http://uscavonpoint.com/articles2/Article.aspx?id=9047
As I was sitting atop a sand bag wall interviewing a sergeant, a Marine
1st Lieutenant approached me. He explained that he was going to confront
an Iraqi Policeman (who we’ll call Mohammad to protect his true identity)
who was suspected of being involved in the insurgency during 2005. The
situation was all the more extraordinary since Mohammad and the
lieutenant are friends. As the Lt. casually mentioned that I would be
able to ask some questions, I jumped off the wall, quickly gathered my
gear, and wondered about what I would be witnessing.
Sitting in a small room lined with cots and gear, the lieutenant talked
to Mohammed through an Iraqi interpreter. “We know you were an insurgent
during the fighting – you’re in no trouble – I just want you to tell me
the truth.” Mohammad was now visibly shaking and appeared nervous before
he quietly answered “yes.” “Did you ever fire on any Marines,” was the
lieutenant’s first question. Mohammad was clearly concerned and replied
with a long answer, but ultimately ended with a simple yes. “I was in
Ramadi during the same time, so you could have possibly been shooting at
me,” stated the lieutenant. “It’s okay Mohammad - if you were shooting at
me then I was firing back at you,” joked the lieutenant. The rest of the
session involved the lieutenant and Mohammad exchanging promises to never
fight again, and to work together to protect the city of Ramadi.
Furthermore, pledges were exchanged that this new understanding, between
friends, would not affect their friendship.
--
Fred Stone
aa# 1369
If you go into Sudan today
Your heart will fill with dread
If you go into Sudan today
You might just lose your head
Because on the sands
With blood on their hands
Every nut that ever was
Will be there because
.
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