. He asked me something interesting and perhaps one of your readers can address his question. He said, 'I really don't undestand you Americans.' I said, 'What do you mean.' To which he responded, 'What side are you on?' 'On the Isreali side, of course,' I said. 'You get all this aid from the US not to mention military force to fight your enemies.'
'That is all true, however, when we use our arms, which we get from you, to fight our enemies and we confiscate their weapons, without exception, every weapon we take from our enemy says 'MADE IN AMERICA'. So I ask you what side are you on?'

My point for writing this is to simply say, from my point of view, that we are fighting only to expand the comsumer base. It has absolutely nothing to do with 'freedom', unless you are discussing our freedom to be a consumer. Once Costco, Mcdonalds and Wal-Mart settle in the war will stop. Just watch......

Iraqis dying to tell the story

RDH St. louis, MO — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:36:02 GMT

The conflict in Iraq is a struggle against a modern society in which the people of that country can achive greatness, and on the other side a group of religeous fanatics who wish to turn back the clock to a time of male superiority, abject poverty, and a religious edict that promotes absolute hatred and intolerance. The U.S.does have a commitment to help these people to conquer this evil. It has been done over and over in history, if it had not, America could never have existed. This is a pivotal time in world history. If we had bailed in WWII after liberating France, do you really think everything would have been honky-dory? I pray for the decent people of Iraq, and hope that ALL of us can help bring about a lasting peace there.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Ron W,Chesapeake,Va — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:55:11 GMT

A house divided against itself will always fall. Americans will never be conquered by the foes ouside our borders. We are doing an excellent job of destroying ourselves from within with our critcal sarcasm and me--ism. I wonder if we will come together when we have a Saddam of our own?????

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Becky fr Wyoming — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:58:52 GMT

I was browsing on my computer the other day and found someone who was a writer and whos words affected me because they are so pertenent to today. His words were a statement he wanted to make bfore a Congressional hearing. The hearing was before the House on Un- Amenrican Activities. His name is John Howard Lawson.

As history has showed us many lives were ruined by this committee, many peoples rights were violated out of fear. I would like to share some of his words to anyone who wishes to read them. His words showed me haw little we have learned and how politicians can control us by using fear.

Statement of John Howard Lawson to the committe which they refused to put into the Congressional Record

"It is my profound conviction that it is precisely because I hold these beliefs that I have been hailed before this illegal court. These are the beliefs that the so-called Un-American Activities Committee is seeking to root out in order to subvert orderly government and establish an autocratic dictatorship.

Today, we face a serious crisis in the determination of national policy. The only way to solve that crisis is by free discussion. Americans must know the facts. The only plot against American safety is the plot to conceal facts.

They’re afraid of the American people. They don’t want to muzzle me. They want to muzzle public opinion. They want to muzzle the great Voice of democracy. Because they’re conspiring against the American way of life."

I found this document in Wikipedia and I believe his words are so pertinet to what is happening today. The politicians are once again using fear to control us. Bush or his cronies are on the TV everday "saying keep them there not here. We need to have this war to protect Americans." How sensless is this argument.

The Patriot Act is an act to control America and to take away some of our most sacred rights. This act was written when the politicians were in a state of fear which was falsely created by Bush and Cheney.

Wake up America it is not the terrorists we need to fear it is those who are in power in this country who want to control us with fear and distroy our Constitution, which they swore to uphold.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Carol Martin Goldendale, Washington — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:02:01 GMT

To all the journalists in Iraq:You are our only window into this world of murder and mayhem. President Bush won't allow photographs to be published of returning war dead to the States. Keep the truth alive through your witness, strength, courage and empathy for the human spirit. Through your on site coverage of this inhumane travesty we are aware of what our President and his cohorts are not. A picture says a thousand words, our administration has their blinders on and their pockets full of Halliburton ill gotten gains. And to all the fighting factions in Iraq: "When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" Eleanor Roosevelt

Iraqis dying to tell the story

John Dillinger, The Peoples Democratic Republic of Yemen — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:06:44 GMT

The truth of the matter is that anarchy and discord are the natural state of human kind and any form of order (for example, government) is an illusion. Did anyone even notice the play on words in the title of this article? A bit “inappropriate”, yes? Theoretically, yes; that is until you realize that there is no such thing “appropriate” and therefore no such thing as “inappropriate”.

Call me an optimist, but I do not see the world becoming a killing spree without government. On the contrary.

Hail Eris!
All hail Discordia!

Hang on for some metaphysics. The Aneristic Principal is that of ORDER, the Erisitic Principal is that of DISORDER. On the surface, the Universe seems (to the ignorant) to be ordered; this is the ANERISTIC ILLUSION. Actually, what order is “there” is imposed on primal chaos in the same sense that a person’s name is draped over his actual self. It is the job of the scientist, for example, to implement this principal in a practical manner and some are quite brilliant at it. But on closer examination, order dissolves into disorder, which is the ERISTIC ILLUSION.

Malaclypse the Younger, K.S.C.,
Principia Discordia

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:07:34 GMT

Dear Jane, It is so horrible what is happening in that region. This war has caused too much suffering and loss of life. The journalists and photographers are just trying to do their job and do not deserve to be hurt or killed. I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. I hope everyone keeps as safe always. I really hope peace comes soon! Peace to all!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:13:14 GMT

Adi from Signapore

I think you hit the nail on the head
Thats the point muslims cant be, will not be, and never have been happy people. Are we going to blame Bush for that. Everyone has a choice to be happy or miserable. Islam instills misery so when you exercise misery misery is what you will find

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Alvin — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:22:19 GMT

The longer we stay in Iraq, under any pretext, more Americans and Iraqis die. We may even surpass Iraqis killed under Saddam if someone takes an accurate count. Then there are thousands of Americans and Iraqis wounded. Has anyone given a thought as to how Iraqi hospitals are treating these wounded? If there are no good choices, let us declare victory and withdraw our soldiers to Iraq's border with Iran and Syria. Let Iraqis calm the civil strife themselves.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Bob Garrett — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:23:57 GMT

Most Iraqis hate us... More than 80% want us out! Most shias, Sunnis and Kurds curse us daily for the deaths, injuries and refugee status of their relatives and friends, and for our destruction of Iraq. A few greedy Iraqis who make money off of this bloodshed give us sly lip service, but they'll turn on us as soon as it's more profitable...

This war was secretly planned and willfully executed to allow select corporations to make billions of dollars off of lucrative no-bid United States Government contracts. This is the hideous story of greed that needs to be told more fully.

We needed a massive effort in Afghanistan, which easily could have been successful in destroying al Qaida. Afghanistan is where the terrorists were, and we had them on the run. But the Iraq war diverted our efforts and precious resources.. Instead we spent blood and money to build a breeding ground for terrorists in Iraq...the opposite of what Americans wanted to achieve. The terrorists and al Qaida will still be there when we finally leave a destroyed and war-torn Iraq in our wake, probably sometime in 2009 or 2010. We'll also abandon Afghanistan.

There were no terrorists or al Qaida in Iraq before we removed Saddam. Saddam's iron rule was keeping them out. By the way, the Reagan administration gave Saddam billions to fight an illegal war against Iran. Yes, we gave Saddam many billions in logistic and material support to fight that illegal war. That's a true story the media has told, but very few people have ever been prosecuted for this illegal activity.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

William W. New York, NY — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:27:38 GMT

This is not a war, it is America trying to police a bunch of murdering religious thugs. 16,000 americans are murdered IN America every singe year..look it up, it's true. Why don't some of you take that cause on.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

earleenkarma — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:32:20 GMT

What is absolutely amazing to me is that no one seems to understand the realism that is happening in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the Middle East. There is a handful of radical extremists who promote murder and lies and then torment the masses for the sole purpose of promoting THEIR beliefs, not those of Allah or God or any other diety. It is in fact, man against man. Idiology plays no part in what is happening here.

The shame, the atrocity is that only one ideal is ready to stand firm against this small handful of hateful, world destructive radicals. It is the present government of the Untied States of America. It is the peoples who enjoy the freedoms and liberty of an unsuppressed society who have the fortitude to take the stand and say "Not on my turf!!!!".

Ninety-nine percent of the posters on this blog site have lost all sense of reality. Have you so soon forgotten the horrific events of 09-11-2001? Would you have that happen again, again, and again? Have you been so untouched that you said, "Well it did not happen in my backyard, so I am not concerned?". Believe this, it will happen in your backyard and it will happen sooner than you think if the US pulls out if Iraq and the Middle East.

Look at history, recent history, the European nations said the same thing about Hitler's Germany and the "mighty" Third Reicht. That war was not only about eradicating the Jewish population of Europe and the world, but about the extermination of EVERYONE who thought, acted, and felt differently than Hitler and his henchmen.

Enough said.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Matt, Jacksonville nc — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:46:10 GMT

In the future, our presence in Iraq will be huge. This isn't going to be just one war in the middle east, It's going to be a series. People are treating this as one un-justifiable war, well, we're placing our chess pieces, because thats what nations have to do to survive. The world is smaller now, isolationism wont work, what else is there? Oh and yes, the United States' survival is threatened.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Bob Garrett, Carlsbad CA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:48:59 GMT

If the US wasn't in Iraq several hundred thousand innocent civilians wouldn't be getting killed and injured. Iraqi war refugees would not be fleeing Iraq by the hundreds of thousands, and Iraqi's infrastructure wouldn't be getting destroyed and millions of Iraqis wouldn't be destitute. This illegal war diverted and ruined our lawful and important mission in Afghanistan.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Don Hocker — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:54:34 GMT

Lets take a look at history and what it teaches us.
The moslems want everyone in the world to become one
of them. For over a thousand years this battle has
been going on. Until they decide that other religons
have a right to be left alone this war will go on.
therefore as long as we have the will to fight we
will remain free to live as we wish if not you had
better start learning the koran. I hope that (if there are moderates)that moslems can see that sending
kids out to blow themselves up or young adults doing
the same thing isn't the answer. We should never give into this and fight them at ever place that we can

Iraqis dying to tell the story

RICHARD TODD MORGAN CITY LA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 22:05:52 GMT

Have we forgot 911 lets do this and come home bring
our boys home and fight them in street we did not
start this fightGODBLESS BUSH for keeping it in iraq
AND NOT IN ARE BACK YARD

Iraqis dying to tell the story

tony porto chimacum wa — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 22:06:27 GMT

War
I have been there
it's of no good
every minute
wrong

Makes me none
what flag you wave,
or what foolishness
you pray,

We are creating hell
where heaven belongs

tony porto

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Jane M., Beaverton Oregon — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 22:32:42 GMT

Somthing that must be remembered is that the 9/11 attack was relitivly small in the scales of the world. 3,000 died in that attack. The casualty number from D-Day was over 8,000. Some say it was closer to 9,000. What made the attack on 9/11 so shocking for most americans was the fact that we were not activly involved in a war at the time. While reading this articles commentors I have seen comments that praised Bush for keeping our country safe and lambasting the journalists because, obviousely, if they weren't prepared to accept the risks they shouldn't have chosen that job. I oppose both viewpoints for a few simple reasons.
Firstly, Water bottles, outside food, shampoo bottles, fingernail clippers, larger-than-quart-sized-plastic-bags, and etc are no longer allowed on planes. I hereby ask anyone reading this to give me a reasonable argument as to why I was not allowed to have a pair of nail clippers when traveling with my preformance team to a compition. I ask you what sense does it make to prohibit toothpaste from my carry-on bag, when it doubles as my tolietry bag in a hotel? This sentance that I got directly from the TSA prohibited Items website also worries me,"To ensure everyone's security, a security officer may decide that an item that is not on this chart is potentially dangerous and may prevent you from taking it through the checkpoint." If these are the changes that Bush has made to protect our country, I am quite confused as to how these restrictions aid that endevour.
Secondly, the branches of the military now meet with several companies in a convention where the companies try to outdo eachother in the production of the latest of technological weapons systems to up the bidding. (While I know this is fact, anyone who would provide the name of this convention to me would be much obliged) I am curious as to when exactly the military and the art of blowing people up became a thriving market, where vendors hawk their wares at the top of their lungs.
The second issue I have with various viewpoints presented by earlier commentors is the belief that journalists should have chosen a different career path if they are not prepared to die. I ask this: When were prospective journalists warned,'if you do this job, you will likley die.' I don not believe they ever were. Yet they are humans intuitive enough to grasp that notion quite easily when car bombs are detonating outside their hotel. Yet they stay. I am not sure wheather this is bravery to be applauded, or a wish to be recognized for heroism. I do know that they provide a vital service. If there were no journalists, let us think for a moment what the general populace would know. We would know that "As we gather tonight, hundreds of thousands of American servicemen and women are deployed across the world in the war on terror. By bringing hope to the oppressed, and delivering justice to the violent, they are making America more secure. (Applause.)" As Bush said in his State of the Union address. We would not know that the death toll is mounting. We would not be aware the this 'War on Terror' has lasted longer than World War 2. We would not know of the 'Gated Communities" in Iraq and is tracking some of the residents of those area. (I got that infgormation direct from the Washington Post) In other terms, we NEED Journalists. We need people brave, or reackless, enough to tell the general populace what is going on. Why? Because according to the goverment, our military is spreading the light of civilazation throughout the war-ravenged land (guess who did most of the ravenging besides Saddam, and guess who set him up?)and all that matters is the purple thumb.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Janet P, St Louis MO — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 22:48:34 GMT

Sadaam was a monster but he had nothing to do with 9/11. He did not have weapons of mass destruction. He was not a partner of Osama, in fact they hated each other. If anybody disagrees with the 3 previous sentences please show me your proof. Osama & his band of psychos caused 9/11, nobody else, and yet a few months ago the Bush Administration shutdown the task force that was created to find Osama & his gang. While Americans & Iraqis are dying each day in Iraq, Osama sits in the relative safety of Pakestan, laughs at us, and is plotting & planning another really big, really nasty attack on American soil. Think nuclear suitcase bomb. If 12 million illegal aliens can get into & stay in this county, so can the terrorists. Maybe the reason there have been no new attacks in the US is because Osama doesn't want to dissipate his resources or manpower on small potatoe operations. Instead he is focusing everything on an attack that will create maximum casualties, destruction, & terror. Think about it.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Brad, Fall River, MA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 22:57:06 GMT

