neurotic Iraqi wife

18 Comments:

 Sang J. Moon said...

After the Korean War, the South Korean security forces trained by the USA were used by failed starts at democracy to suppress the people. In the end, about 100,000 civilians, as a low estimate, were killed by the South Korean security forces. Unfortunately, this isn't new, but it doesn't mean that the country can't overcome the short term shortcomings of the government.

The cries by Americans stateside to get out of Iraq is overriding the US commanders' assessment on the ground in Iraq. It is the US commanders who have been the major roadblock in faster handover of trained Iraqi forces over to central government command. US commanders have seen how the units have been used to round up Sunnis, most often ones who are known because they cooperate with us, and have been avoiding handover until they are sure the forces will not be used to further the violence.

As for the rabbit and frog eating, I suspect that is a custom of a tribe who probably was trained as a group. I wouldn't put too much widespread meaning into that. One old tradition in the USA for deerhunters is to drink the blood of your first kill. It's still done although it has the same reaction that you have from people not deeply involved in the sport.

December 20, 2006 at 6:37 PM  

 Original_Jeff said...

Hi Iraqi Wife,
Yes, you are right. Many times over the last 3 years after reading the stories from Iraq, I've thought to myself "my gosh, we are certainly very lucky to have competent, honorable, and effective police..."

This is probably too simplistic of an analysis, but I still feel that a key problem with Iraqi society is that the people think the government has all the wealth, and that the goal of politics is too get as much as possible. I find it extremely ironic that some Iraqis accuse the USA of coming to steal the oil, but in fact, we have stolen none of it. Instead, have poured 300+ billion INTO securing and building Iraq. Truly, it is the Iraqis that want the oil money for personal enrichment!

... The single most important thing that would help Iraq would be to hire 3 international accounting firms to set up bank accounts based on retinal scan/finger prints for all Iraqis (no double dipping!) and put the oil profits directly into those accounts. The government would get only 10% of the profit. 90% of the profit would flow to the people directly.

The government would then have to collect taxes like sales taxes and property taxes.

It would change the view of the people and their government. People would realize that they are the wealth of the country, not the government.
It would eliminate most of the financial incentive for corruption. The government would get only the money it manages to tax from its people--like any other government.

Then, the real work of government--providing honest justice system, police, transportation infrastructure, etc--would be the only thing left for the government to do. It would be done in a more cooperative spirit instead of the "us" versus "the government" view.

I am probably way off here. Maybe the whole societal tribal things or the regressive elements of extremism are more important or traditional sectarian divides, etc.

December 20, 2006 at 6:40 PM  

 Um Haleema said...

I read that earlier today myself and thought, "What the Hell?!" That is disgusting and uncivilized. I have to wonder what the heck they were trying to prove with that? I don't care what hill a U.S. Soldier came from I don't think that his little country bumpkin ritual would be accepted and included in a ceremony that represented the U.S. Army. You have to wonder who would have thought that that was a good idea. They better watch out for the Islamist militias, that rabbit was not halal!

Sang J Moon, my husband has hunted for many many years and with hunters older than him and he has never nor has he ever heard of anyone drinking the blood of their first kill. Mu son got his first kill this year and he didn't drink any blood! So I wouldn't say that is a U.S. hunters tradition. maybe some Indian Tribe's tradition but I've never heard of such a thing.

December 20, 2006 at 11:01 PM  

 Sang J. Moon said...

You are right that it was an American Indian tradition, but it became quite popular after the movie "Red Dawn" with Patrick Swayze making his newbie fellow insurgent drink deer's blood. Iraqis should see this vintage American movie. They would probably find some irony in it since it portrays young Americans becoming insurgents after Soviet forces invade the USA. But don't dwell too much on politics when you watch this movie. It isn't that high brow. Good popcorn flick though.

December 21, 2006 at 12:02 AM  

 Anonymous said...

You were linked to the BBC website.

Now the World is reading your posts.

It is your job to report what is REALLY going on.

All we get is half truths and lies.

TELL US!

December 21, 2006 at 5:52 PM  

 Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Yes, disgust was my first thought too when I read about that here. Apparently, as the article mentions, that was something that was done by Saddam's Fedayeen. Not a good omen. And I would think in all honesty that there are ways to show courage or strength other than that.

I know from talking to someone who has been to Iraq that they tended to take any warm body for those Iraqi security forces. And now they're paying the price. I hope they have learned their lesson.

But even if you screen better there's still no guarentee that it will be enough. *sigh*

December 21, 2006 at 6:17 PM  

 Unknown said...

Hello,

You're doing terrific work, please, keep it up and be safe.


With regards to the article, we Americans have a tendency of training the next generation's enemies for short-term security today.

