Uniforms & Weapons
I recall a movie. Its events are about a battle between Germany and France during the reign of Bismarck and Napoleon III (the Franco-Prussian war,1870-71).
A group of about ten French soldiers receive an order to retreat from the front line. After walking for a long time equipped with heavy military stuff, they are exhausted and out of breath. They come across a flock of ducks which imitate the soldiers in a funny way. The soldiers hunt a duck and cook it. After an uproarious meal, one of the soldiers goes to bring water for his companions from a nearby lake.
He decides to take off his uniform to swim. Once he starts swimming, an unexpected surprise is waiting for him. There is a German soldier swimming in the lake. Each of them hurries, out of water, to his rifle, aiming at other, panting and showing fierce hatred. Both of them are naked. After a little while of silence and awaiting, they burst in laughter.
They put down their rifles and sit together chatting, talking about their agonies, anguish, hopes, their sweetheart’s names and families…etc.
Abruptly, the two armies start again exchanging artillery shelling. Both of them hasten to his uniform, helmet, rifle and other stuff, and hurry back to their units. And as a funny coincidence, each one of them discovers that he took the uniform and the helmet of the other. Then, a series of humorous events take place by accusing them to be spies for the other army.
The movie tries to deliver a message which says:
‘WAR IS NOTHING MORE THAN UNIFORMS AND GUNS and IF PEOPLE TAKE OFF UNIFORMS, DISMISS WEAPONS, then LOVE, UNDERSTANDING AND FRIENDSHIP WILL DOMINATE THE RELATIONS BETWEEN PEOPLES’.
A similar message is said by 2Slick on his blog. It says:
A group of about ten French soldiers receive an order to retreat from the front line. After walking for a long time equipped with heavy military stuff, they are exhausted and out of breath. They come across a flock of ducks which imitate the soldiers in a funny way. The soldiers hunt a duck and cook it. After an uproarious meal, one of the soldiers goes to bring water for his companions from a nearby lake.
He decides to take off his uniform to swim. Once he starts swimming, an unexpected surprise is waiting for him. There is a German soldier swimming in the lake. Each of them hurries, out of water, to his rifle, aiming at other, panting and showing fierce hatred. Both of them are naked. After a little while of silence and awaiting, they burst in laughter.
They put down their rifles and sit together chatting, talking about their agonies, anguish, hopes, their sweetheart’s names and families…etc.
Abruptly, the two armies start again exchanging artillery shelling. Both of them hasten to his uniform, helmet, rifle and other stuff, and hurry back to their units. And as a funny coincidence, each one of them discovers that he took the uniform and the helmet of the other. Then, a series of humorous events take place by accusing them to be spies for the other army.
The movie tries to deliver a message which says:
‘WAR IS NOTHING MORE THAN UNIFORMS AND GUNS and IF PEOPLE TAKE OFF UNIFORMS, DISMISS WEAPONS, then LOVE, UNDERSTANDING AND FRIENDSHIP WILL DOMINATE THE RELATIONS BETWEEN PEOPLES’.
A similar message is said by 2Slick on his blog. It says:
“…a question that I am constantly asked by fellow Americans- even today. "Do they want us over there?" My answer is always, "Of course not! Not with weapons and body armor on!" And we don't want to be there either- not under the present circumstances. Most Iraqis are quick to point out that they are glad Saddam is gone, they appreciate what we've done, and although they wish for the occupation to end soonest- they would love for us all to come back as tourists- and that they'd be honored to welcome us as guests in their homes.
They want us carrying cameras and souvenirs- not guns and hand cuffs.They want to see us wearing khakis and Izods- not DCU's and body armor.Who can blame them for this? I join them in hoping that it happens sooner than later.”
They want us carrying cameras and souvenirs- not guns and hand cuffs.They want to see us wearing khakis and Izods- not DCU's and body armor.Who can blame them for this? I join them in hoping that it happens sooner than later.”
Well, 2Slick hit the nail on the head. He posted this after a comment I made on an older post (What's Next For Fallujah?), which I had been informed about by Papa Ray (thanks to Papa).
I’ve been trying to be more acquainted with American people through the internet which I started using it since few months before the recent war of 2003. I was, and still, wondering why we deal with the Americans, or the western in general, as enemies. So I started to gain pen pals from all over the world using the internet. For my amazement, I discovered that these people, especially the Americans, are wonderful, helpful and friendly. One should distinguish between the foreign policy of the administration of a certain country and its people.
