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Name
Burgundy
- United States
Profession
Question
I am hearing conflicting accounts regarding the use of tanks by Iraqi troops, especially along the desert heading north from Kuwait. Some soldiers say the Iraqi troops used only “pickup trucks, old cars, or vans.” Yet the media tells us that US troops encountered hundreds of Iraqi tanks. Who is right?
Answer
Both are actually right. The Iraqis have used a combination of T-72's T-55's and T-52's (Russian tanks), and also civilian vehicles, such as trucks, vans, etc.
Name
dorrok- europe
-
Profession
Question
How did you feel when you were ordered to kill innocent people... and how do you feel now after leaving the battlefield?
Answer
Honestly, I was never ordered to kill any innocent people. When it came down to it, I only shot at people that were actively trying to kill me. I feel like a survivor now that I am off the battlefield. Knowing that I have killed people doesn't make me feel powerful or anything of the sort; however, I did what I had to do in order to survive in war.
Name
Faruk
- United States
Profession
student
Question
We saw lots of soldiers relating their missions to what happened in 9-11. Now, you see on ground people suffering from an unprovoked attack and nothing to do with 9-11. What are the main lessons you learnt from this bitter experience?
Answer
That violence in every form it takes is negative. I have learned that violence provokes violence, and the only thing that comes from it is death and destruction. However, I have also learned that there are times at which it is necessary in order to create a greater good.
Name
Dionis Caci
-
Profession
Question
Hi! My dearest sympathy for having the courage to step up and speak on what is going on in Iraq. There are many reports from Landstuhl Germany hospital that more than 6000 soldiers are treated there since the beginning of the war. Why isn’t CentCom not reporting the wounded. And also there are reports that the number of the causalities is higher than what the CentCom is reporting. I understand you can’t speak of these things in detail for a number of reasons but a short answer would do.
Also we understand that many American troops don’t want to continue anymore this madness that is going on in Iraq; what choices do they have??? I mean, can they just quit this and go home! or do something else instead which allows them to go home??
Thanks for your time And may God ease your sufferings and those like you there, and the sufferings of the Iraqi people. Peace.
Answer
In all honestly, I'm not entirely qualified to speak about matters of intelligence or anything relating to CentCom because I really don't know anything about those things. However, I know that alot of the soldiers just want to go back home and end their tour in Iraq. This is partially because the morale there isn't very high. There really isn't anything that can be done about it though. The soldiers are professionals and, therefore, must carry out their lawful orders, regardless of their wants. They will have to stay there until ordered to leave.
Name
Faisal
-
Profession
Question
Could the soldier from America's troops tell us honestly what the exact number of US causaulties is since the beginning of the war, and also if the resistance is on the rise or is it decreasing?
I would like the US soldier to answer this question, please. Thanks.
Answer
I'm not certain the of the exact number of casualties of war for either side as of right now. However, when I left Iraq in August the number of attacks was decreasing dramatically.
Name
Sara
-
Profession
Question
Hi, do you believe the war on Iraq was fair?
Answer
I do, in fact, believe that the war with Iraq was both fair and necessary. I cannot even begin to describe to you how wonderful it felt to have people running up to me hugging and kissing me and thanking me for freeing them. Too many people look at this war in the terms of looking for Weapons of Mass Destruction. More people should look at it as the liberation of oppressed Iraqi citizens.
Name
abo kamal
-
Profession
journalist, palestine
Question
What is the difference between the US soldier and the Isreali one as there is killing and here is killing,and all of them say it is a not deliberate; they both kill journalists too. Is it a global policy to supress the voice of rights?
Answer
Liberation is the key in the difference between the two sets of fighters. One army fights for the liberation of an oppressed people, the other quite simply does not.
Name
chris
-
Profession
gov job
Question
How did you react to constant racist remarks and belittling Iraqi civilains during and after the war?
Answer
I took those comments to my commanders. It is my personal belief that the Iraqi people are possibly the finest people on earth. Therefore I would not put up with anyone belittling them or making racist emarks to them.
Name
Taqwa
-
Profession
Question
1. Do you ever say to yourself that these Iraqis are ungrateful: after we ‘freed’ them, they still give us havoc? Or do you understand why they want you to leave their country?