As for Jeff's comment, the Iraqi Ministry of Oil is simply not giving enough money back to the people. Unfortunately, they will soon lose control. As per the Iraq Study Group report, it is highly recommended that the U.S. begin privatization in the Iraqi Oil sector - which essentially means that BP, Shell, Exxon, and the like should begin barging in. The nation's oil laws have also yet to be passed, once they are, you can expect foreign looting to begin.

December 21, 2006 at 8:44 PM  

 Anonymous said...

Lady, get out of there. You are crazy to hang out in land filled with murderers and fanatics. Leave it. If you husband doesn't join you then he's nuts too.

December 21, 2006 at 8:53 PM  

 Anonymous said...

I and many like me did not want our elected fat cats to rape your country to be associated with so many lifes cut short destroyed, we weep for you here it seems democracy is an illusion to keep the masses under control; we marched and screamed no hundreds and thousands of so-called citizens yet no-one heard us no one in power made the significant change in policy. We all will suffer beyond measure for allowing this to happen in a century where we all thought we were free and our leaders listened and cared about those who hurt and cry for those who have no future. Take good care and remain safe

December 21, 2006 at 9:58 PM  

 dgfdsgdsgds said...

Well, biting off a frog's head or eating a rabbit's liver is nothing as brutal as drilling a hole in a human being's eyesocket or chopping off their head.

This was a Fedayeen Saddam practice. But instead of rabbits and frogs, they used wolves, foxes and pigeons, at the time.

Oh, by the way:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/6194329.stm

;)

December 21, 2006 at 11:38 PM  

 Anonymous said...

That is truly disgusting, NIW! It's worse than that, but I can't think of the right word......depraved, maybe. In regard to American hunters drinking the blood of their first killed, that is B.S. I've known several people, who have hunted during their lives, and none of them would even think of doing something like that. Maybe native Indians did that, although I haven't heard of it before. But, it sounds like the fantasy and high drama of Hollywood to me. Yuk!

I agree, the most important project is to build up Iraqi security forces that are honest and loyal to the Iraq nation as a whole. The reconstruction money would be much better spent on intense vetting of the security forces. I imagine all the honest and ethical Iraqis are afraid to even enter the police forces, because the forces are so corrupt. I understand the Iraqi Army is not as bad as the police, but does that mean they're above bribery and collusion with the bad guys for a price? Out of a population of 26 million, I'm sure the selfish, self serving criminals are in the vast minority. But, without trustworthy security forces, they're managing to terrorize the average person and control entire areas.

Iraq needs the person in charge of the security forces to be the most honest and ethical person in the nation! He needs to implement extremely strict vetting procedures. Maybe the applicants need to be separated from family and friends while they undergo an extended "boot camp" type program, where they are first "broken" down to rid them of their biases and tribal loyalties - and then, built back up as a cohesive, loyal, and ethical unit, away from outside influences. The ones that make it and prove themselves need to be well rewarded financially. That would be a good use of the oil money. If the police and army were paid really well, plus the position plus brought honor and prestige upon the family, it would be a more attractive occupation than being a criminal. The security programs could offer specialized programs - tough programs that occupied all of the participants free time, training them in advanced skills as well as educating them in ethics, integrity, and rule of law. Those who completed the programs successfully would get a significant pay raise. To maintain their earning power, their performance would need to be routinely evaluated by an independent program. Of course, everyone should desire to do right for their country and fellow citizens, regardless of the money involved. But in desperate times, financial incentives speak to people's more basic needs.

December 22, 2006 at 5:09 AM  

 dahling said...

Violence begets violence.

The United States should NEVER have invaded Iraq.

Have you ever considered the animals that were killed and maimed throughout the past 4 years due to the actions of wanker bush and his croonies? Millions and millions.

December 22, 2006 at 6:45 PM  

 neurotic_wife said...

Sang J. when will the country overcome this nightmare? Do u have an answer? Sunnis were the baddies at first, and now the Shias are the baddies. Thats how "ridiculus" American policies have become. They should NOT have divided people like that. Bremmer, started this. And the ignorant Iraqis took over. The country should not be run by MULLAS!!! Be it Sunnis or Shias!!!

Jeff, wishful thinking!!!

Um Haleema,apparantely, I later found out, it was the same tactics used by feda2iyeen Saddam. Hmm, and I thought we got rid of those!!!

Irish, what is it you want to know? Tell me and I will tell you...

Lynette, believe me, screening by coalition forces is the best. Not by Iraqis themselves, cuz there will always be favouritism and networking. There has to be good vetting. The billions spent should have gone to vetting...

Other, Ever since Saddams time, The Iraqis were never lavished with the OIL profits. Now its a different face yet same tactics. All the ministers are corrupt. All of them.