Let’s look forward to a day in the near future. A day on which the Iraqi people receive guests from all over the glob saying (Ahlan Wa Sahlan) which means welcome.And till that day comes allow me to be your host in this humble blog saying to all visitors (Ahlan Wa Sahlan), your visits and comments please me.
I’ve been trying to be more acquainted with American people through the internet which I started using it since few months before the recent war of 2003. I was, and still, wondering why we deal with the Americans, or the western in general, as enemies. So I started to gain pen pals from all over the world using the internet. For my amazement, I discovered that these people, especially the Americans, are wonderful, helpful and friendly. One should distinguish between the foreign policy of the administration of a certain country and its people.
Let’s look forward to a day in the near future. A day on which the Iraqi people receive guests from all over the glob saying (Ahlan Wa Sahlan) which means welcome.And till that day comes allow me to be your host in this humble blog saying to all visitors (Ahlan Wa Sahlan), your visits and comments please me.
posted by Ibn_Alrafidain at 9:09 PM
22 Comments:
Wonderful it will be a pleasure getting to know you and your countrymen.
My god I agree with Brian so much it's not funny.
I am getting increasingly annoyed by Iraqis (this doesn't mean you IBN) who complain about the American troops being in their country yet do nothing about the situation.
If you want the occupation to end join the Iraqi military and fight the terrorists. That will be the fastest and most constructive way to get Americans in your country as tourists and not occupiers.
It's in EVERYONES best interests, I might add that American foriegn policy in the Middle East is the one thing that keeps the entire region away from nuclear destruction.
If America were to cease its foriegn policy, Israel would be attacked by either convential or nuclear forces sooner or later and would respond in kind, dragging the powers of the world into a conflict that would result in the death of millions of Arabs and Jews.
You may hate American foriegn policy, you may feel humiliated that the Americans saved you and you didn't save yourselves, but you can't have your cake and eat it too.
Ibn, Greetings to you and yours.
First, let me leave a link that is interesting, yet a little scary. The start of impersonal robot wars?
http://tinyurl.com/3tm2u
The story about the two soldiers is priceless and is true to the extent that is the wish of 90 percent of everyone (I may be off a percent here or there).
The remaining percent want things to be done their way and for everyone to believe their way. Of course this is impossible. Its impossible because people just don't want to be told what to do or to believe or even how to do something. Thats human nature.
So they resort to war.
Or, some people want what the others have. They can't get it by peaceful means so they go to war.
The number one reason though wars have been fought is because of religion. Wars between town,citys,regions and countries that differed on social behavior and beliefs. Beliefs that were determined by their religions.
The "winners" (if there is such a thing in war) were the ones that were the most determined and resourceful. It was not always the biggest armies or the largest countries.
How does this tie in with these wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I believe in this way.
America has the most resources (or access to) of any country in the world.
Americans have proven themselves in their very short history of being the most determined, resourceful people in the world (in my opinion and of many people that are not Americans).
Like I said in a previous post, America will prevail if backed into a corner (or forced to) in order to protect its country and people will destroy its enemies totally.
Life is not cheap, but to put it bluntly, America has been been fighting these wars on the cheap. That is to say they have not committed to war totally (to the extreme). Why? one reason is because the people and the administration of the U.S. want to kill and imprision as few innocents as possible. Also, because as terrible as 9/11 was, no other attacks have happened in the United States. The majority of the population of the U. S. is not mad or afraid,yet. In fact, reguardless of what you see on the Mass Media, most Americans give little thought to homeland security and even less to the wars on the other side of the world.
But, once that changes, and most Americans get scared and/or angry, The world will change almost overnight to a nightmare, a nightmare beyond belief to millions.
Americans make the world's greatest tourists. But they can also be the greatest ememy anyone could ever have, if they are forced to be.
Texans are known even within the United States as independent,hard headed and determined people from the greatest State in the United States. The don't mess with Texas is more than just a slogan its a fact and we prove it everyday in many ways. There are many other Great States and we are all bound by our beliefs and our commitment to protect each other and our county. Only God comes before our country. People around the world need to understand that.
The God we cherish and believe in, believes in freedom of religion, freedom from want and from fear. We are not instructed to destroy those not of our religion or to enslave them.
Iraq can become once more the Greatest Nation in the World to its people. But they have to put their country ahead of thier religion,tribe and region. They have to respect each other and not use force in governing or in ruling people's lives.
The right to life,liberty,happiness and freedom from fear is a God given right.
America wants these things for people that can not get it for themselves. It wants to help. It does not want to conquer or to take away anything from anyone.