2. Have you had a chance to study Islam in Iraq? If so, what has your experience been? If not, do you intend on doing so?
Answer
In all honestly, I have thought that the Iraqis were a bit ungrateful, but then I came to realize that the majority are, in fact, not. Most of them are very grateful; however there are a very few who are not. In that respect they are much like Americans. Everyone has their own opinion.
Also, I learned very little about Islam in Iraq. However, I did learn enough to become interested in persuing a knowledge in this religion.
Name
Kamal Funsho
- Nigeria
Profession
Question
As a US soldier, in light of the experience you've got so far coupling with the horrendous situation facing your colleagues right now in Iraq, if you were asked to go there again, would you do that?
My second question is: How can a US soldier ‘complain first before obey’ when he sees the duty runs counter to his conscience?
Thanks
Answer
If called back into action, I would certainly go back without hesitation. It's not that I particularly enjoyed my tour over there, but I really think that this entire process was necessary.
In response to your second question, I have an example: One of the Privates in my platoon is Muslim. He did not want to fight against the Iraqis. He expressed this to his supervisor and was not required to fight. He instead went to the medic platoon to assist them through the war.
Name
Masood Ahmed
-
Profession
Question
Salaam,
This question is for Nathanial Hoge who has served recently in Iraq.
I was a bit surprised when I saw a US soldier agreeing to answer questions from (I figure) mostly Muslims around the world (who are readers of this site). I am sure you will share your motives in detail so I will not ask that question.
My question is:
Would you be willing to participate in a similar war in the future?
Thanks
Answer
I would be willing to participate in a similar war in the future. Although I may not particularly enjoy the experience (nobody in their right mind would), I would be willing to do it again.
You spoke of my motives. I know that you didn't ask, but I feel that I should still state that my motives are simple. I intend to talk with good people about a subject in which they have an interest. I believe that if I know something and you want to know it, I should tell you.
Name
Lamya Tawfik
-
Profession
Question
1. Do you find it difficult to sleep at night?
2. Are you aware that the weapons the US army was using contain Depleted Uranium (DU) and that your own life is in danger? Do you not fear the Gulf War Syndrome which has claimed the lives of so many US soldiers?
3. Do you feel that the war was justified?
Thank you
Answer
I have found that it's a bit difficult to sleep at night now. I think that is primarily because I didn't do very much sleeping whilst overseas.
I actually worked around DU a good bit while I was in Iraq. I was exposed to it in most of its forms. I must admit that I was in fact concerned about my health over that matter. However, now after having learned more about it and going through extensive tests, I don't really think that it is a big problem.
I do in fact believe that this war was justified. We have freed an oppressed people.
Name
hashim
-
Profession
Question
What are the real identities of those fighting the US soldiers ? Will Iraq be another Vietnam for America ?
Answer
The typical identities (enitities) of those opposing our forces are radicals and extremists. We haven't really seen much resistance from any true organized fighting forces.
I don't believe that this will be as extreme as Vietnam for America. However, a lot of the same fighting tactics that the Vietnamese used are being employed by the Iraqi fighting men.
Name
chris
-
Profession
Question
How did you feel when you heard soldiers commiting war crimes? I heard stories of rape from people who have Iraqi relatives. And,also, same stories from one part of the world and the other.
Answer
I felt enraged when I first heard that war crimes were being committed, although I never encountered any while I was there. I still have negative feelings to those who were involved in crimes of war.
Name
Gerald
-
Profession
Question
Here in the Netherlands, the government is helping the USA in Iraq. I myself am against the USA. I find them arrogant and think they want to rule the world like the Nazis did. What do you think about the US foreign policy? Is the USA looking for worldpower?
Are there warcrimes commited by Americans in Iraq?
Answer
To an extent, I both agree and disagree. It is not my place however to speak on our international policies. I have no expertise in those areas.
To your last question, yes, there are war crimes being committed in Iraq. However, we are dealing with them as they happen.
Name
Bethany
- United States
Profession
Attorney
Question
Most Dear Nathanial:
I just want you to know that we in America appreciate your sacrifice. You are confronting danger everyday. I just pray for your very safe return. May God protect you and all of our soldiers. God willing, we will have all of you back home safe and sound. And God willing, the Iraqi people will also be safe.
