Mosul - three weeks ago

[DashOneBravo]

Graphic Warning.
Here's an example of what's going on in the 2nd Battle of Mosul.

https://m.

It's a CNN report of what ISIS is doing to civilians and the steps US and aid groups are trying to help. The light colored clothing along the base of the wall is a group of civilians killed while trying to escape.

[Hoyt]

1. I guess I should be glad we are trying to clean up the mess we created in the first place.

[DashOneBravo]

3. You should.

If you read more about Dave Eubanks you'd see he's quick to apologize for fucking up Iraq.

I'm curious to see what you thought of the civilians being machine gunned and the doc who ran out there.
And the two SF guys stepping out behind the tank and covering the medic

[furtheradu]

2. Thank YOU.💖

I am SO upset about all this.
I am an OIF Vet's mama.
Stay strong. Holler if You need me.
Blessings on YOU.

[DashOneBravo]

4. All is well ma'am

[furtheradu]

5. ..

Here, if needed.

[Stuart G]

6. k and r...kicking for exposure.......

[Warpy]

7. BBC footage wasn't quite that raw

but the stories were much the same. DAESH knows if all the civilians flee, the Iraqi AF will come in and simply flatten everything left.

Stories out of Raqqa, their "capital" in Syria, are similar.

ETA: yes, there is precedent for exactly this type of warfare. It's in the OT. It was done with swords, pikes, axes, and fire, but the viciousness was the same.

[democrank]

8. It's a hell hole, like so many other places.

I think of our soldiers every day as well as others affected by the ravages of war.

[Victor_c3]

9. The kids are what get me

I was in Iraq in 2004-2005 and I got out of the army in 2007. I've since had two daughters of my own and I have a 6 year old and an 8 year old. I couldn't imagine my kids facing what these kids have seen.

The Iraqi people have been dealing with this for more than a decade. I only went through about 13 months of it and I got to return to the safety of the US. The war has deeply troubled me, but I can't begin to imagine what it has done to people exposed to war for 14+ years who see no end to the fighting in sight. My heart goes out to the Iraqi people and their children who are unable to escape.

To the people who started this war, voted for it, and allowed it to be perpetrated - I wish above all else that they are at least as troubled by their involvement in the war as I am. Sadly, I know that is not the case. They surely don't deal with the flashbacks, nightmares, and countless other ruinous symptoms of PTSD. They dont have to feel the pain and guilt combat veterans feel when they look back on their service. I wish that they would experience what a constant struggle with suicide and substance abuse does to oneself and their families first hand.

I might seem harsh and hateful, but why should they be exempt from the consequences of the war they started?

[DashOneBravo]

11. I'm sorry you went thru that

Every vet I knew was opposed to sending troops there. We wrote letters, called our reps. We knew it was going to be a bad thing especially for the Iraqi people.

It would also distract from Astan. Anyone who has ever read a book on the Soviet Invasion would know it would take years.

I knew a lot of VN vets who felt the same as you. Over the years they were able to overcome those feelings. You're still rightfully pissed and I hope at some point you can find some peace. Just remember you are not alone.

[denbot]

10. K&R n/t