It is a no-brainer that our involvement in Iraq is making things worse, as it gives an excuse for extremists to commit violence. First you have to be defeated to know that the war’s over. How is Iraq like postwar Germany? The Germans knew they were defeated, but look what’s become of the so-called “dead-enders”? If it’s a real war we are in, the decision is not “what” to do next year (Washington style) but what to do in the next half hour. When the US finally steps back from the daily activity in Iraq, things won’t return to normal—that’s also obvious. But it will be like taking a planet out of the solar system and the whole alignment and order of things changes. Then “how to do” tomorrow will finally be a question for tomorrow. Even small changes that appear to be inconclusive at present can have huge effects down the line: this is plain old common sense. The people of Iraq will still disagree, but what people on earth do not? Have we forgotten how Americans impressed upon Americans during the American Revolution? Every time someone says “that’s just war” I think “…and what about history?” So there really is a nonpartisan reason why we are reluctant to leave Iraq and its not “to support the troops”, as politicians like to say, because that's really just an excuse. The reason is the same as why we invaded: in many ways, U.S. decision-making is hampered by an outdated constitutional system. To see this, it is important to understand the importance of “expected utility”: choosing to do something other than what you’re doing now in a lousy situation will open up options that you hadn’t thought of and won’t know until you change course. Republican democracy is one thing (and it's great), but it’s at RISK and too many of us deny this! A system of governance that cannot adjust to changing priorities (I don’t mean changing sentiments) even in near real-time is inviting tragedy. It’s the same reason we weren’t prepared for 9-11. We get Cheneys and Bushes because our system is BROKEN, not necessarily because they are lousy leaders. For FDR, the political expediencies and polite gerry-mandering of our system actually enabled the US role in WWII, but that was then and this is now. Times have really changed because the information age now demands operational agility. We still think that tactical proficiency matters most, but this is no longer true. The British system is much more responsive in making strategic decisions because "no confidence" is not scheduled for election day like in the US; instead, it happens earlier and more naturally. So on the supply side it's strategic responsiveness that matters in the information age. Agility and responsiveness cannot simply be preached as it has been in recent years; they have to be built into the DNA of your system that guides your operations, just like the brain guiding the body. For a nation, this analogous to our constitution and foreign policy, respectively. The long-term lesson of Iraq for America is to look again at our own constitutional system. Everyone knows that government is the result of the efforts of the many (think WWII), so let’s not kid ourselves: it must be more than just Bush and Cheney. As in all wars, each belligerent must learn from the other side, no matter how heinous one's enemy and how much we feel we’re in the right. (Clausewitz was a genius.) WE Americans need to show by our actions that we understand that good intentions don’t get you far in a world of progressive multinational institutions, breathtaking new technology, money that moves at the speed of light almost everywhere, and a global society that has very high expectations for every human alive. We won't admit it, but even a free government can become retrograde when it fails to keep pace with the times. We have real structural and legal types of problems, politics aside. A great irony is how and why Great Britain evolved into a progressive democratic nation and commonwealth. It is inevitable that the American constitution can, should, and must learn a lot from the present British system in the years ahead, and they from us. No sane person would disagree that we are a great and righteous nation. But, while our people are courageous in war, we display a dastard piety in an intellectual sense of things. I know this is harsh but it’s critically important to be consistent in facing the truth; that we are not, though better than most. The talk of transitioning from war to stability in Iraq went out the window—-at some point it became just war, but did we reflect on this mistake and act on that reflection efficiently? How is this at all like WWII? The sooner we admit to each other that we duped ourselves then the sooner we can start talking about whatever else the politicians won’t say to us in public. All politicians hide some things. How many great thinkers do we have to lean on to know that the psyche and the secular cannot be ignored? The US must figure out what works better (and what does not) in the UK's political system and reverse engineer it in the USA. Finally, this would develop a real "soft power" DNA for the USA in world affairs. We have to move from the dream-state to the reality-game.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

maureen Lett Whidbey Island Washington — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:19:40 GMT

A recent article quoted a Habathan official as saying:Japan and Germany required America to rebuild after their wars; Iraquis deserve the same. It may be an article of history that an Iraqui republic requires what we daily give. Or, if we leave without rebuilding, it may be condemned to what Cambodia,Laos and VietNam now experience. With parents, husband, cousins, brothers and friends paying their military dues, I feel I've earned my opinion.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Jack Houston, Richlalnd, WA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:19:45 GMT

I have been asking, even prior the invasion of Iraq, this question: How many barrels of oil is a dead G.I. worth? How many barrels of oil is a wounded G.I. worth? How many barrels of oil are dead and wounded civilians worth? No one has answered. This invasion was predimated on a quick conclusion, by Dummies no less, which any USA G. I. (I was one during WW2) would realize, if he has surived. The hold up now is trying to convince the Iraq Administration their oil should be allocated to members of the American Petroleum Institute (Exxon-Mobile, British Petroleum, Dutch Shell, Conoco-Phillips, Chevron-Texaco and others to get $3+ per gallon)and not be retained for the Iraq people. Should this take place, then you can be guranteed that tens of thousands of G.I.s will be required as a police force to protect the OIL BARONS for as long as you may live, and longer. The U.S has provided 30,000+ G.I.s to protect South Korea since Elisenhower was president. However, the G.I. police force in Iraq will be subject to attacks from all directions from day one as they are today. Where are all of those "PATROITS" who advocated we approve and finance the Iraq invasion. The U.S. spent $1,700,000,000+ during 2006 to bribe, entice and badger enough young enrolees {cannon fodder) to meet the Army's quota. And today they are behind their quota for 2007. The radio and t.v. radicals promoting this fiasco, sitting on their fat butts, and too dammed scared to enlist or volunter to serve at G.I. pay for for civilian jobs in Iraq. I don't know of even one who gave up their airconditioned cubicle to say "I'm here to serve this country" and did so.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Wayne, M'town TN — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:33:23 GMT

"To Lena Johnson - read more current news. The latest reports on terror state unequivocally that our invasion of Iraq has made the terror threat worse as more andmore splinter group are taking action and joining the militants in their hatred of the West."

Splinter groups" somehow "joining the militants".
Listen up, al-Qu'ida is composed of "splinter groups" their organization is "The Base" which exists to coordinate "splinter groups".

Anti Administration pundits went from "just a car fire, nothing to see here, move along now", to "eek al-Qu'ida under every bed, run away, run away".

The key is "anti-administration", to them only an interpretation which reflects badly on US efforts is printable.

Now that Pakistan is heating up, we'll begin to see at least token action against al-Qu'ida targets in waziristan. How that will go is anyone's guess, check out sattelite photos of the region and you'll get an idea of just why not even the Pakistani military has been able to operate effectively there.

Zawahiri has been the al-Qu'ida leadership for quite sometime, Bin Laden is at most a figurehead, and probably always has been under Zawahiri's influence.
Our major source of info on al-Qu'ida is intercepts of messages going into or out of Waziristan.
None of the terrorists in the field can depend on the top ranks for actual operational command, each "splinter group" operates independently with minimal financial aid from a few more afluent groups.

No Terrorist attack on the US has gotten further than the planning stage, and the recent attempts in Britain show a remarkable falling off in quality of training and ability to obtain materials in more civilized countries.
Had Iraq not been a dumping ground for Russian and French ordnance for decades the suicide and truck bombers, not to mention IED makers, would not have had much to work with.

The threat of course is far from over, no time to hit the snooze alarm. Our law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant, and citizens must be willing to report unusual behavior around Dams, Airports, Liquid Petroleum Gas facilities, etc.
In several respects law enforcement has an advantage in that the illegal drug trade has already made suppliers of Chemicals wary of unusual orders and rapid checks on buyers is possible.
American criminals are also much more likely to turn in anyone trying to obtain certain items from the underworld, reward monies and immunity for past crimes are strong incentives.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Bambie, Hnl, HI — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:36:08 GMT

My condolonce to these brave journalists' families. I do agree with Fred, some of Khalid and Namir's photographs should be shown on American TV. Hopefully they will help the audience to be unbiased and gain more wisdom regarding the war.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

FRANK ROZA. TRENTON,NJ. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:18:48 GMT

TO ME PRESIDENT BUSH WILL BE REMEMBERED IN HISTORY AS
A GREAT MAN OF VISION WHO SAVED THIS WONDERFUL COUNTRY AND NATION FROM MULTIPLE ATTACKS LIKE TERRORISTS DID IN 9/11.LOTS OF AMERICANS MISUNDERSTOOD THIS GREAT LEADER.YOU PEOPLE DONOT UNDERSTANd THE MIDDLE EAST SENTIMENT.THEY ARE FIGHTING SINCE BIBLICAL ERRA."THEY WILL NEVER STOP BUT PERISH FIGHTING THEMSELVES".HAD PRESEDENT BEEN LENIENT YOU AMERICAN GUYS WOULD HAVE OCCUPIED BY THOSE TERRORIST.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Ottawa, ON — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:21:14 GMT

I personally see the world as a place where %99.9 of the people are cowards and lazy until forced to take action on any event - then only some step up to the plate while the rest mouth off and give lip service.

The wealthy who give money to these crazy wars are too evil in any sense to even care to stop supporting whoever is fighting -- and could care less about those who die. For them it's just another Bonanza episode and a Great Day at the Bank.

For those who are brave enough to fight the war or report on it -- they don't even realise they are fighting and reporting on a living part of humanity that will never go away.

Then you have the opportunist such as magazines, televsion stations and other forms of media -- it's more bang for the buck having action packed headlines going on everyday to sell their products.

Humanity is really a sick animal. It will surely be a thousand years before we are bright enough to actually deserve being able to leave the trees.

The beings who left us here to our own demise on this 3rd Rock from the Sun -- are the ones who truly benefit from the show we put on.

Will it ever stop? I don't think so. Not as long as there is even one human on the rock. That's just the nature of the theatre and we've been designed to be the actors. We're not smart enough to stop the killing and have world peace nor solve global warming issues.

Ph.d's with all there piled higher and deeper thought processes are no better than the idiots who have no thought processes. Neither solve any problems of the world and I suppose never will and from the masses will always come chaos.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

PanchoVilla, Houston — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:30:31 GMT

I agree with the president that leaving Iraq without securing the country would be a horrible mistake. The worse mistake, however, was invading that country. George Bush Father could have done the same, and it would have been justify at the time. But he knew better, he was smatter. As the saying goes "the devil knows better for being old than for being devil".If Children could listen to their parents!!!. No matter which side of the issue we are, we have to admit that we are deeply divided. Perhaps, if all the political leaders (Republicans and Democrats) who led us into this conflict were honest enough to admit publicly that they are responsible for the situacion, then the healing process might start, and together we could find a viable solution to this mess.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

scott miller albert lea mn — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:33:08 GMT

Dan Jones before you impeach Bush ! look real hard in the mirror if more people seen the facts of war maybe the military could fight to win rather then worrying about what Pelosi and kennedy are going to say, maybe if are government had a real backbone we would win this war over these cowards , maybe just maybe if the military was able to fight wars without newspapers less people would die!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Irvine, california — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:43:10 GMT

Hmmm, not even sure where to start, It seems to me we have radicals ruling the roost in these coutries which brings to mind Germany in WW2 where all the normal sane people kept quiet because the racist radicals were in control of the arms?
It appears to be happening again in this part of the world except they dont have the industrial might....good thing...thus why the Iranians are developing a bomb its all they got!
Killing them there instead of here is a great idea except we are killing people who are defending there country and honor as they see it....If Mexico invaded San Diego to protect the people of San Diego from the mayor of LA I asure you San Diego would be one hell of a battle ground.
Why are the local moslum countries not helping in Iraq???
Its horrible but one quik answer, 1-2 year fix, nuke Iran in-direct, settle Iraq and let the chips fall...sounds crazy but look deep into root cuase and it does make sence and might be coming soon to a theater near you.

Cheers

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Rob, Milwaukee, WI — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:51:27 GMT

Neocon fear mongering to justify "benevolent" violence. Are you shocked and awed yet?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Brandon, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:51:51 GMT

Read with dramatization: The U.S. is horrible. Bush is the devil. Bush and his cronies have killed thousands of people. Such negativity from people not fighting in the war is pathetic. Our military fighting abroad made the decision to fight for the U.S There would be no United States of America without the Revolutionary War, there would be no freedom of slaves without the Civil War. God Bless America. God Bless America for taking Hussein out of power. He was a horrible man killing thousands of people while us Americans sat back living our peaceful little lives. How pathetic was that?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Charles, London — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:57:35 GMT

Agreed. Suddam was a cruel animal of a human being. Iraqis feared for their lives before, when Saddam was in power particularly the Kurds in the north. To all critics of the Iraq invasion: if you were a Kurd in Iraq living with the fear of chemical gases being dropped from airplanes to wipe out your village I'm sure you would be very thankful that the U.S. toppled Suddam.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

MEL STURG — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:03:07 GMT

WHO SAID "no way out" that's this war. Yes war is hell,Our country says war we must now fight before its HERE,IN OUR HOMELAND.... Theres no way out, "SAD TO SAY TO MANY FINE great human beings WE LOSE-IN ORDER THAT YOU AND ME CAN BE FREE.... MY DREAM'S IN A BETTER WORLD..LET'S stand united NOT GIVING IN TO WORLDWIDE ABUSE, LETS MAKE, A BETTER WORLD RIGHT NOW STARTING WItH YOU AND ME.lets unite in worldwide peace. I pray for this war to be over, this war shall be over only when our leaders say its time,ITS OVER... TRUST, our leadership. Time, to back up our fellow human beings that are helping buildig a better stronger world."Lets," unite, stand together keep faith in our leaders say its time to come home.Lets be strong and listen to our wise leadership. Thank god, for all the brave ONES who helped to make a better world for you and me, my heart goes out for them. LET'S unite our country AND NOT ONLY KEEP AMERICA STRONG BUT WORLD WIDE FREEDOM FOR OUR FELLOWSHIP OF MANKIND, lET'S KEEP, faith and trust in god... lETS, have faith knowing our leaders are working for our best good.THERE doing there VERY best for worldwide welfare, now IS the time to STAND STRONG UNITED LETS,STAND AND cheer AND BE THANK FULL FOR OUR FREEDOM, those that are brave who are GIVING there, " all in all", GIVING THERE VERY BEST,"lETS SAY A PRAYER" OF THANKS GIVING, for YOU and ME ...