Lol Anon, wish it was that easy...

Anon, you hit the nail right on the head, so whats the point of me blogging if no one is listening??? Im not making a difference what so ever...Not me, nor the millions of people...I have lost hope I think..

Hey Zeyad, long time, you havent visited me. Its good to see you still read my blog, Im flattered. Hope Nabil is doing well... And yes I did find out that later by asking a few Iraqis. They described to me the horrors during feda2iyeen Saddam!!! And yes I do agree that biting off a rabbits head is nothing compared to drilling people's heads. Offfff, I dunno when will we ever see peace again...

Anon, Honesty??? Lol, thats something gonna be very difficult to be found here. Honesty and not corrupted. Im not gonna say all Iraqis have become like that, because all the ones I deal with are perfect examples of purity and honesty, but to find someone like that in the government is like looking for a needle in a haystack!!!

Dahling, all I can do is sigh...

December 22, 2006 at 8:22 PM  

 dahling said...

I know, I haven't gotten over the fact that it ever happened in the first place. What makes me bitter, I guess, is that it didn't need to happen. There were a lot of people who said "slow down, damnit". I was one of them. And we were ignored when we should have been listened too. Too late, right? I don't think so. That little voice that continues to say slow down, it persists to remind you that things aren't as bad as they still can get. A rational voice is what's needed, has always been needed, will always be needed. It's never to late to stop the distruction of the future. But don't depend on bombs and guns to solve that issue. Iraqi Wife, have you ever heard of Bill Hicks?

December 23, 2006 at 8:38 AM  

 Anonymous said...

Some Sanity Containment
Taji

New York Times
December 26, 2006
Pg. 1

British Soldiers Storm Iraqi Jail, Citing Torture

By Marc Santora

BAGHDAD, Dec. 25 - Hundreds of British and Iraqi soldiers assaulted a
police station in the southern city of Basra on Monday, killing seven
gunmen, rescuing 127 prisoners from what the British said was almost
certain execution and ultimately reducing the facility to rubble.

The military action was one of the most significant undertaken by
British troops since the 2003 invasion, British officials said, adding
that it was an essential step in any plan to re-establish security in
Basra.

When the combined British and Iraqi force of 1,400 troops gained
control
of the station, it found the prisoners being held in conditions that a
British military spokesman, Maj. Charlie Burbridge, described as
"appalling." More than 100 men were crowded into a single cell, 30 feet
by 40 feet, he said, with two open toilets, two sinks and just a few
blankets spread over the concrete floor.

A significant number showed signs of torture. Some had crushed hands
and
feet, Major Burbridge said, while others had cigarette and electrical
burns and a significant number had gunshot wounds to their legs and
knees.

The fetid dungeon was another example of abuses by the Iraqi security
forces. The discovery highlighted the continuing struggle to combat the
infiltration of the police and army by militias and criminal elements -
even in a Shiite city like Basra, where there has been no sectarian
violence.

As recently as October, the Iraqi government suspended an entire police
brigade in Baghdad on suspicion of participation in death squads. The
raid on Monday also raised echoes of the infamous Baghdad prison run by
the Interior Ministry, known as Site 4, where more than 1,400 prisoners
were subjected to systematic abuse and torture.

The focus of the attack was an arm of the local police called the
serious crimes unit, which British officials said had been thoroughly
infiltrated by criminals and militias who used it to terrorize local
residents and violently settle scores with political or tribal rivals.

"The serious crimes unit was at the center of death squad activity,"
Major Burbridge said.

A little over a year ago, British troops stormed the same building
seeking to rescue two British special forces soldiers who had been
captured by militants. A mob of 1,000 to 2,000 people gathered in
protest, and a widely circulated video showed boys throwing stones at a
burning British armored fighting vehicle parked outside the station.
The
soldiers, who were being held in a nearby building, were eventually
freed.

Although some local officials, including Basra's police chief, publicly
condemned the action, local residents privately said they were
grateful,
and described what they said was an organization widely feared for its
brutality.

"They are like savage dogs that bite when they are hungry," said one
resident, who spoke anonymously for fear of retribution. "Their
evaluation of guilt or innocence is how much money you can pay."

Residents said that people were afraid to challenge the officers
because
they were backed by powerful militia groups, including the Mahdi Army,
which is led by the rebel cleric Moktada al-Sadr, though the extent of
his control is unclear.

"Everyone wants to avoid the mouth of the lion," one resident said.
"From this, they became stronger and stronger."

Major Burbridge said that the dismantling of the serious crimes unit
had
been planned for months.

As far back as 2004, he said, there was a growing realization that the
police had been widely infiltrated by members of various militias and
elements of organized crime. To combat their influence, the British
have
been trying to cull them from the forces in a campaign that began in
September.

