With all the new discussion about Iraq, especially the escalating debate over an exit strategy, I felt like now might be the time to provide some reasons, realistic legitimate reasons, why we are here.
If these don't fit why we came in the first place, I am certain they can justify staying now.
These are my personal reasons, not political sound-bytes, and I invite other service members to post their opinions here as well. Just make sure to do it in a professional manner.
The first is improving Baghdad itself. During a recent mission, we spent 3 weeks installing medians, filling potholes, and, believe it or not, removing/burning trash and debris. We also repaired some utilities equipment.
The second is attempting to stabilize the government. I don't believe that the Iraqi government is making an honest effort due to corruption, religous quarrel, and local/regional power struggles. By fighting the militias, we are forcing Iraqi leaders to handle their disagreements in the capitol, not the streets of Baghdad and Fallujah.
The third is re-establishing the economy. We provide contracts for many local goods to help merchants/contractors to establish themselves. We also use local construction and utilities where possible. Also, we provide some security at the borders, where they are open, to allow trade with other nations to get up and running.
The last, and most important, is the people. I've had a crying Kurdish woman throw flowers at me in thanks. I shared a can of Mountain Dew with a small girl in Baghdad one night, and she hugged me and thanked us all for being so good. I had to fight back tears that time. I've played soccer with children, I've given out candy and toys, and I've seen hundreds, literally hundreds, of people waving, smiling, and saying thank you.
If nothing else, the good people of Iraq, who endured so much suffering and restriction, can wrench your heart from your chest with their endless gratitude. Nothing can compare to being offered tea with an Iraqi family, or sitting on a sidewalk in Baghdad, sharing a soda with a very sweet little girl who had a beautiful smile.
These may not be the political reasons. They may not seem to be legitimate to some of you. But they are MY reasons. They are why, in my second deployment to Iraq now, I will continue to endure the beaurcracy and confusion of leadership, the irritations of crappy living conditions, the blistering heat and disgusting winter mud, and continue to do my job. They are the reasons that I am proud of what I do, and why I will do it again and again if I am asked.
I'm not advocating staying forever. I'm not advocating continuing violence, unless it's necessary. I'm just telling you why, if ordered to stay, I'll do it and not bitch. And that is why American soldiers are who we are It's why, at the end of the day, we can all feel like we are, in our own little way, making some difference on the ground. No matter what the politicians and news anchors say.
No matter what our military or political objectives are, these are the things that matter to me.
If these don't fit why we came in the first place, I am certain they can justify staying now.
These are my personal reasons, not political sound-bytes, and I invite other service members to post their opinions here as well. Just make sure to do it in a professional manner.
The first is improving Baghdad itself. During a recent mission, we spent 3 weeks installing medians, filling potholes, and, believe it or not, removing/burning trash and debris. We also repaired some utilities equipment.
The second is attempting to stabilize the government. I don't believe that the Iraqi government is making an honest effort due to corruption, religous quarrel, and local/regional power struggles. By fighting the militias, we are forcing Iraqi leaders to handle their disagreements in the capitol, not the streets of Baghdad and Fallujah.
The third is re-establishing the economy. We provide contracts for many local goods to help merchants/contractors to establish themselves. We also use local construction and utilities where possible. Also, we provide some security at the borders, where they are open, to allow trade with other nations to get up and running.
The last, and most important, is the people. I've had a crying Kurdish woman throw flowers at me in thanks. I shared a can of Mountain Dew with a small girl in Baghdad one night, and she hugged me and thanked us all for being so good. I had to fight back tears that time. I've played soccer with children, I've given out candy and toys, and I've seen hundreds, literally hundreds, of people waving, smiling, and saying thank you.
If nothing else, the good people of Iraq, who endured so much suffering and restriction, can wrench your heart from your chest with their endless gratitude. Nothing can compare to being offered tea with an Iraqi family, or sitting on a sidewalk in Baghdad, sharing a soda with a very sweet little girl who had a beautiful smile.
These may not be the political reasons. They may not seem to be legitimate to some of you. But they are MY reasons. They are why, in my second deployment to Iraq now, I will continue to endure the beaurcracy and confusion of leadership, the irritations of crappy living conditions, the blistering heat and disgusting winter mud, and continue to do my job. They are the reasons that I am proud of what I do, and why I will do it again and again if I am asked.
I'm not advocating staying forever. I'm not advocating continuing violence, unless it's necessary. I'm just telling you why, if ordered to stay, I'll do it and not bitch. And that is why American soldiers are who we are It's why, at the end of the day, we can all feel like we are, in our own little way, making some difference on the ground. No matter what the politicians and news anchors say.
No matter what our military or political objectives are, these are the things that matter to me.