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Ron Roberts Huntington Beach, CA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:05:46 GMT

Something that has been hushed but should be more well known is that one of the things that most angered Osama Bin Laden against the U.S. was that he wanted to remove Sadam Hussain from Quwait. Osama didn't think we had any business being there. He and his troops did one heck of good job fighting the Russians and i'm sure they could have handled Sadam as well. Osama wanted Sadam out of power. We have no business being over there.

When did this world ask us to be the police force?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Moruf Ola Oseni — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:06:41 GMT

If some people could debase the whole meaning of thier own existence and humanity by blowing up a themselves for whatever cause it may be, then, does it not stand to reason that President Bush withraws the US Troops from the line of fire? Anyone who could blow up himself has no regard for the life of others.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Dan, Sheridan, OR — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:08:19 GMT

This is the most depressing time in my life. America that I knew really doesn't exist anymore. I can't believe that the American people elected this ruffian, this deceitful man. We have a president who started this war, made himself Commander in Chief, and then made himself a dictator in the process. The Constitution is being shredded faster than water goes through Mr. Hoover's dam.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Roberts, Ron H.B. Calif. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:15:45 GMT

How about we prove that democracy is real and let the Iraqis have a vote to decide whether our troops stay or go. If the people ask us to stay then i'm sure we would all suport that. If they tell us to go then it is on them and we are less responsible for the outcome. We might even convert a few of those insurgents to democracy. We can show them a better way than car bombs to get what you want.
Let the majority rule.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

C. Cardwell, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:20:44 GMT

Our news corporations are owned by the same wealthy people who own the weapons manufactured to be sold to the US govt. in this war about profiteering. Perhaps poeple like Michael Moore will help to wake up the general populace with his documentaries-but until that happens, the homeless in America will remain so, the poor will remain poor and uneducated and therefore apathetic, and the big-boy banditos who run this once -great democracy will continue to wage war and look good on Wall St. while the housing markert crumbles, people lose their homes while their sons and daughters die on the streets of Iraq.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Ralph Martinez, Tampa, Fl — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:38:49 GMT

Those of us who openly oppose the president of the United States do so without peril to ourselves but there was peril, our right to criticize was bought at the peril of our forefathers. May the future of the middle east be so blessed in the centuries to come. May it be said that humanity cared enough to put itself in peril for them. Is peril sometimes noble? Did any good come from the peril of a child born in Bethleham?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

stanley mitchell — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:45:17 GMT

were at the end of time. the world has gone crazy, lets face it terror is everywhere.not just in iraq,but everywhere in politics its profound,people
don't know what to beleave anymore.its confusing god bless the world not just america.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Patsy Canada — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:46:29 GMT

America & Canada will NEVER be put down. Our nations will implode. Wake up people. Just think of the whole world and see the trouble that is world wide. Now imagine that one day in the not too distant future we will be obeying Islamic Law. Forget ever worshiping
in your own church again. Or maybe you don't believe there is a GOD. We are such fools. Freedom is WORTH
FIGHTING FOR AND DIEING FOR. Those who are believers we don't know what tomorrow holds, BUT we do know who holds tomorrow. Judgment Day is coming. Are you ready
We ain't seen nothin yet Heaven or Hell

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Chuck Stockton MN — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:47:21 GMT

Even if I can not stand the French now Thankfully they helped us win our freedom years ago from a king who only wanted us under thumb as servants. Are we going to abandon the Iradie people and and turn tale and run or are we going to try and help them become a free nation????

Iraqis dying to tell the story

G Crowder — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:05:52 GMT

Allah Akbar, Americans lay down your weapons and submit to the will of Allah! You will convert to the
ways of Islam or see your cities incinerated in a
cloud of everlasting fire! Your proud women shall cover their faces and never be seen away from the home without their husband! The evil ways of freedom shall be replaced by the one true freedom of Allah! Allah Akbar!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Robert Chatfield — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:07:54 GMT

I must say The American people are very impatinent people. Presedent Bush made it very clear from the start of this war that is was not something that was going to be easy. We need to support our troops and show unity. Freedom is not with out a price. Wake up people. I feel for all the Loss of life be it American or Iraqis. And Be it Republican, or Demecract, Our leaders should be looking for a way to make this war a win not a political way to win a vote stop fighting in the Halls of our Goverment and work together

Iraqis dying to tell the story

David McConnell, McCook, Nebraska — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:12:51 GMT

As much as I believe in freedom of speech, I also believe in freedom from ignorance. I've been to Iraq twice. Those of you who think you know the truth and have never been there, need to shut up. Those who have never met an Iraqi need to shut up. Basing your opinions on what you see on the news is pure stupidity. Volunteer to help the Iraqi people or sit quietly on the sidelines.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Wayne, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:13:32 GMT

Okay, all you idiots that don't think we should be over there fighting terrorist cowards. You do not realize what is at stake here. Saddam wanted to develop and use a nuclear bomb. Yes, Saddam was a terrorist, just ask someone hit in Israel by a Scud missle during the first war with Iraq. Or just ask a Kurd in northern Iraq.
Lets just allow Iran develop a nuclear bomb by their madman president and use it. That alone will kill and lead to many thousands more deaths than those killed to date in Iraq and Afghanistan. Then, lets just let Al Quida, the Taliban, and all the other Islamic extremists take over the Middle East, along with all that oil. When the oil is then cut off, millions will DIE of starvation. The world is too dependent on oil. Think about it for a minute. Everyone of those Islamic extremists must be hunted down and killed worldwide. Just like a cockroach.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

David, Georgia — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:25:16 GMT

The main problem with the war in Iraq and anywhere else in the media age is the American public. Germany didn't attack America in either war but we sent troops in to defeat them. The vast majority of the American public doesn't have the guts to fight a war which is why it is so much easier to throw around opinions instead of fighting in the military for the very rights they use to attack the government and military men and women. Radical Islam groups have attacked us more than once but nobody wants to try to stop the root of the problem? Who is to say WMD's weren't found? Just because it wasn't on the front of the newspaper are we to believe they weren't moved across the border? You also have to remember that the public only knows what the military and government WANTS us to know. Not to mention the fact that for the most part the media is so far to the left you wouldn't read a postitive story about ANYTHING unless you hear it straight from someone that has been in the situation. It's sad that the men and women would are actually fighting are saying they belive in the mission and want to stay and finish the job but you sure won't read about that anywhere. Here is an idea, sit back and enjoy your peaceful life and let the military do their job.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

JW, Columbus, Ohio — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:38:36 GMT

W had two goals going into office. Both had to do with clearing his father's name. Lower taxes (even though his plan favored the top 1% of wage earners) and remove Saddam from power. Both of these points were failures of his father's administration. Unfortunately W never thought about an Iraq without Saddam. He was, unfortunately, short-sighted with regards to how a vacuum in the Middle East would create a power play across the reagion. Hussein kept the varying sects in line. Without his strong (and unjust) tactics, the country would have fallen into civil war long ago. How I wish he was still in power. Remember too that America previously supplied Saddam with many of the arms that are now being used to kill American's. He used to be our friend. The US actually helped put him in power. How much easier it would have been for one of our presidents to pick up the phone and discuss the problems directly with Saddam. The US also supplied Afganistan with weapons to battle the Soviet Union. I'm betting the Russians are supplying some arms now to both Afganistan and Iraqi's and laughing at the foolish U.S. We are getting what we gave as far as the Russians are concerned. And all these games keep the corporations in business and lots of people employed, making bullets and bombs and tanks and planes and army food and uniforms and bandages and sutures etc. etc. etc. Lots and lots of people are employed because of the war. War may not be the answer but it makes good business sense. Americans complained that Bill Clinton never served in the armed forces. But they ignored the fact that Daddy Bush made a phone call and got his precious W moved to the National Guard where he conveniently avoided all active combat duty. At least John Kerry served his time in Vietnam. They are all a pack of liars and we eat up our time arguing about who is better, liberals or conservatives. They are two sides of the same coin.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

C. Reed, Taylor, TX — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:41:55 GMT

All should be exceptionally careful not to confuse terms. Photographers and record "fact" which is a componant of truth but not the entireity of truth. Snapping a photo of a body, a wounded person (soldier or civilian; elder or child) a bomb ravaged building, or a homeless pet merely says "this happened" and doesnt attempt to sensationalize the how and why of it all...that task we leave to the "journalists" who weave the photos into their stories and, in the words of Citizen Kane, tell us what to think of the photos. So whether the photogorapher is there to do their part to record history for posterity, or if they are there in an attempt to snap a photo-of-the week and collect a publishers bounty. We as consumers should be careful as to just how much pitty or rage we invest in the story being told. Casualties are unfortunate but ineveitable aspects of war....that's what makes war worth avoiding if possible.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

M P Lim, Malaysia — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:44:20 GMT

There are people who DETERMINED to LIVE EACH OTHER DAY in Iraq as compared with those who foolishly THROWING their own life away as sucide boombers.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Brian Donnelly — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:45:36 GMT

It's hard to believe there are those among us that hate the very soil they live and breath on, raise their children, go to work, pay bills and vacation to Disneyland, all the while our brave young men and women are fighting for a nation to free themselves from a proxy war. When Saddam left a vacuum was created and now were fighting not only Al Qaeda, but also Iran who sees an opportunity. Emboldened by our liberal media who continues to casts stones at the President, our country and presumes this is a war not liberation. Take a moment and read some of these terrorists decree. Do you not remember the beheadings in real time brought to you by the internet? A man's head was sliced, chopped and sawed through to deliver a message to you. Submit to Allah or die. They've been teaching that for over 40 years and its not going to change over night. You call Bush "power hungry." You think a religious fanatical cleric cares anything about you. Toleration is at gun point or a knife! American's never thought of submitting to the will of tyrant's, but the call of freedom by which this country was founded is drenched in blood of our own kinsmen. We were closer than you think of losing WWII, No media there! And when Japan sent 30K bomb laden balloons across the pacific they gave it up because they thought it failed ... funny the media didn't report it, had they known it killed several families maybe they would have continued it instilling the fear they banked on? Now we're fighting among ourselves our ideologies, blaming each other, for our right to disagree.
Right or wrong, Iran and the religious fanatics won't stop on the boarders of Iraq ... Maybe you need a suicide bomber with a dirty bomb at a 7/11 to have this really sink in?
America this is for all the marbles!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

JW, Columbus Ohio — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:48:27 GMT

I love America. But I'm an Earthling first and an American second. We all need to think globally. If chritianity says God created all of us than we need to think and act as if God created all of us. America is blessed with much wealth. We need to help the less fortunate countries of the world. We will gain more respect providing other countries with food, education, opportunity than all the bullets ever made. Bullets sometimes are necessary. Some people, no matter what you do, will hate you. So American has to maintain a position of strength. But benevolence goes a long long way. Our aid to the tsunami victims and their new respect for America is a prime example of that.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Someone who actually paid attention in world history class — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:53:36 GMT

After Mogadishu, and U.S. withdrawal from Somalia, America showed itself to be a paper tiger and a weak horse ", and then "U.S. withdrawal proved they have no stomach for war, which encouraged me to carry on with..." Osama bin Laden. He studied the U.S. and knows that we are weak as a country, hence our impending withdrawal from Iraq. I guess the rest of the world is right when they talk about our terrible education system since most Americans have no clue about world history including their own place in it. Compared to World War I and World War II, Iraq is just a minor skirmish. Carpet bombing cities, anyone?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Gideon Salt Lake City — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:24:05 GMT

I have a life long friend who flies in the 101st Airborne who has done 2 tours in Iraq and 1 in Afganistan. One day he told me he was going back after he recovered from wounds sustained in combat against the "insurgents". I summoned enough courage to ask him why? Why go? As he can be discharged for the wounds he suffered. Why go back? Why on gods green earth go back?

He went silent I then him if he was upset he was going back and after a LONG pause he said this to me:

I love my fellow man, I love my country and I love my fellow soldiers and will give my life for them, I want to give them the opportunity to be free, even if its for a moment.... and I have suffered to prevent these evil men, and would do it all over,... from depriving another of their life, their liberty and their freedoms.

I will remember this soldiers words until I die. Amazing that we have men and women willing to do this for another human being. It really shed light on the "insurgents" as they fight to enslave, murder and conquer their people. Thank god we have men and women willing to sacrafice all to fight this mentality and way of life. I am no longer willing to question our motives for this war or why we went, that debate is over and done, we now are there. All I know is this humble soldier and his inspired answer for life and for the god given right of man to be free.

For the journalists that have died, it is sorrowful indeed, but they died doing what they WANTED and not what the state, the dictator, the insurgents or anyone else forced them to do. They did not die in vain...they died FREE.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Tom L. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:26:21 GMT

Reading remarks on this site makes me feel ashamed for what a lot of America has become. There's no denying that mistakes have been made by our government but we are not to blame for the turmoil that exists in this world. Mistakes are made in war, always have been, always will be. Alot of the inputs above are a utopian view that all war is bad, these people are wrong. No sane individual wants war but people who have been faced with it know that there is both good and evil in this world and probably always will be, so yes, some wars are necessary when evil exists that can't be negotiated with. No one seems to want to recall the atrocities performed by Imperial Japan (Rape of Nanaking) or Nazi Germany (the Holocaust), how we went to war, how these nations now enjoy strong economies and a high quality of life, and how we are still in these countries as allies. A lot of people said that Germany did not pose a threat to the U.S. as they now are saying Iraq did not pose a threat. Of course we didn't go to war until we were attacked and many of us died. Which somehow gave us the clarity to see there is evil in this world and the will to stay the course even when it looked darkest. Islamic fundamentalism, in a broad sense is not much different from Japan's imperialist views and Germany's aryan race. They are all societies that view everyone else as subhuman. A lot of people try to disassociate Iraq from the war on terror. Having worked and lived in the Middle East, I don't know of a better solution to a regional society that teaches their 6 year old's to hate and to kill that what we're trying to do in Iraq. Human nature, the element that turns a civil libertarian who opposes captial punishment into a devout capital punishment supporter when something horrible and evil occurs to a member of their family, unfortunately that is probably what it's going to take to give American's the will necessary to do what's needed.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

MS, USA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:33:26 GMT

I applaud all journalists outside the "safe zones" who put their lives at risk in so many ways. Iraqis doing war-reporting that must upset some factions...and then live in those same communities...put themselves at risk to be assassinated. Let's not kid ourselves, that appears to have happened to Khalid Hassan case. As for Namir Nour al-Deen death, it's just a testament to fact that US bombs can take out a target but can't discriminate between "good" and "bad" Iraqis.

