LAT: Marines Cultivate Iraqi Sources but Reap Little (Falluja)

[DeepModem Mom]

"I don't want to help either side, the U.S. or the others; both will shoot me," the man said.


THE WORLD
Marines Cultivate Iraqi Sources, but Reap Little
U.S. forces and a local couple hoped each could help the other. But the latter feared retribution.

By Tony Perry, Times Staff Writer


FALLOUJA, Iraq — It was a roadside debate involving an Iraqi couple and four Marines.

It won't merit a footnote in the history of U.S. forces' struggle with the insurgents who hold much of this city in their grip. But their interaction clearly demonstrated the difficulties Marines are having in persuading Iraqis to help them.

"He's not working out like I thought he would," said Lt. Michael Scott, 26, of Boston, his voice redolent of disappointment.

The story began early Friday morning, when an Iraqi man, followed dutifully by his wife, approached Scott for help crossing Marine checkpoints that were restricting the flow of traffic into Fallouja.

The 50ish man said he needed to drive his pickup truck into town to help relatives and bring back food to his family in the farming village of Saqlawiya. He smiled and gave the impression he wanted to help the Americans, if they would help him....


http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-debate18apr18,1,2473384.story?coll=la-home-world

[davhill]

1. Most People Just Want to be Left Alone

By the Americans and by the insurgents. They just want a chance to get on with their lives. They will not get the chance until we go home and mind our own business for a change.

[DeepModem Mom]

2. Rare Falouja report, posted early a.m.

[daleo]

3. They have already reaped plenty in Fallujah

Unfortunately, they continue to sew.

[NNN0LHI]

4. The ones who talk don't know nothing, and the ones who do know...

...something won't talk. Who would of thunk?

Don