We do want things and conditions that are in our self interest. We will buy them, not steal them. We will protect our Nation's self interests when ever or where ever we must.
This is my post
Papa Ray
West Texas
USA
Greetings again, Ibn
I forgot one other link that gives a new perspective to WHY the war in Iraq (other than everybody thought that WMD were being manufactured faster than cats having kittens)and Ol' Saddam was a evil Bastard.
http://tinyurl.com/4q7sl
I can't say if these ideas have any merit but I might see if I can get my library to get me a copy of the book that is referenced.
This is my post
Papa Ray
West Texas (as in west of Abiline, east of El Paso)
This is so frustrating for me. I see much negativism in some Iraqi blogs (not yours). I read outright propaganda (ie:Zawahiri is just made up by the US - he doesn't really exist, Americans are there for oil etc...) that seems to be believed by many. It's frustrating for me. It seems that Iraqis are frustrated too even if they don't buy into the propaganda bullshit. Of COURSE this is so difficult right now - it's horrible for everyone who is there. How can it be any other way? The problems that are being faced may seem to be insurmountable, but they are not and I believe that the American psyche is such that there IS no problem that is insurmountable. Listen - I would love for peace to reign and everyone to be happy and secure - it isn't that way. Not at all. It's ugly - lots of ugly out there. 'Sometimes you just have to draw a line in the sand and when the gunsmoke and dust settles justice is served.' It's ugly. It has to be done. Criminy - you think we like doing such an ugly frigging job??! Hell no - we want our boys and girls home enjoying peaceful happy times with everyone running around naked and laughing at each other. It's not about revenge - this is a reckoning. Please seize the opportunity that's presenting itself in the middle of shit and look to the future.
Son of Two Rivers,
I wonder what the title of that movie is? I'm curious to see it.
On the comments that the story of the movie is a little naive- sure, it is, but I have heard and/or read some stories of actual combat soldiers having smaller-scale versions of that experience in WWI and WWII- a moment where they are not two uniforms and proxies of two different countries but two guys, about the same age, with families, nieces and nephews, sweethearts back home, and so on. (I don't think they are all apocryphal or urban legends, but haven't really researched it yet.)
And, thanks for your reply about how people are feeling about the elections- I am so glad that there is interest and enthusiasm among people you know. Since western media outlets don't have much contact with regular Iraqis we don't get much information about public opinion. The car bombs and suicide bombs become the only gauge of public sentiment about which we hear.
Finally, I agree with you, ibn_Alrafidain, that it just is all too easy for our common humanity to get obscured by religious, political, and cultural differences and destroyed in violence...world history is littered with variations on the same story. Despite that sad fact, I'm in a Christmas-y mood- so let me post an early and probably naive :) wish for peace on earth and goodwill toward humankind.
Beth
Yes. Yes. Yes. To all of the above. As I was reading your posting, IBN Alrafidain, I was also listening to the morning news. George Bush has just finished a quick trip to Canada and he and our Prime Minister were holding a press conference. They were both promising to work to clean up and reform the United Nations. YAHOOOOOOO!!!
And I most emphatically agree with your assessment of the Internet and what it has and will do to bring together people from all over the world. We'll all be naked. LOL!
Oh, and Ibn Alrafidain, a while back you asked me if I could put your URL on the Iraqi Bloggers Roundup blog. Unfortunately, I am a guest contributer to that site and I can't get in to the area where I can do that. The site is owned by Torchbearer, and he seems to have disappeared. The other guest, littlewhy, and I have been discussion his disappearance. We have no idea where he is or why he hasn't contributed anything to the website for a very long time. All either of us has is his pseudonym and his email address, and despite repeated messages sent to him, he has not been heard from for over a month.
Ibn, Greetings (once again).
I hope I am not posting too much. But I find these things that I just have to share. I share on other blogs also, but I think you are becoming my favorite Iraq blog (Oh, no...you think)!!
This is an example of how fear and confusion effects people and how just how travel between places you are and places you must get to is so important as to risk your life.
"Securing the Death Road"
http://iraqthemodel.blogspot.com/
This real life experience reminds me of the trips that our early frontier people had to make across the southwest parts of the U.S. in the period of the "Old West" 1840 to 1880s. It was an exciting and dangerous period and the rule of the "Highway Robbers and other dangers such as the "Blood thirsty Wild Indians" made travel very dangerous.
The above is of course trivial in comparison to the situation in your country right now.