Deaths under Saddam vs US regime:
Saddam 20 yr regime-estimated 250,000-290,000
Bush 4-yr* regime: up to an estimated 601,027+, depending on who's spinning the data

*actually not quite four yrs...dates from Mar 20, 2003 through Oct 11, 2006.

As for the war itself:
We could pull out of Iraq in 10 days, 10 months or 10 yrs. Whenever we do, fighting will escalate the Shiites and Sunnis in Iraq. This is a religious civil war and we're either naive, ignorant, arrogant, and/or plain crazy if we think the longer we stay, the better things will be when we leave.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Patrick, WI — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:48:26 GMT

Please, if you support Bush and the U.S. invasion of Iraq, stop associating the invasion with terrorist threat and Al Qaida.

Iraq was not a threat, and Al Qaida was not working with Sadam.

It is important to stop defending this war with intellectual dishonesty.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Roy in Tulsa — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:52:56 GMT

After reading these blogs I have to pass this on.
The Recipe For Perpetual Ignorance Is To Be Satisfied
With Your Opions And Content With Your Knowledge.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Y.A. Mia, FL — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 04:06:42 GMT

I have been reading these post and CAN'T understand how so many can say Our troops (fathers & mothers, sisters, brothers,aunts, uncles) should stay in Iraq. Many say it's so we can be done with terrorism once and for all. Who are we kidding! We will never be able to find every terrorist. We can't even stop them from coming into our country (USA). Yet we are going to go into there back yard and pluck them all out one by one. The man resposible for 9/11 is still out there planning and plotting. Our troops are coming back damaged, broken both mentally and physically if they make it home at all. Some come back so twisted they are scared of thier own families and friends. Where is there justice? Who will protect and comfort thier children? Explain to a child daddy will never be coming home because he died fighting for something that will never come to pass. A WORLD FREE OF TERRORIST. Who are we kidding

Iraqis dying to tell the story

j. clayton — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 04:08:47 GMT

this war is only the beginning. read your bible-the worst is yet to come. freedom isn't free-ours or iraq's. freedom is won through bloodshed-the first being Jesus to give us our freedom. this war is not George Bush's fault-it doesn't matter who was in office at the time-there was no other choice than to stand up to the terrorists. George Bush doesn't make decisions on his own but he gets all the blame just as any president would in that situation. if you want to do something for this country try getting on your knees and praying for it's leaders to make the right decisions and for our soldiers that are putting themselves in harm's way for you and your family and quit ripping our country apart for doing it's job. I'm sure if you don't like it here there are plenty of other proud americans that would gladly pay for your ticket to let's say iraq or iran and see what you think of your leaders then. Wake up people-we are in the last days!!!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

73 yr old veteran from Oklahoma — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 04:15:11 GMT

I think they should bring back the draft so the majority of you bloggers would have to serve your country as so many of us have. Perhaps you would know what "Remember Pearl Harbor" realy means. It didn't mean jump on that luxury cruise ship and head out for a fun vacation.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Willis Seyfried — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 04:18:06 GMT

I believed that going to Iraq was a mistake. What happened to the story about the Al Qeda camp wiped out by airstrikes in the first days of the war? What ever the justification for the war is, doesn't matter, now. What the liberal press and politicians don't understand, is that you fight evil at every opportunity.

I firmly believe that there are over 300 congressmen and senators along with countless network execs, who should be tried for treason and the deaths of the US soldiers. Some of these politicians and network execs have given aid to the enemy by giving the insurgency hope that the American people are weak and brain dead.

I hope that the Americans can get their heads out of the sand and fire most of the political gain-sayers of both main parties and stand for truth and freedom, which by the way, isn't free. American men and women, and innocent Iraqis are dying for freedom. Can we afford not to support them in this cause?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Dave Shields, Twisp Washington — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 04:47:48 GMT

Is the public so nieve that they think the Military and our leaders give full disclosure on reasons and strategy ?
I am sure there are many reasons for our Troops being there that cant be shared with our spoiled public.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Craig, Austin Texas (retired and still serving) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:20:05 GMT

1. Jouralists pick their profession. 2. War is dangerous. The baser human values practised and acted out in Iraq by "whoever" reflect the tragety that is Iraq. Anyone there (Iraq) can be caught in the middle of any number of tragic scenerios. That the reporter is covering violent (combat) events and happens to be where an attacker strikes as he is covering is a risk he took (choice/profession). That his coverage of past events places him or his family at increased risk is also an assumed risk in the country of Iraq (esspecially if that coverage is contributed to a western news agency).
Get your head on straight people and get it on quickly. 1-800-snivel will get you no where when it comes to idiological fanatics that use acts of violence against innocent people(whether journalist or non combatant).
Bush this and Bush that. At least the man is taking a stand which is more than any pasifast european nation has done with the exeception of NATO in the stans.
Lets see (after 5 years) what happens in Dafur with the European force......

Iraqis dying to tell the story

jan, new orleans, la — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:29:36 GMT

the sadest part for all these reporters, is how cheap their lives can become, once they are silenced in the main stream media, by not showing the real side of the story they captured. because an editor may himself not like the story, or its not the views of a particular news media. i thank these people for their unselfish will to let the story come out

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Paul, Long Beach, Calfornia — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:41:15 GMT

It comes down to us, the American people. We are scared due to 9/11 and the fear that we can be attacked again, so some people will support the Iraq war on the theory that "the best defense is a good offense."
One of the bloggers said, "I cannot imagine what goes on in the mind of these suicide bombers."
Folks, what we have is a failure of the imagination on the part of the American people: How would you feel if tanks and jeeps of the Brazilian(or any other) army were racing down the streets of my town, blocking traffic, unable to speak my language, setting up roadblocks and manning checkpoints, and yelling and screaming at the citizens of my town? I would be pissed, and you would be too. You would not be looking at them as liberators; you would be saying, "What are these foreigners who don't speak my language doing in MY country?" THE UNITED STATES IS AN OCCUPYING FORCE at this point in Iraq.
Our troops are stuck between opposing sides of a civil war (Sunnis really look down on Shiites, calling them Kaffirs, infidels; and Shiites badly want payback for the Saddam era) Two million Iraqis have fled to Syria and Iran, and foreign, non-Iraqi Arabs are constantly being arrested in Iraq. Our presence in Iraq is a recruitment poster for al-Qaida; come to Iraq and fight the Americans and undermine the Christians, "the Crusaders." This is what a suicide bomber is thinking.
These people are crazy-desperate(there is no word to describe their mindset in English). Anyone Sunni who feels the need to die by running a car filled with explosives into a crowd of thousands of Shiites, killing 200 of them in the process, and oneself, is empty on the inside.
The Muslim clerics who filled them with the idea that their martyrdom (and the murder of hundreds of infidels) would ensure them a spot in heaven are an accursed people. A people we purchase oil from, a nation named Saudi Arabia, funds this ilk of preacher-man, with its Wahhabi, fundamentalist Islam.
A lot of people blame the Bush Administration for the fiasco over there. I do not.
They have a clear agenda: Iraq has 10% of the world's oil reserves, and by taking out Saddam and installing an obedient regime, a "democracy," that oil is OURS. Given the origins of the members of the Administration, it is not hard to see what is going on. GO SNIFF THE MONEY TRAIL.
Who is to blame? We are. American citizens voted for him in 2000, and in 2004. He was put in there by US!!! Many of us were duped by the Weapons of Mass Destruction nonsense peddled in 2002. We(or at least some of us, you know who)saw through this nonsense early on; others saw through things later. There is an active, aggressive attempt being made to deceive the American people by elected officials who live off salaries paid by our taxes. Are people angry about this? NO.
There are few demonstrations protesting the war, no tax rebellion, no non-violent resistance meant to shut down the ability of the US government to conduct the conflict. If four million people marched through Washington D.C. protesting the war, the troops would be home in three months. But this has not happened. You decide why.
I urge all reading this blog to watch non-American news channels for news: the BBC. Our press has failed, to give good analysis, to put a human face on the tragedy of Iraq. A time has come to do deep thinking about America's place in the world: when do we use our armed forces, how many countries do we keep bases in, how much of our budget should go to the military. Until that deep thinking is done, America will find itself in a new "Vietnam War," "Iraq War," "Fill in the country War" every thirty years.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Citizen — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:49:04 GMT

Failures are painful. Our political leadership has evolved to dissapointing. And the heroic nation of WW2 has vanished. We have had a jihad declared against us and we don't even really know why. We know the daily life in this war zone is as ugly and evil as it gets. If we read some history or watch the history channel for that matter, it can be seen that Jihads have been issued from that area of the world for thousands of years. The before that all the way back to Babylon the region has been embroiled in one war or conquest through Alexander, Rome, and Medieval Europe's Crusades and several islamic generals of note. We can't win no one can. It is a lose lose proposition. They can't really win either because when the non Islamic are not a present target then the shiit and Sunni wars begin. It is a region of discontent. But lets be honest. Can we really turn our back on the region and be insulated from the mess? 9/11 says no. What America most needs in large numbers it only has in small numbers. Heroes. It hurts, it makes widows and orphans it means horrible devistation to people, but what else can we really do? A heroic people who ration thier gas give to the war effort and stand blocks in line to go do that which we most hate to do in our lives with our standard of living, give our lives if need be to say . "wrong target Osama, wrong nation to declare a Jihad against". Our national anguish over war shows that we are at heart a peace loving people. It is this anguish that makes us look and sound wishy washy to the world on this subject. But you see to us this is the way we have to do it because we do love the democratic process. We do get it though, trust me. We know we are at war, we cry for all the losses, we hate that we are there and we wish gods speed for the men and women who are in the theaters of operation. One last thought, This is no worse nor no more determined an enemy then we faced in WW2. The only question is can we be the same determined country as a people that had to fight WW2 after WW1?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Lauren D, Los Angeles/ San Francisco, CA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 06:04:46 GMT

Let's make one thing clear- Bush initially named this war Operation Iraqi Liberation with the acronym OIL! Listen America, Iraq is not the country that bred the Sept 11 terrorists, hence the reason we are in Iraq is actually for self incentives (i.e. oil). Saudi Arabia is actually the country of origin for the 9/11 terrorists, but even that doesn't give Pres. Bush the right to declare this ignorant war.

Iraq has become a scapegoat for the 9/11 attacks.

Millions of innocent civilians, including the true heroes reporting to us from this highly dangerous area, are profiting our incompetent President's oil business.

Please understand... we are America- a country who fought so hard for equality and freedom for all, so why do we feel the need to take that away from Iraq?

God bless the reporters, their families, and all the others who have sacrificed their lives to report to America the actual facts. I promise you one thing, these reporters did not die in vain, they are heroes and should be widely recognized as that. Imagine if your mother, father, sister, husband, wife or close family/friend was brutally murdered while they were trying to get the actual story of all the injusticies occuring in Iraq? It puts the entire war and its serious effects in perspective when you imagine one of the innocent victims being close to you. Please keep in mind when considering the full ramifications of this war.

Again, God bless these reporters and all the other heros.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Daniel & Denise Roman, Orlando, Florida — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 06:25:58 GMT

HI, CAN WE PLEASE JUST FOCUS ON FACTS! Poison Ivy Bush invaded Iraq erroneously! His Alter Ego assisted Well.
You might think of it as, his Dark Side.. (his Shadow)
Regardless! As President he's Totally Responsible! and Accountable! But, he and his lawyers keep Manipulating
Justice, Our Constitution and more Sadly.. the People!
I believe a Majority reading this Agrees.. Completely!
I'll End by suggesting you ask Yourself this Question.
Had Bush NOT invaded Iraq, would approximately 150,000
Servicemen-Women along with their families, be Praying
in Hope they will be Alive and Well and Together again
come this ThanksGiving, Christmas and New Year. Peace!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Bob K. Longview, Wa. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 06:26:00 GMT

Its a damn shame; we free these people from the horrors of Saddam, Ooday and Kousay[sp], and all these Muslim fanatics can think about is killing each other off in the name of allah, and regard us as the enemy. Islam and democracy DONT MIX!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 06:48:25 GMT

"I am simply amazed that most people somehow blame the U.S. for all the iraqi deaths!! Who is purposely killing innocent iraqi civilians? evil george bush? no... rather it is the islamists. yet somehow you people choose to blame those who would free people from such tyranny for the horrible deaths that the islamists cause. when you anti war people wake up and join the world of clear thinking adults we will welcome you with open arms... till then go back to your starbucks."

the question is - who unleashed the violence.

bush.

that's it.. end of story - there was no need to invade Iraq and now it's hell there.. but I guess 2 + 2 = 5 to people like you.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Daniel & Denise Roman, Orlando, Florida — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 06:54:40 GMT

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (Holy Bible, KJV, 2 Chronicles, chap 7:14)

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Laura — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:11:28 GMT

I've read all the submissions and everyone has a well considered opinion. I sure wish someone just had the truth. All the real facts. The whole picture. Now my considered opinion is that none of us have enough of the truth to really know what is going on, who is doing it, or even the real reasons why for just about everything. I believe the side we stand on depends on the propaganda we have exposed ourselves to because we have no other choices. Pictures, no matter what you think of those that take them, show a small bit of raw reality. Like the joy in a young man's face as he burns a car that represents the death of the USA. A snapshot of reality. To see a hate so complete the very idea of our destruction created pure joy. Why? We need to forget politics and fearlessly evaluate the small bits of reality those photographers left for us and then maybe ask some well considered questions.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

jhesson — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:05:40 GMT

kinda strange the way that the content of the posted comments are arranged.most people read only a small portion of postings, my god don't the media ever quit slanting?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Charles F., Fancy Gap, VA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:21:51 GMT

I agree strongly with Okham's remarks above (July 16, 2:30 pm). I would add this thought: Under Saddam, deaths of innocents at the hands of the greedy and powerhungry went unreported. Estimates range from 300,000 into the millions (when you add the soldiers on both sides in Saddam's battles of conquest.) How do we account for those deaths? How do we restore hope to their familes... IF we don't defend innocents now? These reporters, to the degree they inform us of reality and not manipulate us, are freedom fighters worthy of our defense.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Don Steffen, San Diego CA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:23:40 GMT

