What Curfew in Iraq Means to Iraqis

[proud2BlibKansan]

"Curfew" is clearly defined as "a regulation requiring people to remain indoors between specified hours, typically at night". To most American citizens, the assumed punishment for violating this regulation would be a citation, even possibly an arrest. To the people of Iraq, a violation of the recently imposed curfew carries a much greater repercussion.

During my second deployment to Iraq, in Fallujah, the standard operating procedure for dealing with curfew violators was quite simple--kill them. Numerous amounts of young men in Fallujah during the summer of 2004 suffered the punishment of death for simply violating a curfew...being outdoors after authorized hours. Whether it be by airstrike or artillery strike, the message was very clear--adult males outdoors after curfew are to be killed.

Was it possible that these young men were outdoors at nighttime because they were planting IED's or plotting attacks with other insurgents? Yes that was very possible. Is it at all possible that immature young men, no matter what country they are from, have trouble following every last city ordinance to the Tee? As someone with experience being an immature young man, I can definitely say that is even more likely.

The curfew currently being imposed on six cities in Iraq is more than just a curfew. It is a justification to kill all the men of fighting age in a certain country. It is a barbaric tactic employed in previous conflicts throughout history. Curfews and city lockdowns also have the potential to cause many more problems. Previous curfews and lockdowns in Iraq have led to many deaths as a result of lack of medical aid, water, and electricity.

Simply put, a curfew is just another weapon used in war. A quite cruel one that gets the job done. Check it out for yourself if you want. Go ahead and google search Iraq Curfew Fallujah and read some of the stories about what the curfew does to the citizens.

Thanks for your time and support.


peace,
Cloy

All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

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http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=38336

http://www.dahrjamailiraq.com/hard_news/archives/iraq/000605.php

IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESIDENTS BRISTLE AT STRICT CURFEW.
http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-6680872/IRAQ-FALLUJAH-RESIDENTS-BRISTLE-AT.html

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http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=72810