After trying to determine who was fit to serve in the police, the
British began outfitting trusted officers with sophisticated
identification cards meant to limit the access of impostors to police
intelligence, weapons and vehicles.

In late October, gunmen - believed by the British to have been
connected
to the serious crimes unit - ambushed a minibus carrying 17 employees
of
a new police academy and killed them all. Their mutilated remains were
dumped in the Shuaiba area of the city in an effort to intimidate the
local population.

"It had simply gone beyond the pale and it was clear it was time for
the
serious crimes unit to go," Major Burbridge said in an interview.

While they had planned to take over the station on Monday, British
forces had to speed up the operation by several hours. "We received
information late last night," Major Burbridge said Monday, "that the
crimes unit was aware this was going to take place and we received
information that the prisoners' lives were in danger."

More than 800 British soldiers, supported by five Challenger tanks and
roughly 40 Warrior fighting vehicles, began their assault at 2 a.m. on
Monday. They were aided by 600 Iraqi soldiers.

The British force faced the heaviest fighting as it made its way
through
the city, coming under sporadic attacks by rocket-propelled grenades
and
small-arms fire. Of the seven guerrillas killed, six were gunned down
as
the unit made its way to the police station.

Upon reaching the station, British troops killed a guard in a
watchtower
who had fired on the approaching forces, but there was little other
resistance.

The members of the serious crimes unit who had been occupying the
building, several dozen, according to the British military, fled and
were not caught. The British forces turned over the prisoners to the
regular Iraqi police, who put them in a new detention facility.

The two-story building, once used by Saddam Hussein's security forces,
was then demolished, in an attempt to remove all traces of the serious
crimes unit, Major Burbridge said.

The battle lasted nearly three hours. There were no British casualties,
but the streets around the station were littered with bombed-out cars
and rubble.

The violence in Basra, Iraq's second largest city, is different from
that in Baghdad to the north or Anbar Province to the west, Major
Burbridge said.

The killing in Baghdad in recent months has primarily been the result
of
sectarian violence, as Shiites have sought to drive Sunnis from mixed
neighborhoods and Sunnis have retaliated. On Monday, at least 10
civilians were killed and 15 were wounded when a car bomb exploded in
the mixed neighborhood of Jadida.

In northeastern Baghdad, a suicide bomber with explosives tied to his
body blew himself up on a crowded bus, killing 2 people and wounding 20
others.

An American soldier also died Monday in Baghdad in a roadside bomb
attack.

In Sunni-controlled Anbar Province, where the fighting is mainly
between
insurgents and American troops, two American soldiers were killed in
fighting on Sunday.

In southern cities like Basra, dominated by Shiites, the fighting is a
combination of battles between rival militias vying for power, warring
tribes and organized crime, Major Burbridge said.

"In northern Basra, the fighting is mainly between three warring
tribes," he said. "The death squads are typically related to political
maneuvering and tribal gain. Then there are rogue elements of militias
aiming attacks on the multinational forces. You throw all those
elements
into a melting pot and you get a picture of the complexity of what we
are facing."

December 27, 2006 at 9:09 PM  

 Anonymous said...

Why are many Iraqi police officers and military members really instrugents?

Who would expect them to work for nothing. The criminals at MOD and MOI delay salaries for months even a year. So only the Terror/Cop with an alternate wealth can exsist in this climate

December 27, 2006 at 9:15 PM  

 Anonymous said...

dahling,

when were you in Iraq? Do you kown Katie Couric?
I recommend you get your nails done, or goto Macy's, Bloomindale's or what ever.

This is to complex of a topic for you.
love taji

December 27, 2006 at 9:23 PM  

 Anonymous said...

The horrific violence
is an Iraqi-Iraqi problem
and it has been for two
years ... OK
Now what country has Exxon-Mobile
raped in the last twenty years ???

You mean if Exxon Mobile gives
ne Iraqi Government a Billion dollars and develops a brand new
oil field at its own expense
and hires and trrains 1000 Iraqi
in good jobs and then for its expenditure of capital receives
a per-barrel discounted oil price
is that rape ??? you think so ??

Ok since you are an expert why on't you state on this blog
what the price of oil will be
5 years from now ??? or ten years??

You know for a fact thean Exxon-Mobile will swindle oil from Iraq
even with the oil minister being
a concservative Shia ... so you must be an expert on Iraq oil ministry ...and the oil industry
in general ... so please tell me
the price of oil say next June
so I can make money !!!

December 29, 2006 at 7:09 AM  

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Name: neurotic_wife

I am an Iraqi woman who absolutely adores her HUBBY, but HUBBY is too busy rebuilding the country.

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