For all you "I hate America, I hate Bush, I hate War" writers, don't forget whose blood was spilled in order for you to be able to spew your nonsense on these pages! It may even have been some of your own relatives. Granted, Bush and the administration miscalculated, thought that Iraq could live in a Democratic society, that it's citizens could enjoy freedoms like our own. That was naive. They can't adapt and won't accept that type of lifestyle because the various factions care only about themselves. It will take another "heavy handed" leader like Saddam to re-establish the rule of law in that country! If the U.S. pulls out now, extremists will take over and obliterate the existing government. Iran will move in and establish regional dominance unless Saudi Arabia steps in to prevent it. I don't think the Saudis are even capable of stopping Iran. Until the Iraqi people decide for themselves that "enough is enough" and start pulling together as a country, they are doomed. Time is running out and they better decide quick, before the U.S. is no longer there to help!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Beverly B., Henderson, KY USA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:30:29 GMT

I clearly remember some photos I saw in Time and/or Newsweek, I believe around 1986, of hundreds of dead Kurds. Children, men and women, goats, dogs, etc. lying in the dusty roads of their village. They were killed in their villages by chemical warfare at the orders of Saddam Hussein.
I was outraged. These were senseless murders and it smacked of genocide to me.
I believed that certainly our country and people would quickly react to this tragedy ... nothing ... by the following issue it was as if it never happened.
My point is, I witnessed it through photos probably taken by someone that took great personal risk to tell the story of the atrocities going on in Iraq.
Those photos are burned into my mind.
They tell an uglier story of a country that dismissed them and moved on to something else the following day.
They needed us years ago .... small wonder there is so much turmoil now.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Lou R Wharton N.J. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:48:49 GMT

The reporters who cover this story show one side only and they get paid very well for putting there lives on the line its there choice. i would like to see them report the whole story.
On another topic I want to ask all of you who are against the war one simple question. If we pull out now and bring all our troops home and then we have a another attack on the USA and maybe twenty thousand people die who will you blame then?? Get one thing for sure THE MUSLEMS WANT US DEAD THEY DONT CARE WHERE WE ARE or IF YOU ARE FOR OR AGAINST THE WAR THEY JUST WANT TO KILL ALL AMERICANS. A RELIGON THAT IS FULL OF HATE AND NO FORGIVENESS IS JUST NOT A GOOD RELIGON.
IT'S THERE HOLY WAR.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

David Jennings, Katy, Tx — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:52:54 GMT

I am glad that Saddam was taken out of power, not so much that he was killed. However, I keep reading that if we had not invaded Iraq that we would have had more 911 attacks here in the US, well if we would have used all the money that is being spent on this war, here in the US, beefing up and protecting our own borders, getting the illegals out of the US, we would be better off and there should would not be all this killing in the world. At least our soldiers would not be off in another country getting killed. The fighting in Iraq will never end, even with us there it will never end, let them kill each other off if that is what they want to do. Look at the past history, all the senseless killing over there and just because we are there, you think that is going to stop it? Don't think so. Bush and his entire staff should be impeached and held accountable for all the US soldiers that have died over there and put in prison.

D. Jennings

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Clay White, Oro Valley, AZ — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:05:12 GMT

As Harry Truman once said, "if you can't stand the heat, get the hell out of the kitchen." Anyone who goes into a war zone for journalistic purposes is at risk of getting killed. I am sick and tired of the liberal media distorting the facts while attacking President Bush. Most, if not all, stories that surface in the U.S. whether they be print media or TV are slanted against the President and against the war in Iraq. One more thing, we are not invaders, we liberated Iraq from a brutal dictator !! If you want to look at ratings, look at CONGRESS AND THE MEDIA, their ratings are lower than the President. What the hell does that tell you???

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Mitch — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:14:04 GMT

I will make only one comment, You voted for him!!! Now live with your decission

Iraqis dying to tell the story

kenneth minneapolis mn — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:14:24 GMT

what should actually happen is 2-300 culpable british and americans should be delivered to the war crimes tribunal in the netherlands for trial on charges of war crimes against the people of iraq who are resisting their attempted colonization of their country- most of the executive foreign policy administration, congressional leaders, and military progress fantasists of all stripes. i personally would favor execution by hanging. i accept no war & freedom platitudes that attempt to excuse this kind of suffering from anyone of any backround or experience whatsoever. if any of you actually knew anything about war and freedom- iraq would be peaceful and free. all we know about you big strategists is that you've failed at war and freedom. you're 0 for 3: suckerpunched on 9/11; everyone escapes in afghanistan; and now you're STOPPED DEAD WITH 12 BILLION A MONTH AND 160,000 TROOPS BY A FEW GUYS WITH RIFLES AND HOME-MADE BOMBS. i regret this more than you do- i can see that from what i read; but you are cruel addled fools. especially those that attempt to dismiss their colossal stupidity, repeated tactical failure, morally bankrupt sacrifice of the lives of others, and downright craven fear that produced this fiasco. your stupid mistakes and the stink of the fear that makes you murderers are now irrelevant?? no, you are irrelevant. you have cheapened the life of every american by taking so many innocent iraqi lives. you will be judged and condemned in your church pew on a sunday morning. there you will speak the words that condemn you- when you confess your faith in christ as you turn to kill again stinking with faithless and fear.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Sue, Valdosta, GA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:22:18 GMT

As a military "brat" living in a military community, I am strongly patriotic and pro-miilitary (read this does not mean pro-war). I find it truly offensive the level of ungratefulness that this country demonstrates toward the military community. Like it or not, when you drone on and on against the war, military personnel and their families take it personally. THEY are the ones who are risking their lives every day, and the last time I checked, we had a 100% VOLUNTEER military. We are so very far past whether or not we should have started the war. Wake up people, it's too late for that debate. The only question on the table is whether or not the US Military should pull out of Iraq. Thanks to the extraordinarily biased media, we do not get a true picture of how the average Iraqi's life has IMPROVED since the US invaded. Hello, Saddam was a TYRANT who used fear of death as a method to control his country. BTW, military budget cuts over the last 2 decades is what has put this military where it is today, not Bush. You cannot effectively fight a war when the experienced personnel were all encouraged to retire early to cut personnel without cutting "new recruitment" - thank you Mr/Mrs Congressperson for your wise military insight. We need to wholeheartedly support the military and CONTINUE to support it even after the media is bored with it's daily death reports. If we pull out of Iraq, we are jeopardizing the life not only the "last man standing", but also every Iraqi. We should allow "retired" personnel to come back to active duty and flood the country with US Military presence. Believe me, many retired personnel would sign up as the stories we hear of good work being done directly from those persons who have been there far outweighs the negative, biased media coverage the rest of the country makes "informed" decisions from.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

LEYDEANA DELGADO — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:24:18 GMT

GOD BLESS AMERICA, THE TERRORISTS ARE OUR ENEMY, NOT THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION, ALL YOU AMERICA HATERS ARE HYPROCRITES YOU LIVE IN FREEDOM GO LIVE IN WITH THESE SAVAGES THATS WHAT THEY REALLY ARE,OPEN YOUR EYES THEY SAY IT EVERYDAYYYYYYY, THEY DONT WANT US THEY WANT TO WIPE US OUT THEY WANT THE WHOLE WORLD TO BE MUSLIMS IN ANOTHER WORDS SAVAGES.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

M. Fisher, Columbus, OH — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:26:22 GMT

Patriot: You seem to be misunderstanding comments made by some people regarding our country's invasion of Iraq. We do not hate America. We love our country just as you do. We just don't like some of the actions of our government. We invaded a sovereign nation (albeit one with a dictator), destroyed the infrastructure, killed many thousands of innocent civilians and started a civil war among factions we did not understand. The United States has group of leaders at this time who have created an atmosphere of fear among US citizens that is completely out of proportion to the threat we face in the US. We had 3,000+ citizens killed by a few extremists and we responded properly again the Taliban and El Queda but then carried that response to a country that had nothing to do with the atrocity against us.
I realize Saddam Hussein was a dictator and treated his own people wrong but there are many dictators still in place around the world and the United States cannot, and should not, take on the role of ousting every leader we don't like. How would we feel about another country that dislikes our leader deciding to invade and overthrow him. Is that OK? It is the responsibility of the citizens within a country to change leaders, or at least try to make changes. When those choices are made then other governments may be able to play a role, diplomatically, to help bring about changes. Invading another country that poses no major threat to the United States is antithetical to our history as a nation. The actions taken in Iraq have made the US hated in many places, not just in Iraq. This will take years to change and will be much more difficult than we now realize.
Even though President Bush seems to think that Vladimir Putin is still "his friend" the Russian leader has turned away from being a cooperative supporter to one who is drifting back to the old Russian closed society we faced during the cold war. Much of this has happened because we neglected to listen respectfully and openly to advice given in the past regarding our invasion of Iraq. We cannot afford to disregard advice from leaders of other countries and then expect them to come to our aid when things turn out badly for us because choices we made were not wisely considered before we took action. And Putin is not the only leader to be unhappy with the United States either.
We are now in the process of choosing candidates to be the next President of the US and it will be interesting to see how the American people choose the next leader. Hopefully, we will make a choice of someone who is less dogmatic and combative with the nations of the world. We have had enough of leaders calling other countries "evil empires" and other such derogatory names. We need a new leader who will respect other countries and talk diplomatically as equals so the world can move toward a broader peace for all people no matter their race, religion, culture or national creed.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Yaakov Watkins Denver — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:43:04 GMT

They are at war with us. I am not a fan of Bush. His policies have not worked. But war only ends when both sides want to stop. Right now, in the middle east, there is a war between modernity and barbarism.

The barbarians decided 27 years ago that we were on the side of modernists. Just as the Japanese decided that we would be part of WWII and they decided whose side we were on, the Islamists have made us part of their war.

Whether Hollywood and Bush are evil is a matter of opinion, but the Islamists believe that they are.

If we withdraw from Iraq, we will find out that we will not be permitted to abstain from the war.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

nonsense — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:45:48 GMT

well pen can stop war..........these ppl if showing you the true pics and sometimes not the real true pics do nothing but jobs just like any other. may be thier jobs are just hazardous. i would have been more happy if that guy rather than being there and showing the world dead bodies and spreding fear, wud have just sat in his room and created a revolution with his pen, or done an indepth analysis of what started all this........use ur pen to stop war....not show war........

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Devils.Advocate — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:46:13 GMT

Simple Facts - Saddam Hussein was *not* involved in 9/11
Saddam Hussein did *not* have weapons of mass destruction
Saddam Hussein has *not* killed *hundreds of thousands* of people - WE HAVE
Saddam Hussein hated Bin Laden... he was not of the same sect as Hussein and therefore an enemy...

I could go on and on but these are the main facts that people still spew out for standing behind the war

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Jim B Killeen Texas — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:46:53 GMT

It is the sacrifices of these reporters whether they are Iraqis or other nationalities that do bring the realistic views and actions of the war. For all of you that resent the war, more Iraqis were killed under Sadam than so far this war. Why didn't you know abut this? for there was no freedom of the press during his reign. Must we have another attack on our soil, to remind us about the pending danger that we face with this fanatics? How we soon forget, but then again we are americans.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

John F, Toronto On. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:57:16 GMT

Occupying another country under the "guise" of security is never a good option and as long as the U.S feels compelled to do so, nothing will be resolved, only more people will die.
The most prudent decision would be for the American military to train, and equip the current regime as best they can encouraging peaceful dialogue between the waring factions and allow the Iraqi people to truly govern themselves.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Dan Rathers Houston, Texas — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:08:11 GMT

When will any leader in Islam say bombing a MOSQUE is WRONG?When will any leader in Islam stand up and say KILLING / MURDER / SUICIDE is WRONG?

USA has given Iraq freedom and the people don’t know how to handle it. Twenty years ago Iran was a modern “westernized” country their gas was free, they had music and movies. They got rid of their dictator the Shaw and twenty years later Iran is where it was a hundred years ago.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

T. Hill, Carrollton, Texas — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:09:11 GMT

Officials report massacre of Shiites in Iraq (AP)

"Al-Omairi said he had not seen the bodies and it was unclear whether they had been retrieved."

"An Iraqi army officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not supposed to release the information, said the attack occurred in the village of Diwailiya and that at least 10 bodies were mutilated in the hour-long raid."

Prove the damn report and quit being propagandist for the terrorist!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Pete Dammann Forsyth Georgia — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:09:26 GMT

Some people never get it. We live in a country where people don't care what goes on as long as they can go to the mall, party with their families, and live their safe quiet lives. The only problem is that there are people who don't want you to have it. They want you to live THEIR WAY and will kill you if you don't agree. Ladies what color burka would you like. So many choicies BLACK or maybe WHITE. Freedom is why we fight. This country is the greatest country in the history of mankind. We have liberated millions and helped end the suffering of millions. The communists and Facists in the last century killed over 100 million people. Remember Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot. How quickly we forget or how quickly we want to change the facts. General Sherman says war is hell. The alternative much worse. If the whole world got on to these Islamic Facists and crushed them the world would be a better place. We all want a world where we can raise our kids and enjoy the fruits of are labor. The price we sometimes have to pay can be very dear. We must remember those who died and were mamed standing up for our freedom. That is why we fight and why we must win. For the alternative is to sink into the abyss!!!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

J Parrack — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:10:38 GMT

In spite of the horror of this war and what we are seeing through the eyes of these journalists, we must remember that we were not allowed to "see" the horrors that Saddam perpetrated on the Iraqi people while he was in power. They lived in fear and had no peace while he was in power. Do not blame the US just because we can now "see" the horrors of an extremist religion.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Alexander — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:12:05 GMT

Scott Columbus

The islamists started killing people because the US left Iraq without an efficient government.

Can you think?

