News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Opinions
Sports
Diversions
World News
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Classifieds
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
Commentary
Troops should respect Iraqis
Published:
Thursday, June 19, 2003
In recent weeks, many American and Iraqi soldiers have been casualties of violence occuring from Tikrit to the Syrian border. The U.S. blames holdover from Hussein's regime, the Sunni Muslim. Iraqi citizens argued there was a different reason for the violence. Shortages in water and electricity, delays in establishing a new government, and weariness of the humiliation caused by home and road searches are only some of the complaints Iraqi's had.
Is it any surprise then, that Iraqi citizens who are forced to proceed through weapon check points that take up to an hour in 120 degree heat are a little miffed?
Iraqis are also getting a bit disturbed by the fact that American soldiers enter houses and take riffles without paying for them. Iraqis are then, in essence, disturbed by something that early American colonists faced by decree of the Crown, and did away with once they established the Constitution.
And to take something without paying for it in America is called theft.
Is it a terrible shock that Iraqis should expect to be treated by Americans with the same amount of respect with which they treat one another?
These people have lived in fear and under a reign of terror for long enough. Is it so hard to understand that they feel vulnerable and their weapons give them a sense of security and protection?
In order to truly help Iraqis and assist in their liberation, Americans should start treating them like people. Not only that, people who deserve respect and understanding.
Most people are taught as children that when you go over to another person's home, you behave even better than you do at home. You don't just walk in the door, leave mudprints all over the new carpet then complain about the dinner that was prepared for you. That would be just plain rude. And to put it mildly, that is what the U.S. foreign policy has been of late: just plain rude.
In late April, at least 15 people were killed in a demonstration against American involvement. American soldiers said they were shot at, and residents denied the claim.
Disregarding the adversity toward American involvement instead of truly addressing it, the U.S. is sending a message to Iraqis and they are hearing it loud and clear: "You are a child and we are adults. Don't ask questions, we know best."
Is it a big shock Iraqis are then resentful and angry? Not really. What the U.S. is doing by failing to accomodate the customs and rituals of a different people is not only harmful now, but has the potential for being much more volatile in the years to come. Young generations of Iraqis are already developing hatred in their hearts toward the intruders who kill their families, take their possessions and treat them with disrespect.
If the U.S. government doesn't change its policy with Iraqis soon, it will only make more enemies and more wars.
Forum:
No comments have been posted for this story.
Post a comment
Privacy Policy
Network Advertising
Article Syndication