Answer
I wish to express my most heartfelt thanks to you and your family. You are truly appreciated by all soldiers both here and abroad.
Name
justice
-
Profession
Question
Excuse me, you are trying to tell us that you are a patriot doing what your commanders tell you, but all the world must know that your war in Iraq was unjust and against humanity and against all the religious and socail and human values. You are stealing this country, you're killing innocents. If u don't know that, here I'm telling you. Please go to your president. Stop lying...
Answer
I would make an effort to address these statements; however, you there have no key points to address. You have cited nothing to support either your claims or accusations. My apologies for my inablitiy to address your concerns.
Name
C
-
Profession
soldier
Question
In response to what you mentioned to Sara from USA about the fact that the war is fair: The people of Iraq were happy because Saddam had gone. But after a while they had a lot of resentment because the soldiers and officers who dont understand the cultural barriers and many soldiers taunt and humilate them. They are living under a harsh occupation by a country they always were sucispicous of for very legitimate reasons.
After being back you'll hear many soldiers angry about the occupation and during it they thought it was bull too.
The Iraqi people have no Saddam. That's great, but no jobs, and their values are going to be taken away by our immoral pop culture, and you know that is going to happen and that is the plan.
Remeber not democracy we are supporting but materlistic securalism. This is not what people in the Middle East want. This is what they fear. And the Iraqis told soldiers lie a lot because of fear but they told me truth because we have common background. Remember the white flags after Baghdad fell and the grins in their faces. Rock of the marne.
Answer
That statement is very true. I agree with you 100%. It is my personal opinion that now that the war is over, we need to pull out and allow the Iraqis more personal space. I think that we should assist them in rebuilding their country and leave the governing to them alone.
Name
Mohammad
-
Profession
Question
Are you doing this for Israel?
Answer
No, we are not doing this for Israel. We are doing this in the interest of, not only the Iraqi citizens and Americans, but also for the world's own welfare.
Name
ds sfda
-
Profession
Question
I have a simple question: What did you do in Iraq and what is the future for the US soldiers there? I mean here soldiers, not US adminstration, because I know that men like Bush do not care about the US soldiers’ lives
Thanks
Answer
I fought on the front lines in the initial war. After that, I secured a couple areas in Baghdad and ran daily patrols, in essence becoming a policeman.
Once in Fallujah, Habbaniyah, and Thrthar, I enacted the position of a guard, watching over a stretegic dam.
As far as the future for soldiers there goes, I can't really say that I know the answer to that.
Name
Ahmed
-
Profession
Mobile phone repair
Question
Here in the USA we hear some words in almost every church that the Iraq invasion has paved the way for the return of Jesus which every Christian (espcially Lutherns) and Jew is waiting for. No need to explain all details becasue we all know it, do you agree? If not, how many you think in the US army believe in this theory?
Answer
As far as my religious belief goes, I tend to agree with this theory although I am among a select few of the soldiers who actually do. As much as I hate to admit it, I believe that this will all end very badly. I have no reason or evidence to believe this. This is just a personal hunch (for the lack of a better word) that I have.
Name
Burgundy
-
Profession
Question
You have answered my question. But the reason I asked is that because, early on, the embedded journalists showed us literally hundreds and hundreds of burning tanks and said they were all caused by American attacks. Still, several hundred tanks were left along the Iraqi desert after the first Gulf War, which leads one to believe that some of the air strikes were focused on these OLD tanks. One embedded journalist, Michael Savidge, advised that they encountered "60" Iraqi tanks and that were all destroyed by Americans. Yet the following day he tells us they could find no bodies at the site of these attacks. Any comment?
Answer
I'm not entirely certain what to make of that. I believe that what you are saying is true; yet, I have no real reaction to speak of. I do however know that if we had a vehicle to be attacked and there were deaths or casualties otherwise, we pulled them out immediately. There is a distinct possibility that that is the case with the Iraqi tankers.
Name
Abdullah Aldahhan
-
Profession
Question
What is the state of health among the American soldiers in Iraq? And, generally, do you think the soldiers are willing to do what they are ordered to do? Or are they doing it because they have to? Thank you very much.