Please do not call other people idiots when you are such an ignorant asshole.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

j-zee — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:15:33 GMT

it is unbelievable how many people simply have not bothered to inform themselves of the chronological events as they unfolded begining on 9/11...we were attacked...by a terrorist network working out of afghanistan and working undercover in many other nations including our own...they were NOT sponsord by the government of iraq and probably not even operating within their borders,remember, saddam pretty much had absolute control of his flock....our own investigations have also arrived at that conclusion...the reasons for the invasion as some of us may recall have changed many times as the existing reason was dispelled...what are the real reasons?? we can only speculate,that is the unfortunate truth.. ...this administration has done nothing for the betterment of the lives of the average citizen...they have been proven as liars and decievers time and time again yet some people follow right along with whatever new spin is put out there...there's a democrat-phobia that uneducated america has adopted that is even more appalling...democrats,liberals,blah blah blah..it's all their fault.."we'd be speaking german and japanese if it wasn't for the republicans"or "if the democrats get in office we'll be spaeking mexican" these are some of the things i have heard from what i thought were rational people over the last couple of years..even scarier is that they ignore fact and rational thought..it disgusts me to know that they lack compassion for other humans,including the needless suffering of our own selfless service people...none of this is a matter of conservative/liberal...it is a matter of poor leadership,unknown motives,arrogance and a lack of thoughtful planning and execution that finds us here in the middle of pandoras box..

Iraqis dying to tell the story

John Doe Lakeside — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:26:36 GMT

If you want to know what liberal lack of action causes just look at the Current Iran. Jimmy Carter the chicken president took no action when Iran attacked and held our citizens for months. The new government that grew out of that lack of action is now the largest exporter of terror in the world and until recently the largest killers of americans in the world. Thats the result of doing nothing that so many liberals want. We have a working model to look at.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Mike Springfield,Vermont — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:38:52 GMT

Glad to hear everyones thoughts... This amazes me as this war still ongoing after all this and has pretty much taken priority over the severe issues we have at home. it's important i know but aren't we ourselves important too? Myself i find it hard to believe that the US continues these failures within itself and over in iraq. We seem stupider than we actually are. You don't want to see what happens if a Dem becomes president. Actually will it make a difference to the extent that the us won't take care of their own and stop pushing others around? I mean, we don't help ourselves (health insurance) and claim not to have the $ to do so. Yet somehow have billions to fight a "war on terror" which claims that we mis managed/spent mllions. Guys, millions. Some mistake huh? Something happened once and we responded yet we obviously think it wasn't good enough of a message for it to stop. Yet could later waste millions. We were lead to believe that if we did illegal things like wire tap out own citizens (FBI did this without legal right to ILLEGAL!) and believe that somehow it was right to do and believed than we would win the war on terror and make us safer by doing so. Were not even free here. When really that's not how it happened at all, remember the president flew off in airforce one when WE the US citizens were under attack(9/11) Yet you see on the news only regular, caring US citizens regular people to trained professionals come to the rescue of others and try to do what they could as the horrible events happened. Remember that. We helped our own. The reason i mention it is because just as always you see the major people that are effected by this is us the citizens/families/life. Dies,helped,suffered,etc... Yet BUSH wasn't anywheres to be seen or heard from for many hours AFTER he was told rather than saw or felt. It's easier said than done was it? I saw this on tv just after the 1st plane crashed and i actually saw the second as it happened. THE NEWS WAS THERE! Those images were seen/felt more than bushes address he gave later that night. Teeing us something we already know and saying we need to go to war. Now were supposed to believe a president who claims to have intelligence that supports it as well as had intelligence that could of possibly avoided it knew waht he was really saying? DO WE REALLY KNOW ANY OF IT TO BE TRUE BESIDES DEATH? Everything is up here $ wise and death toll is up in iraq and we pay for BOTH!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

David Jennings, Katy, Tx — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:47:16 GMT

I keep hearing that we do not support our troops and Government, don't people understand that just because we (I) do not agree with the choices our Government makes in the political arena, does not mean that we do not support our troops. Get a grip people, the Troops and our Government are two separate issues. Just because our troops, which I support and would fight side by side with, have to do as our fearless leaders dictate, well that has nothing to do with how I feel about the choices our Government and Leaders have made. So yes, it is possible to support the troops in every way possible but not agree with our leaders.

ARGH!!!!!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Andrew Kozich, Fenton, MI — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:50:43 GMT

I'm amazed at how many people say "Bush has kept us safe since 9-11." Well, what about before 9-11? What did he do to prevent 9-11? He displayed little interest in security briefings or counter-terrorism intelligence and we got attacked on 9-11. I will NEVER trust this man to keep us safe. Let's see, it's been over 6 years and where's Bin Laden? How come we haven't gotten him yet? Because for 6 years we've been barking up the wrong tree in Iraq. And how many people have died because of this?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Anthony K. Auburn, PA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:53:30 GMT

Some people want to say this Iraq war was a total mistake, well look at the extremist over in Iraq and how they are acting. They have been gearing up just looking to kill innocent people. If we did not take the war to them they would have brought it to us and around the world in a greater way than we see today. This so called mistake war is keeping the terrorist over their at this point and I hope we win this war, because if we leave unfinished that will be the tragedy and mistake of the century.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Margaret,St.Augustine,FL — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:53:38 GMT

UH........Saddam Hussein wasnt "strenthening" Al Quada Lena. He didnt have any ties with islamic extremist because he ran a "secular" regime. He only used religion when it suited his political goals. He was propped up by the CIA lets not forget, he would never have become what he was without US help in the first place...............

Iraqis dying to tell the story

KDM — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:56:31 GMT

Let's be honest here for a minute. People are dying and it is our fault. If we kill, it is our fault. We can dress it in any kind of garb we care - be it liberation, freedom, et al, and always justify our actions. I could spend days blaming every George, Saddam and Harry who brought us here. But as long as well allow it, and justify it in our minds...we are all guilty of murder. The truly sad aspect of it all, we do it in the name of our God...and he/she weeps.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Mark Andrews, Georgetown, Texas — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:01:01 GMT

If the soldiers that are in harm's way would be allowed to do what they were trained to do, this would all be over, and they could be home in about 6 months.
But that might be a little too ugly for some of those in DC, and WAY too bloody for those in Hollywood, so we're going to have to drag our feet for another 20 years and people like Pelosi and Reid and Michael Moore will have the opportunity to whine and complain without ever really presenting a true alternative plan.
There are too many reasons to stay, now that we are there. The region is truly unstable, but once Iraq becomes a little more solid, we will surely begin to reduce the number of troops there. There won't be a massive pullout, forget that notion. I believe that we just won't send as many replacements, and those that do stay in country will be fighting less and training more.
But for now...until the kids start coming home...let's all get behind them, leave the partisan politics to the politicians, forget about impeaching the President (he has not committed any crimes in spite of your consipracy theories, general hatred for him and the war) and do all we can to elect a congress and President that will ensure that our country remains the greatest nation on earth, that we are not taxed into a depression, our military remains strong and well equipped, our intelligence communities are sniffing out and stopping the bad guys, our borders are secured and that our hard earned dollars don't go to some deadbeat in the name of "fairness".

Iraqis dying to tell the story

B. Bunn, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:03:57 GMT

As a historian has spent a great deal of time exploring the past and teaching it to our youth, I feel compelled to respond to the writer who questions the "30%" who still support the President. Remember, it was only 30% of our population who threw off the yoke of English oppression in 1776. Having poll numbers for support is a false pedastal. Those leaders who revel in their polls at the sake of their better judgement do so at the world's peril. Neville Chamber was extremely popular before WWII. Winston Churchill was roundly regarded as a reactionary has-been who was unfairly judging the Nazi regime. What does history report on the two? Those who would abdicate moral and political values for the adoration of the masses are dangerous and have not paid attention to the lessons of history. Based on their historical stances, no less personas than Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln would look upon the situation in Iraq today with full support and understanding. Our nation IS responsible for others. Our position as the sole remaining superpower dictates that we use our ideals of liberty, democracy and fredom to support the protection of humanity wherever it is threatened. To naively wish for the dark forces of evil in the world to voluntarily stand down and surrender is inconcievable. To actively help them by somehow intimating that the U.S. is to blame for anything that goes wrong in the world is foolish. No one wants the troops home from Iraq more than President Bush. To suggest that we are somehow trying to build a new American state in the middle of Baghdad is to ignore history. We have always come to the help of the world when needed, and we have gone home when the job was done. Please read your history.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

NS, Canada — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:12:37 GMT

Thoughts on the war in Iraq from a Kurdish woman: I am a Kurdish woman who has been living in Canada for 31 years. I can relate to all sides of the story...for there are many more than just 2 sides to this story. First and foremost, my thoughts go out to all the military around the world and their families, for they understand better than most the costs of war. I have lost many family members, both before and after the "fall of Saddam", and for all of those deaths, I have not had closure....I can't go into Iraq and attend a funeral and say my final goodbyes. I have personally seen war, and I do not agree with any form of aggression. I believe that the entire world is responsible for this war...all nations closed their eyes and ears when Saddam started to murder the Kurds and Arabs not only in Iraq, but around the world as well - way back in the 70's. September 11th was an atrocity, made even more shocking because the United States has lived in relative peace for years. Imagine Sept. 11th every day! Imagine saying goodbye to your spouse in the morning and not knowing if it is the final goodbye. Imagine kissing your children as you drop them off to school and wondering if today is the day that their school gets bombed. I do not agree with war, however, those who make their beds must also lie in them. The war should never have started to begin with, and honestly, with the powers that the US govt. has, could they not have taken Saddam out with a little less killing??? Since there is already military presence in Iraq, they may as well stay and try to repair the damage that has already been done. What the governments of the world should be focusing on is teaching the next generation that we are all human beings living on earth together, and that we should respect each other for our differences. Perhaps then humans will have a chance to live in peace. I would love the chance to go back to Kurdistan and visit my remaining relatives. Unfortunately, due to the war, it is unsafe for me to do so. What a heartache it is for me...all of it.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

PC, Butler, PA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:15:54 GMT

Maybe if the media were to be without agenda and show BOTH sides of what we are doing in Iraq (you know, do some good footage and stories about the great things our military does over there on a DAILY basis), then perhaps I may feel a little sorry for the journalists that have died. Until then, I view it as another enemy down, for they are working FOR the insurgency with all their negative portrayal of the war. The only difference between the press and the insurgents is the ROE (Rules of Engagement).....I can't shoot reporters, but I still have to watch my 4th point of contact around them.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Clayter Hale — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:16:37 GMT

I find it unbelievable that some of the so called "Americans" can write some of the things I have read here. I didn't vote for Bush, but I wish I had. I don't live in New York City, but I haven't forgotten 9:11. I believe that Saddam would have rallied to the aid of Al Queda in a moment's notice unless of course he wasn't already a part of it. I believe that had we stopped in Afghanistan and not pursued Saddam, we would have felt another 911 already. You have to wonder how people can strap explosives on to themselves and walk in to a crowd and detonate it. Doesn't matter if men, women, and children are involved. I wonder what the statistics show regarding the number of women and children killed on PURPOSE by US military fire VS the number of women and children killed on PURPOSE by the fanatical cowards exploding themselves in a crowd. God bless Bush and God bless out troops.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Doug Newnan Ga. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:18:20 GMT

Wake up America. What's going on in this country with fear of terrorest attacks is our own fault. We have allowed these people to freely come into our country and attempt to destroy it. We have people in this country who are fighting for terrorest to have civil rights? Let Bush do his job, why do you think anyone else coul ddo any different and what do you think the outcome will be.... Wake up America before its to late

Iraqis dying to tell the story

KMD, Cincinnati, OH — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:18:45 GMT

I hold Bush and Company responsible for all the death and destruction in Iraq! This country is more at risk today than it ever was and Bush and Co are responsible for that as well. I don't hate America I hate this administration, and its disregard for average Americans, and all that is good for EVERYONE in this country, not just the rich. The place the military should be focusing all of the efforts on is Afghanistan. How come noone talks about Osama Bin Laden???Perhaps its because his family is still in the pockets of the Bush Dynasty.This war isn't about protecting America and you all know it, it is about money and power. Unfortunately these people have been fighting each other like this since the beginning of time, we are not going to change it.Take our soldiers out of Iraq, send them to Afghanistan, and once and for all find Bin Laden and assasinate him...George Bush and Co. divided this country not the liberal democrats, get a grip...Another question to ponder, why are these soldiers spending more than a year at atime in Iraq? My nieces husband, stationed in Iraq lost ANOTHER one of his comrades in his company the other day, he was twenty three and he committed suicide...Get these beautiful young people out of Iraq now!! Send George and Co over there for 15 months and see how long the US will stay involved!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Pete, Baltimore MD — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:21:27 GMT

I remember a quote that goes something like this; " a dictatorship exists at the benevolence of the people" George W. Bush was elected by a majority of the people, granted, not much of a majority, but a majority all the same. Our DUTY as Americans, as a people who have the right to elect our government, is to accept the will of the people, support the government and above all, support the many Americans who have been sent to far away lands to exercise the will of the government. If we do not agree with current policy, then remember, the COLLECTIVE will of the people cannot be ignored. The collective will can force an impeachment, the collective will can elect a new government. The collective will can force the candidates to declare who they are and what they stand for; can prevent them from hiding behind their carefully constructed facades. It amazes me that a people who's forefathers gave their lives so that their children could enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy, could fail to appreciate the sacrifice many Iraqi people make every day so that their children can enjoy a future as bright as the one we have enjoyed for so long. I only hope that generations in the future, they do not treat their right to exercise free will with the apathy we choose to treat ours.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Robert D Brown — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:23:31 GMT

Right after 9-11,President Bush vowed to spend the rest of his term dealing,primarily with the terrorist
threat.Have we forgotten? Must we fight them here at home before we wake up? There are many brave men ,and women dying in Iraq to get the story.Wait until they start reporting to the world,the carnage from America!lets impeach the only Man with the cohones to fight,yeah right.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Alexander, Toronto, Canada — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:25:56 GMT

Scott, We have to stop the blame game and realize that both sides are responsible for the atrocities we see on a daily basis. You cant place full blame on the insurgents, you cant put full blame on the US Government.
Each case is different as to who is responsible for the deaths at a certain time. One day the insurgents may be responsible for killing innocent civilians while the next, it may be US air fire that kills the innocent. Each case and each person has a different perspective relative to their first hand experience of the situation that they carry with them. It is the men and women fighting for your freedom that truely know the constant struggles rather than us sitting in front of our computers

Iraqis dying to tell the story

William Von Gillern,Claremont,NH — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:34:36 GMT

Al-Quaeda and WMD's were NOT in Iraq.Bin-Laden was in Afganistan. Colin Powell pointed this out.He soon was replaced.Around the world after 9-11,we had almost unanimous support even among moderate muslims.After this Iraq fiasco,America has what we have today.Any americans who travel abroad confront the American image held today. Mr. Bush's foreign policies have damaged America terribly.Viet-nam was a civil war with unconventional fighting and killings.We pulled out.Today american companies have a presence there. Americans can travel and vacation there(and we are welcome).This is a grave time for America,a time for all these self-serving politians to get over their egos,do their jobs, and end this bloody folly.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Robert Brown, Kennebunk, Maine — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:44:45 GMT

Because we are in a horrible and unjust war,are not getting enough volunteers for army, marines and national guard. Therefore, isn,t it time to reinstate the draft for all males and females over the age of 18 including our national \officers. congressman, senators, judges and their families including a former air force veteran with a bad heart, bad lungs and living in Kennebunk Maine and Zephyr Hills,Florida.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Dolores Bentham, New York — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:51:52 GMT

Bush has kept us safe?! Afraid not. The evidence shows that Bush and Cheney were complicit in the 911 attacks. Do a net search for the truth of 911. The evidence is incontrovertible. Open your eyes Americans. We're on the road to perdition. Impeach now. The world can't wait for 2008.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Jason.S Peoria,Illinois — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:58:50 GMT

It's a shame that journalist have to put themselves in the front lines to capture the truth. If we allowed our government to tell the story we'd never get the full truth on how bad the carnage is and how bad things are out of sorts.

