NYT: For G.I.'s, Pride in War Efforts but Doubts About Iraq's Future

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/04/international/middleeast/04TROO.html?hp

American soldiers, from privates to generals, say they believe that their fight to restore security and stability in Iraq is winnable in the long run, but that an American military presence will be required for years to keep the country from falling into chaos.

In nearly 100 interviews and conversations in the past four weeks, soldiers across Iraq expressed a complex set of emotions and sentiments toward their rebuilding mission, now entering its ninth month.

They take enormous pride in having ousted Saddam Hussein and restored a semblance of normal life for many of the 25 million people in this war-battered nation. But they also voice a mix of pity, disdain and admiration for Iraqis and question what the future holds for this country and the military presence here. To succeed, many soldiers and commanders say, sizable numbers of American forces will have to remain here for three years or more.

Morale is generally high, but the guerrilla attacks that kill or maim soldiers have prompted many to endure their daily patrols by seeking refuge in dark humor. As one sergeant in the First Armored Division in Baghdad put it recently, between drags on a cigarette, "Time flies when you think you're going to die."

[Malva Zebrina]

1. sounds sad to me

very sad, given the circumstances of their occupation. These pieces make it sound like it was perfectly OK to wage this war and occupy Iraq. I will never be able to think that--and maintain some sense of integrity. It is NOT ok that we killed thousands of people to "bring stability" It is simply wrong.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. For a moment I thoguht I was reading a story

with the dateline Tranang Republic of Vietnam

Interesting, this is coming out AFTER how many negative stories in teh Stars and Stripes and Military Times

I must also point out, the troops are now focused on mission, and even if we pull tomorrow some will blame the politicos for pullng the plug on what is a disaster.

[pinto]

3. P-I Focus: The road the U.S. traveled to Baghdad was paved by 'Scoop'

interesting opinion article on the neo-con lineage from then (Viet Nam) to now.....(from April 2003)

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/115505_focus06.shtml