Answer
The general health of the soldiers in Iraq is actually very good. When I was there, we went through a little bout with food sickness when we began to eat some of the local food. Other than that I would say that most of the illness that is over there now is that of common colds and the occasional spider bites or scorpion stings.
Most soldiers are willing to do what they are ordered to do, although some only do so because they are instructed to do so.
Name
Felicity Arbuthnot
-
Profession
Question
Dear Private Hoge,
How will you cope, for the rest of your life, knowing that you have taken part in destroying an entire civil society and a totally illegal war?
You have partaken in destroying the land which brought the world all we call civilised: the first domestic laws nearly three thousand years before Christ, algebra, mathematics, the wheel, the first written records.
Ur, where the US are now building a base and where the great ziggurarat has been sprayed with graffiti by US troops, is believed to be the birth place of Abraham, father of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Abraham was believed to be suckled on two fingers – one which graced forth milk and the other, honey; thus Iraq is called the ‘land of milk and honey.’ Your colleagues have committed another sacrilege of historic proportions. Qurna, site of the Garden of Eden, is a few miles from Ur, as is the site of the Hanging Gardens, that wonder of the world, at Babylon.
Iraq’s ‘sovereignty and integrity’ is guaranteed under UN Resolution 661. You have partaken in the illegal overthrow of a sovereign government – whatever its hue, ‘disappeared’ thousands, are unaccountable to anybody.
How many civilians, going about their business, did you kill? Did you even know that to stand at a checkpoint with your arm up and palm out means ‘welcome,’ so people in their own country, not yours, drive through and get shot?
We are informed that US soldiers will not be held accountable for their killings, thefts from homes and stores, and the US army does not account for civilian deaths. After all, they are only Iraqis. How will you live with this? And lastly, ‘obeying orders’ was not good enough at Nuremburg and it is not good enough now. History will slaughter you all for what you have done. How will you atone for this unique obscenity in the name of oil?
I am sorry to be harsh; this is a land and a people I love beyond life itself, which your colleagues and country has defiled for all time. The Iraqis fighting you are not terrorists, Baathist sympathisers; they are simply the proudest of people who want their country back and the US and UK, illegal invaders and illegal occupiers. “We will pull down their statues and destroy their high places” says the Old Testament Book of Numbers. Looks like your President with his fundamentalist, scary beliefs really did send you on a ‘Crusade.’
I wish I could feel sorry for you all, but I don't. If you are clever enough to fight and kill, fly planes, drive tanks - you are smart enough to know when something is wrong and say: ‘no.’
Answer
If Saddam's regime is considered a civil society then I'm afraid that I must say that I feel relieved to know that I have taken part in ridding the world of it. I am aware of the customs of Iraq and I am also aware that Rhuoa does not mean come on through and that Arjae certianly doesn't mean enter.
As I have stated before, I shot at nobody unless I was taking hostile fire from that particular person.
I would think that you would want a land you love so much back from Saddam's evil grips. I believe that we have given it to you. It is my personal opinion that our job is done; however, I am not the one who has a say in that matter.
Name
Ahmad
- Iraq
Profession
Question
I am an Iraqi. We Iraqis hate all US soldiers as we hate Satans. US Soldiers nothing but a bunch of criminals. From my own house, they stole gold and money. They insulted and slapped me in front of my family. IRAQ never attacked USA. This war violated international law. You and your buddies in US army killed thousands of innocent civilians for an illigal war. In every aspect Bush-Blair is war criminal.
Do you have courage to face international war criminal court (in the future) for your crimes against humanity?
Answer
Yes, I do. If that is what it comes to. I am truly sorry to hear that crimes have been committed against you personally. I would like to think that all soldiers would live up to the standards set before us. I understand that you are going to feel the way you feel regardless of what you say. My only concern is why you prefer living under Saddam's regime.
Name
Richard
- United States
Profession
Question
Before I get to my question let me state that I served in the US Navy for 5 years and that my wife is still serving in the Navy after 7 years. We are both Muslim. We also understand that you have a job to do and that you are required to do it under punishment of the UCMJ if you do not carry your duties out as ordered. My question is, how do you view Islam and Muslims after spending some time living with them?
My last question is, have you noticed any differences between what you saw in Iraq and what has been reported in the western media? Thank you for being brave enough to do this interview. This took a lot of guts.