The journalist paint the true picture of the war and bring the stories we need to keep in our minds that nothing has been won, just torn apart.

We struggle to secure a country who was ruled by dictatorship, we've destroyed that but created a much severe problem with tribal genocide.

The picture may get graphical, but the stories need told about every aspect to really understand the whole picture.

It's a damn shame any of this is going on and so many good souls are being persecuted cause there religion,nationality. Basing someone's worthe on there religion and nationality is immoral.

It's going to take much longer but in the end the ones who kill for pleasure and tribal prominence will suffer the greatest lose and for nothing.

We all carry different nationalities, different opinions, different beliefs but weither we like it or not in America we all pull together to form a Union of honor,bravery and accountability in these times.

Iraq will one day be the same, but not till the Iraq people come together and realize the useless slaughter of there own regardless to sections of religion they practice are insignificant.

It's the life we lead through our here and now that makes America the country we are and represent.Once they realize theres nothing wrong with being different amongst others things will begin to fall in a more positive road.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Luthien Seldomane, Morris, Illinois (previously Ft. Lewis, WA) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:59:29 GMT

Cival war is a part of life. Without cival war, you would not be here as an American. This country was founded on war and will end in war.

Don't confuse that with the USA's actions in this Iraq war. WMD and Saddam seemed like a good foot in the door, but why haven't we stepped out? Fear of cival war? I feel for those who lose family members to war and genocide as I have, but no one alive today has really seen anything as far as 'war' yet with Iraq. Yes we leave, Iraq becomes in a greater state of termoil, possibly cival war, possible takeover by Iran, yadda yadda yadda. And what are we doing in the meantime...? I'll tell you - not giving money and lives to a country that we don't live in. Let other countries fight their wars or run from them on their own. This country has trillions in debt, only going up daily, and the unfortunate deaths of reporters and photographers won't stop whether we are there or not. Let's take care of ourselves and stop "waiting" and "hoping" that Iraq will turn out okay. Let them frey their own shell off to decide who they want to be and concentrate on building defences against a possible greater threat in the future! Even if they pulled out today, it would still be too late. I'm not unpatriotic...I'm ex-infantry actually (too intelligent for them), and I say we should take a step back and prepare for the true "war on terror". Vote however you're going to vote, but realize that we can do more good with our army here.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Michele, Montgomery Village, Maryland — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:01:58 GMT

I repeat what another person has posted:
What a horrible, hopeless mess. God help us. War is never the answer and yet we keep on making the same mistakes over and over again throughout history. How sad that we never can seem to learn from our mistakes. How many people have to die for our "freedom" which never had ANYTHING to do with Saddam Hussein, by the way.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

William Von Gillern — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:02:24 GMT

Colin Powell,in his wisdom and expertise,saw the history and error of the Iraq invasion.Just as it was in recent history when the strong dictator Tito of Yugoslavia died and age old hatreds,etc.,resurfaced and caused such death and destruction, Mr. Powell saw the future of a Saddam-less Iraq.He also pointed out that there was NO connection between Saddam and bin-Laden, In fact, Saddam had no "love"for the radical extremists.According to reports,he had nothing to gain by aligning with them.I LOVE this country. Having traveled many places in this world including the middle east and Indonesia, I find no better place on earth. However, this arrogant,self-serving, oil-rich administration has set America back in respect worldwide by this Iraq folly, and at home with its endless missteps of immigration,economic,etc.,policies.And for those of you who think that this administration has protected us at home so well, why did they try and sell the control of our ports to places like Dubai?Wake up America.Take back America.This is not the "land of the rich,the politicians, and the corporations that run,complicate,spin,lie,and ruin lives," this is the land of the people.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Joel M, NC — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:03:28 GMT

... It used to be that this country had a collective sense of overcoming any criminal or enemy of the country. No more. Now we tend to cower under our beds and hope that somebody will make the bad men go away. Yet when someone does try to make the bad men go away, we cry and moan about the horrors of what is being done and want it to stop."

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Neil Palmer Baltimore, Maryland — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:14:44 GMT

I stongly agree with both Scott from Columbus Ohio and Okham R. from Edmonton, Alberta.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Debra — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:17:02 GMT

I have sat here and read all of your comments and I see both sides. First of all it was Al-Qaida that attacked us on 9/11 - not Sadam. Sadam and Bin Laden do not believe in the same thing AT ALL. In fact they hate each other. Bush has not gone after the people who did this to us on our soil. His attack on Sadam was well planned long before he took office and this is a vendetta for "daddy". Our troops are over there because of the assassination that was being planned by Osama on Bush Sr. While Bush has been doing all of this Al-Qaida has had plenty of time to regroup and grow stronger and because of our presence in middle east they have attracted a lot more members. What we are doing in Iraq is doing nothing for the U.S. but breaking the bank. This is costing the US a fortune. Bush has no idea where Osama is and acts like he doesn't care. I have seen where some of you say we are safer - no we are not any safer. Terrorists are HERE and they can still get in and our troops are over THERE. And NO we DON'T have a responsbility to stay in Iraq we have a responsibility HERE. For what? Tell that to the wives and families of the troops who have already done double and triple duty and being called back again. Or to the families who have lost their loved ones and don't know what they lost them too. I know people who have lost loved ones over there and they are confused. My neighbor who is in the military moved in across the street from me March '06 and he has lived in his house approximately 4 months. He just got home a couple of weeks ago and is scheduled to go back in October again. I am not a huge fan of Michael Moore but when I saw Farenheit 9/11 I was angrier than what I was. I already had a lot of the facts before I saw it but I was enlightened by a whole lot more. I'm sick of our troops dying for in a needless and unncessary so called "war on terrorism". They weren't the terrorist! I am an american who is tired of looking at the news everyday and all I see is how many american troops have died. I am a true american - in fact I'm native american so this really is my land. Sorry but I'm frustrated and tired.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

John, Albany, NY — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:17:35 GMT

I wish that the Muslim extremists would have left us in peace.

To blame the U.S. for the horrible acts committed by Muslim extremist groups is absurd. They want us dead, or converted. We can't appease them without changing our entire society.

I wish there was a peaceful alternative, but haven't heard anyone present a plausible strategy to deal with this situation.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Michelle, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:19:19 GMT

I am so sick of listening to "Americans" complain about America and what it stands for. If you find that you can no longer support your country, by all means, use your resources and find a place better suited to your needs. Nothing is restraining you. You will be happier for the change and the rest of us, who love America and all that it stands for, will stand all the more united.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Kip, Salt Lake, Ut. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:20:19 GMT

I find it extremely hilarious, that those of you who bash our freedom efforts, never sign your name to your comments. It is always signed "patriot" or some other form of B.S.! You are able to write what you feel, because you are "FREE"! If you bashed your government (under a dictators regime)you could be put to death for your arrogance!!!! Take a minute, and decide if you enjoy being part of a free democracy or not. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT HERE, FEEL FREE TO LEAVE AT ANY TIME!!!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

bev, montgomery, al — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:24:24 GMT

How can anyone in their right mind over the age of 40 feel like we did not need to defend our "back door" in Iraq? Where were you during WWII, KOrean War, Viet Nam? Kennedy's showdown with Cuba? Do you not know that the Saddams and Hitlers and their kind are a cancer...they continually eat away and destroy? You people shop at Walgreen's too much.....it would be oh so nice if this was a "perfect world" but, thanks to mankind, it certainly is far from it! Mankind of every color, creed, religion....everyone is to blame for many centuries. We are the ones who ruined this perfect world with our selfishness. So don't sit in your safe secure home with all your freedoms and think it is owed to you.....Freedom comes from sacrafice and yes, war. Maybe after the Rapture, you will understand.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Sean, Wayne, PA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:29:43 GMT

I see a lot of people writing passionately on this board, but few who have personally witnessed (unfiltered) life. I wander why many prefer the media over those who have fought for years away from home. Sometimes it's not even a matter of preference, but of availability. Taking my best shot at an objective standpoint, I find it curious that such a high percentage of soldiers willingly sign up for re-deployment! I see nothing on the news that lends itself to any possible line of reasoning supporting why one would do such a thing. Must be something we the ignorant just don't see. It is funny how we're all so wise sitting over here in our luxurious country (nothing wrong with that). I'm write what I've heard becuase it would be much more effective if done personally. Ask a soldier why he/she went back sometime, you'll hear the truth. Then we can apply our morality to THAT information in order to take a stance on the war.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Vince Hummer, Houston Texas — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:33:02 GMT

I am always amazed by the simple things in life. I live in a place where white, black, yellow and brown do not actively murder each other just because of who thye are.

Catholics, Jews, Baptists, Hindus, Protestants and people of many other religions as well as atheists pass each other every day without striking a violent blow.

I do not understand why that happens where I live and other people seem so focused on killing those who are not like themselves.

Please explain how that happens where I live and not everyplace else. To me it would seem that intelligent people no matter where they lived would want to live with a degree of safety and freedom from physical threat caused by the color of ones skin or the god or ultimate power they believe or refuse tyo belive in.

Maybe I am just nieve. Proud enough to put my real name & city here not some acronyn

Iraqis dying to tell the story

terry — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:33:23 GMT

So many Americans who oppose the US in Iraq seem to be looking through rose colored glasses. They seem to have the impression that pulling American troops out of Iraq will stop the killing. Yes it will, the killing of Americans no longer there. But what will happen is that the killing for innocent Iraq's will increase. It will be genocide again for these people now fighting, with the help of our soldiers, for freedom. As an army brat, I lived two time in Ethiopia as a child and I remember when the US pulled out of there. Ethiopians that I knew and loved were probably massicurred when the new regime took over. I remember a woman who cared for us begging to take her family with us. But we could not due to immigration customs. It wasnt allowed that we could take them with us.
So if you think the killing of innocent children and women and men will stop with the US pulling out, then you dont live in the real world. So far we have probably stopped wholesale genocide in that country. I suggest these people try living in a third world country for a while to find out what life like that is really like. You might want to think about it while having some ice cream at Baskin-Robbins on a hot day with the family.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

sHELLY, hOUSTON — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:35:53 GMT

For whatever reason; freedom, oil, etc... we are where we are now and have to deal with it today. Unlike our brave soldiers the enemy doesn't wear uniforms and they don't fight fair. The radical Muslims are all over the world if you haven't noticed. Yes we have not had another 9.11 but the key word is YET. I pray that God have mercy on us ALL and protect our children, wives, husbands, neices, nephews who are in harms way - where ever they may be!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Bill Smith, Waterville, Me. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:43:23 GMT

Now that we are closing in on the end of July and an evaluation from the commanders in Iraq is less then 2 months away. It would have to be miracle to see anything change much after September's Military assessment to Congress. Is the President and congress have the guts to realize, this is a no-win situation ??? We American Citizens are going to be paying for this war by our children and grand- children for a very long time. Thank you, President Bush and Company for leaving this legacy to our children and grand children.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

AJ Via, Sayville, NY — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:06:00 GMT

If the worst thing that happens when a Democrat becomes President is that my taxes go up, I'll take that. How ignorant and sick is it that the people who are all moronically shouting "GO BUSH! GO MILITARY!" are the ones that seem to dismiss and accept the death of an innocent reporter- or anyone, for that matter? Human beings are human beings, it does not behoove any of us to equate their deaths with "something to be expected" because they are reporters and "put themselves in harms way". You arrogant, ignorant SOB's will have it back to you one day.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Nancy Korb Bushkill, PA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:08:29 GMT

Bin Laden is a coward who allows other people to do his fighting. The United States is in this war for several reasons, not the least of which is the protection of this nation. Have you all forgotten the deaths of more than 3,000 people on 9/11? Were you not watching as the terrorist training grounds, approved and encouraged by Sadam Hussein, were discovered in Iraq? Do you not see that those terrorists are murdering Iraqi people every day? Those people wanted freedom from Sadaam Hussein and his dictatorship. Sadam Hussein murdered his own people using WMD's...some of which we found, some of which were obviously gotten rid of in the wake of Democrats publicly decrying the fact that we were going to invade Iraq. We did not go there immediately,and there certainly was enough time to get rid of the weaponry across the borders into Iran.

Isn't it funny that Iran didn't have nuclear capability until AFTER Hussein was captured?

If we leave Iraq, it will be overtaken by the terrorists. The oil that is there will be used to further spread terrorism and to help the middle east to become even more dangerous to the United States.

Those liberal Americans who can't deal with us saying that it is better that the war be fought over there than in our own country, would be the first to cry foul if they were actually being shot at in this country. Think about the grief this nation suffered at their hands on 9/11 and ask yourself if you want a repeat. Do you want to see your children at the end of the day or your husband after work?

The terrorists who have turned the Iraqi people into refugees don't care what they have done to the children of Iraq...they only know that we are bleeding hearts and that they can divide the people of the United States with tear jerker stories. I know, because I responded to one regarding girls from Iraqi on my blog and I've been being written to by a terrorist ever since. He is using every story written by every liberal in this country, as well as the fact that the democrats want to cut and run, as reason for and justification for their murders.