My only advice is to protect yourself and your family and to be strong and as brave as possible. If I were in your position I don't know how I would behave or act.
But I do hope it would be with honor and with determination that no outlaws or thugs would harm me or my family or stop us from having a good life.
But that is just an Ol' Texan talking.
This is my Post
Papa Ray
West Texas
USA
"Heavy Haulers" for the New Iraq Troops..
In the Short Run, I don't think that this new equipment will make a large difference. But, as far as the attitude and morale of the "New Iraqi Military" I think it will make a lot of difference.
Be sure an scroll down to the article about "Anti-Texan"
I can testify that even if different parts of Texas are different (bearing in mind that Texas is about the same size as Iraq), us Texans get along pretty good and I believe it makes us a better state in the long run.
This is my post
Papa Ray
West Texas
USA
Ibn, I have a confession to make..I can't remember what I am doing. Here is the link I meant to leave.
http://www.blogsofwar.com/
I need to take a nap, us Ol' folk need our rest.
This is my post
Papa Ray
West Texas
USA
200 pledge willingness to carry out suicide attacks against Americans, Israelis
"I joined the unit to fulfill my religious task for Palestine," said a volunteer who gave only his age - 23.
http://tinyurl.com/3jchr
Ibn, as I said, religion is the single most involved factor of war. This article makes me sick to my stomach, such a waste of young minds and lives. To think of all the lives they will take and people they will maim is a tragedy beyond words to describe.
This is my post
Papa Ray
West Texas
USA
Benjamin, you do a good thing. Those who would sit around and complain about helping because they might become involved, have no vested interest in their country. You, on the other hand, can walk in the knowledge that you are a positive force in your country. Former Marine.
Hello Ibn-
I quoted this post (which contains a quote from one of my posts) in my most recent post. What is that called? "Cross-Blogging"? I understand the frustration that people like Brian feel when they make the "you can't have your cake and eat it too" arguments. He's basically saying "don't complain about the occupation- help the Americans end the occupation by joining the fight against the terrorists." I would suggest that many Iraqis are doing just that.
People need to understand that the many Iraqis who join the Security Force or ING (bless them) are only part of the effort against the terrorists. There are many other Iraqis who are taking a stand against the terrorists in other ways. Politicians who run for office are essentially putting thier lives on the line in an effort to promote democracy in Iraq. Businessmen and contractors who participate in reconstruction efforts (I worked with many of them) are risking thier lives by doing business with the Coalition, but they help bring stability (in the form of improved infrastructure and economic progress) to Iraq. The interpretors (who I consider to be the bravest unsung heroes of the battlefield) come out with us every day, exposing themselves to anyone who can see us, and return home to their families (unarmed) and pray that their houses aren't bombed or shot at. There are TONS of these interpretors out there helping us every day, and I credit my interpretor with saving my life on more than one occasion. The list goes on and on.
The Iraqis ARE rising up to claim their country, and they WILL prevail. I have seen their courage and determination. Those who doubt the "silent majority's" determination should come to Iraq and see for themselves. The news publicizes insurgents and the vocal minority who support them. Don't be fooled, America...
Thank you 2slick. That's good to hear. Of course, the media doesn't cover that sort of stuff. They can't see it from their vantage point hiding under the bed.
Thank you 2slick - and Ibn al Rafidain. The news you bring us gives me hope. I hear too much negative in the news and even on Iraqi blogs and it is disheartening. I SO appreciate what you all are saying. It gives me so much hope.
Also - I meant Zarqawi NOT zawahiri - sorry, LOL! I'm so not a morning person.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
First of all, I want to say (Ahlan Wa Sahlan) to all the visitors, especially who make comments. I can learn many new perspectives from you.
-----------------------------------------
Mtnyogi
Very good questions, which I’ll be pleased if I read the visitors opinions about them.
As for the movie, the two soldiers seem to be used in a symbolic way. Thanks a lot.
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2Slick
Well, I hope that you answered some of the queries made on this post by my guests.
Thanks to the whole readers and (Ahlan Wa Sahlan).
Dear Ibn, We are all under our outer garments the same. We love, we laugh, we sorrow and we bleed. I pray someday all of the world will recognize our common humanity and the teaching of hate to innocent children will cease. I appreciate your blog very much. Keep posting. I will add a link to you on my blog along with other Iraqi bloggers.
Dear Ibn,
I appreciate your blog and read it regularly, I hope you will continue (:
I don't have to sign in as anonymous anymore!
Annie
2HOTEL9
Well said.
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