Answer
My viewpoint of Islam and Muslims after living with them is simple. I love every last one of them. I have never had the priviledge of living with kinder people. I have noticed an extreme difference in the people there and the media's depiction of them. The media for some reason has singled out the less pleasant Iraqis and put them on television. To all Muslims everywhere I take my hat off to you. Salamu Alaikum.
Name
Burgundy
-
Profession
medical student-USA
Question
Now we are learning that many thousands of US troops have been returned stateside because of mysterious maladies other than pneumonia and combat related injuries. How do you feel, and were you ever engaged in looking for WMD in Iraq?
Answer
I'm not really sure how to react to the circumstances surrounding the return of troops to the states. And I was in fact tasked to look for WMD; however, I can say no more than that about them.
Name
assick hossen
- Mauritius
Profession
Question
You are proud of liberating the Iraqi people. Is it not high time for the US Army to liberate the Palestinians butchered by the Israeli Army supported by the U.S.A?
Answer
I am sorry that I cannot address that issue. I am afraid that I have been out of the loop so to sleak for so long that I really don't have a strong knowledge as to the situation in the part of the world.
Name
ali mansour
-
Profession
Question
Sir, 60% of the US soldiers in Iraq were either jobless or trying to get the green card. For you why did you enter the US army? To get MONEY, or job? For GOD sake don't tell me that you entered the army to defend your country or the Bush's democracy lie.
Answer
In all honestly, I joined for a bit of defense. I had friends killed on 9/11 and wanted to honor their memory. I quit college in order to join the military.
Name
noureddine
- Belgium
Profession
helpdesk
Question
Is there a chance American soldiers will stay for a long period in Iraq?
How are the Iraqis reacting towards the foreign forces?
Answer
I think that American soldiers will be in Iraq for many years to come. I don't personally agree with this, but I think that that will be the case.
The Iraqis' reaction for the most part is a positive one. We have a few that do not like us, but we are dealing with it fairly well.
Name
A.
-
Profession
Question
How do you assess the resistance of the Iraqis? How many experiences, if any, have you had with these fighters after the end of major combat?
Answer
I've had a few incidences with combat after major combat ended. I would have to say that the resistance is fairly weak, and almost half hearted.
Name
Amral
- Jordan
Profession
Question
How could you have done it? How could you Americans lie and say you want to help the people of Iraq. Everyone there is in so much hell thanks to you. How does it feel? Americans think so much about "freedom." Well I hope you know Bush is a worse dictator than Sadaam.
I'm curious. Is what America did to Palestine freedom? Giving all the land to the Jews and now we just have to fight back just for our own land? Is that freedom and people's choice to you?
Answer
See answer to same question below. Thank you for your concern.
Name
James Darwin
- United Kingdom
Profession
Business
Question
Is it true? In Iraq there are few US soldiers converted to Islam and the number is mounting? Do you think those soldiers will be commited to their job after conversion?
Answer
I'm not really certain about the rates of conversion, but I'm certain that they probably high. If so, I know nothing about their attitudes about their jobs now.
Name
UmmJamilah
-
Profession
Question
Don't you feel shy making pathetice excuses for the devastation of a country and its people? And where are those "weapons of mass destruction" the US and Uk insisted existed?
Wasn't that after all the justification for this carnage?
Answer
I feel no shyness whatsoever for I am not making excuses in the least. Also, as far as the WMDs go, I am not qualified to make any statements about those.
Name
-
-
Profession
Question
How do you feel you've 'freed the oppressed people'??! The people in Iraq have gone from one dictator to an occupation from the west and are in the exact if not worst situation that before!
How do you then justify 'freeing oppressed people'?
Answer
I feel as if I have done my job to the best of my ablilities. I can look at the reactions of the people in Iraq and know that I have done it correctly.
Name
aztz
-
Profession
Question
You are claiming that the US army are doing a very noble work in IRAQ, that you saved Iraq from the dictator; why are you not finishing your job in Israel: Saving the Palestinian from, in my opinion, a more bloody dictator -- SHARON?
My point is that BUSH has his own agenda. You are a simple solder.
Answer
I do now know anything about the policies in Israel or Palestine at this time. Therefore, I am not qualified to make any statements regarding those issues.