While we fight amongst each other, the terrorists are laughing at this nation.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Douglas Davis, 1131 Candlewick Drive, Poplar Grove, IL 61065 — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:13:14 GMT

Before we spend too much time debating why we are in Iraq and whether or not we should have ever gotten involed there, let us all remember history. It's easy to sit here in the middle of the conflict and say that it will be remembered as a "useless war" and that history will prove that we (the US) "should have never gone in in the first place." History has given us great commnents made with the hindsight of history. Comments such as: Why didn't Truman let McArthur cross the Yellow River? and Why didn't Eisenhower let Patton move on into Moscow? A more recent one is "Why didn't Bush #1 allow Schwartzkopf to continue onto Baghdad?

Would China have been better off had Mao been stopped by McArthur? Would Russia be a better place today if Patton had continued and removed Stalin? If Schwartzkopf had continued to Baghdad, would there have been a need for us to return?

Rember, it wasn't until near the end of WWII that our leaders were convinced that Hitler was a madman. How many people died in his concentration camps while our leaders were wondering if he was as bad as people said he was?

I am not a big proponent of war, in any way shape or form. The world should learn to settle their difference peaceably. However, we are human beings, and it seems that war, and the reasons for fighting, are inbred in our species. Until everyone else in the world can live through centuries of peace and government stability, they really have no idea what it is like. We have, and therefore, we know. How do you make someone feel the way we do?

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Jorge E. Nava, Phoenix, Arizona — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:18:08 GMT

I am a vietnam veteran and retired from the US Air Force. As a veteran I have to respect the orders the the Commander in Chief who is our supreme leader, we voted for him and he is represent all the citizens of this country. In my opinion, he is doing the best to protect us from all that radicals muslims that want to control the world and their religion. If I could, I would voluteer to enlist and help in this fight in that part of the world, instead of fighting here in our country, with these type of terrorist, that all they believe is to kill infidels as they call us because we do not believe in their religion. We lost in Vietnam because some of these polititians they dod not know or understand us in the military. We have the will and the power of all free man to destroy these fanatics in their own countries. May God bless all branches of the military serving abroad and keep the moral high and proud to be citizens and defending all the rights and laws of the United States of America as always. I salute you and wish you the best to save this country of liberty and freedom for all citizens, reagrdles of race, creed or religion. Let the military do their job. Some of these politicians you are doing the same thing as Vietnam.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Sue, Huntsville AL — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:31:59 GMT

You can fool yourself into thinking that all the problems of the world rest on the shoulders of the American government, but we are that government. We elected the men who chose to go into Iraq. Blame yourself for either voting for the men who are in our government or for not voting for someone else -- that includes our congressmen and not just President Bush. Were we right to invade Iraq? I don't know, but I do not think we should pull out now and leave what peace-desiring Iraqis there are to the terrorists and extremists who would kill indiscriminately. If you doubt that there are many Iraqis who want us in Iraq, talk to your family members who have served in the military in Iraq -- from those I know who have served, we are wanted and are doing a lot of good. For the journalists who have died, my heart goes out to their families; however, as someone else has written, if you don't want to get killed, don't go into the battlefield. I don't need to see the blood and gore of war: I've seen the pain on the faces of my brothers and family members and the wounds of remembering what happened to them, who have served on foreign soil, and know what war can do. I've seen them die from the after-effects of serving in wartime. Those same men would tell you that they would do it all over again because it was necessary for our continued freedom. And for those of you who want to sit back on your haunches and blame Bush for everything wrong with our government decisions, you aren't very educated on how our government works. The president acts in conjunction with Congress. Ignorance is the blight of any nation. Thank God we are not all that way.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

LD, not, canada — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:34:38 GMT

Happy all could make their comments, pro and con, without a bullet to the head or prison term.
Seems in some governments / religions free speach and prayer is somewhat diminished.
I like to thank the people making the sacrifice allowing my freedom to pray or not, speak or not without being shot or imprisioned.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Kitty Reid, Salt Lake City, UT — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:34:50 GMT

These tragedies pain me, and all who hold human life in esteem. A lot of violence and hatred exists because people cling to hatred and bitterness when their hope of life, love, and a future is gone. We who are blessed to be in economically prosperous societies have the choice to assist organizations who are willing to educate the poor and economically oppressed, so that they have other options in life besides the hopelessness that draws them into cults of destruction. To all who sincerely care, please do what you can to support the proliferation of knowledge and kindness.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

FED UP TAXPAYER — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:37:05 GMT

12-13 Americans are killed DAILY in the USA, ON AMERICAN SOIL, by foriegn citizens. Illegal aliens. Yet no outrage, no news expose, no "Hate USA" speaches. Just the opposite, it is covered up and justified because we lure them here, we entice them with our way of life. BS! It is even more of a story Even more of a crisis than IRAQ!! Even more are killed in the USA from violent crime in ethnic neighborhoods, but that wouldn't be nice to report. Not handy enough, not sell enough airtime. I'm all for daisy cutting Iraq anywhere there is a hot spot to spank em down until they can't get up and bringing our troops home to cover our own border since we are in the midst of an invasion! Yes, GW is dropping the ball, but not in a way you think, we should have no mercy at all until there is surrender from insergents and Al-Qiada both, they do not respect anything short of total brutality, no it is not how we think, but it is how theey think. Just as those of you out there say setting up a 'democracy' isn't in their culteral mindset, niether is a merciful war. Their brand of islam is brought with a sword and must be defeated by one. He is also dropping the ball in not protecting this country! And he is not the only one, Clinton is guilty of this also, most are. Reagan was right to doubt the amnesty of 1986, it failed. If only he had done something firmer and not listened to Teddy Kennedy and his ilk then we would not have to deall with this now. As for Al Qiada, war came to us, not us to the war, thus though saddened by it, we must "Cry Havok, and let loose the dogs of War" until the war is resolved, and as for 'immigration', follow the laws and enforce the laws and border. PERIOD! to do less is treason, to weaken them is TREASON. A nation cannot exsist if it cannot enforce its borders.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Mike, Montgomery, TX — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:48:23 GMT

It seems to be the same old democratic and far-left rhetoric in most of these blogs.
There is only one reason for everytrhing and that's President Bush is the world's problem. 9/11 was not the first attempt at bombing the WTC but the the one that caught the most attention of our leader, Mr. Bush. The first attempt happened during Clinton's term in office and he shruggred that off much like a mosquito bitng an elephant. Not much damage was done or a big loss of life but, it did not wake us up to the real danger. 9/11 caused a lot of damage and thousands of lives were lost but that fact has been obscured by the secular progressives. Clinton had a chance to have bin Laden ona platter but didn't take him and that allowed him to plan and bomb us again. Despite all of what you have heard or read, the real story is in Iraq itself. I have been in Iraq from 2003 to 2005 and have seen it for myself. Most Iraqi's that I had conversations with were glad we came over there and deposed Saddam. You talk about impeaching Bush. I could say the same for the house and Senate. Their job is not tpo fight Bush but work with him to govern this country. The Dem's started their own war when they lost the last two presidential elections and have vowed to oppose the president on all fronts. Look at the headlines and on most newscasts and you'll find nothing but contempt in the last six years for Bush or Republicans. Reid ansd Polosi have not worked with the president at all on anything. They have made it their mission to destroy Bush. that's not what they were elected for. IF Hillary or Obama are the best the dems have to offer, one can only imagine what they offer the country which for the last six years has been nothing. Wake up, Dorthy, this isn't Kansas anymore!!!

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Donald, springfield Va — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:56:11 GMT

Look folks, We all have the same feelings. What do you do when you know that we need and desire to get out of the hell hole in that part of the world but now that were there and guys and gals have died, what do you say to the ones dead and wounded? thanks for going but the war was stupid! We have a fine line here with unfortunatly,, no end,, ever. Bush had no reason to start this war and history will scorn him. Cheney is a jerk and is responsible for what's going on. Dems will be elected next and rightfully so. They will cut and run. Our gov't need to secure the boarders totally, take over the energy secter as did Russia and Venezuala so we can be energy effecient and the gov't can make lots and lots of money. What goes along with that,, is cheaper fuel for ourselves. Did you hear me,,,, FOR OURSELVES

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Luke B, Manama Bahrain — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:57:08 GMT

Having served in Iraq and still in the Middle East Region, I've met and worked along side these same Iraqi people. Most are happy we're there that I've met and are angry with the insurgents, They hate that their fellow Iraqis can't get themselves together to strengthen their country. They would like for us to leave but understand that they are in no position to take charge of their own security right now. That's their perspective. Mine is that we cannot leave these people now. I didn't agree with invading Iraq. It shoulda been Iran. But I understand what must be done and volunteered to go to Iraq to help. I came out fine, but would go back if my country ask me too. I make no apologies for the presidents decisions, but sitting back and writing on blogs isn't helping anything. I'm tired of cowards in America(liberals)talking. That's all they've been proven to do. Talking is good for publishing books and articles. In the end what have you done? I know what I've done, and I belive I'm on the right side. But I will gladly give my life or a limb so you cowards can attack my country, my president, and my American Ideals with your words, because as much as I hate to admit it, that is also American. May we come out of this fiasco with some kind of national dignity....

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Christopher Joseph, Duluth, Minnesota — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 18:11:54 GMT

My heart goes out to all the Iraqi people and to everyone who is suffering because of this. When will the suffering end? People argue over and over about the legitimacy and the morality of the Iraq war. Where are the people who will give solutions? Where are the people who will actually do something to alleviate the pain and suffering?

Whether we stay in Iraq or leave, it will not change the reality of suffering. We can change this. We can actually change the suffering. We all only need to answer one question. What is it worth to me to change the suffering I see? What can I and what wil I give up to help other?

We live in our comfort. We move forward with consumerism. We could change the world. Most of us choose to sit in the comfort of our lives and pursue capitalistic hopes and materialistic aspirations. If we really care, then why don't we do something? Why don't we give up our comfort and give everything we have to help people and friends who are suffering?

It is wrong that innocent men, women, and children suffer and some die. I think it is more wrong that we sit in our comfort and watch these innocent people suffer and die.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

BILL QUINION Schenectady, N.Y. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 18:12:44 GMT

When it comes to any war REASON dictates it is wise to first "KNOW YOUR ENEMY". What is his ultimate goal?
As I see it this is a war of a strict religious organization sufficating the God - given rights and abilities of its' followers and encouraging them to attack any country that poses a threat to their control. They know that their mind control of their followers cannot be changed by a bullet or a bomb. Their solution to insuring mind control is to cut off the heads of all who disagree with their views; effectively saying that ALLAH was mistaken in giving the poor the ability to think for themselves.
Every empire that ever existed rose and FELL because they adopted this same philosophy. They built elaborate temples, palices and seats of government without regard to the welfare of the general population requireing that they make sacrifices to false gods for the benefit of the Empire.
The only defense against this type of enemy is vigilance to be ever alert to the possability of attack and to be on guard against COMPLACENCY ( the belief that it can't happen here ).
Complacency is what allowed 911 to happen in the first place as well as the previous attack on the WTC. They hope to defeat us by attacking our economy which is why the Germans and others have counterfeited our currency and some are still doing so today.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Joey Clats, Orlando FL — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:53:33 GMT

As much as this volleying of the same comments in all of the other Iraq-related discussions is entertaining, we've all lost sight of why this war began. In the weeks before our "shock and awe" campaign began, you may remember that the UN placed sanctions against Iraq, in regard to allowing inspectors in to their facilities. As these sanctions were rebuffed by Saddam, and the UN decided to "not be the bad guys" and allow Iraq to get away with whatever it wanted, the US along with several other nations formed a coalition who's aim was to remove Saddam from office and stabalize the region. Iraq had EVERY opportunity to comply with all of these sanctions, but chose not to do so, knowing that this noncompliance would result in a show of force. So here we are 3 years later still getting the job done and yet the inevitable casualities of this conflict (which I have shown was Iraq's choice to engage in) all get attributed to one man. As that one man said, the rebuilding of Iraq will NOT be easy. It is so counterproductive, in my opinion to the point of hilarity, to criticize one man for the actions of many. Going into Iraq was NOT a personal vendetta, it was the result of Iraq's refusal to comply with the wishes of the world at large. Granted, it was only one man had the guts to stand up and get the ball rolling and overthrow a government that SUPPORTS TERRORISM. And I'm sure the response to this will be the US gave this and that to Saddam or Bin Laden back when there was a new episode of Welcome Back Kotter coming on every week. Saddam's regime FUNDED PEOPLE THAT FLEW PLANES INTO THE TWIN TOWERS, KILLING OVER 3000 AMERICANS. Bush should make no apologies for attempting to prevent this from happening again. Am I saying that we should go to war with everyone who supports and funds Islamic Radicals? YES!!! I agree that there are problems at home that need fixing, but to have an enormous Fanatical Relgious sect preaching hatred and murder of Americans is a more dire one. So please, this war is not about Bush, that is not how this government works. Half of the people posting these comments must be under the impression that we are operating under a monarchy which no one has the ability to challenge, that's why we have 3 branches to our government. Where is the outcry to have every member who voted for the war (DEM or REP) thrown out of office? People always want a scapegoat and who better than someone who is typically not a speech afficianado (but none of us ever trip on our words) and doing what he thinks it takes to protect our country. Morale of the story? Keep it up, you guys are funny.

Iraqis dying to tell the story

Ron Roberts, H.B. Calif. — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 23:00:18 GMT

Cut and Run, Stay and Fight, Whose right and whose wrong?

Lets have this decided democratically by the people who will be most affected by the outcome, the citizens of Iraq.

Was the last vote there a one off?
Is there never going to be another vote there?

If the citizens of Iraq ask us to stay and help them fight the insurgents would there be anyone here opposed to that?

I bet we would rally and support all efforts to rid Iraq of thier foes.

But how do we know what is right?
How do we know what the people of Iraq really want from us?

Why is it our responsability to decide their fate?

Why can't we let them decide for themselves what to do next?

To the Iraqi people I say:

STICK THOSE THUMBS IN THE PURPLE DIE, TELL US WHAT YOU WANT AND WE WILL DO IT.

WE BELEIVE IN DEMOCRACY!