April 29, 2004

The rest of Iraq
Posted by Jon Henke

It's important to remember that things in Iraq are not going as badly as the headlines might lead you to believe. In areas not called "Fallujah"....

"The first few days, I think everybody was scared," said Champion, 23, of Jupiter, Fla. "But a lot of patrols are coming back and saying people are starting to be friendly again. Maybe it's because they know that we're not kidding."

Iraqi police were reportedly patrolling in areas in which they normally were not seen. Lima Company Staff Sgt. Matthew St. Pierre was so surprised that he stopped one police officer and asked to see his credentials.

"I couldn't believe it," said St. Pierre, of Vallejo, Calif. "Usually these guys are nowhere to be found. This guy had just graduated from our police academy. He was so proud that he ran home and got his diploma to show me."

And why are things going well there?
"I think the amount of force that we displayed over the past few days definitely has changed their outlook."
...
"One thing that I do know is that the Iraqi people respond to who they think is the strongest," said Neal, 29, of San Francisco. "They saw the velvet glove when we first came in, and then we took off the glove and showed them the iron fist."
I think this is a vital point. After decades, generations, under totalitarian regimes, the Iraqi people have learned to go along to get along. They may not like the regime, but they know full well that they can't fight back.....so they make the best of it.

Well, that'll be fine. Let's just make sure they "make the best of it" with us, rather than with the insurgents. Have we learned that lesson? Who knows. But we are ramping up the pressure in Fallujah, so.....

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