'L.A. Times' Reporter Chronicles Human Side of War

[babylonsister]

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003655442

'L.A. Times' Reporter Chronicles Human Side of War


By Sarah Weber

Published: October 08, 2007 4:00 PM ET

snip//


This fracturing of the Iraqi society is a recurring theme in Susman's reports. It is also something that Western readers truly do not understand.

"It's so hard for people at a distance to realize that most Iraqis are not involved in this sectarian war," she says. "Most of them couldn't care less whether someone is Sunni or Shiite or Christian. Before the war, most of them had no idea what religion their neighbors were. Now they're kind of forced to pay attention to it all, if only so they don't end up like that guy who got kidnapped."

In the midst of this daily struggle for survival, Susman acknowledges not just the Western journalists covering Iraq, but the locals who have, in the pages of the L.A. Times, anonymously shared their personal accounts of everyday life.

In one such account, an Iraqi whom Susman describes as living the American dream -- an engineer with a wife, two kids, and a dog -- must decide whether to give his dog away. The reason? The gunfire in his neighborhood is so constant and loud that it is driving the dog crazy.

Another anonymous author told of walking by a body in a pool of blood on his way to buy groceries in western Baghdad. The man turned out to still be alive, yet everyone who passed was too afraid to help him. The author was distressed and guilty, but knew that for safety's sake, he could not stop and help.

"I went on to another grocery store," he wrote, "staying for about five minutes while shopping for tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables. During that time, the man managed to sit up and wave to passing cars. No one stopped. Then, a white Volkswagen pulled up. A passenger stepped out with a gun, walked steadily to the wounded man and shot him three times. The car took off down a side road and vanished.

"No one did anything. No one lifted a finger. The only reaction came from a woman in a grocery store. In a low voice, she said, 'My God, bless his soul.'"

Just another day in Baghdad.

[leftchick]

1. and the democrats keep blaming the Iraqis for "not standing up"

BULLSHIT! This is all america's fault. These people are suffering because of what the USA did! Until the politicians recognize that truth, nothing will change.

[Totally Committed]

2. How are we supposed to feel after reading something that disgustingly horrifying,

knowing it is our government which is responsible for this shit, and our Party who is all about funding this shit --- BOTH unwilling to do ANYTHING to stop it immediately -- and knowing that no matter WHO wins the nominations, and, ultimately, the election willalso do nothing to stop this. In fact someone in one of the Parties, probably sooner rather than later, will decide to attack Iran as well.

I read something like this, coupled with posts that are all for nominating and electing another WARMONGER and I want to scream. I feel impotent, hopeless, and foolish.

WHat the fuck are we thinking? What the fuck are YOU all thinking? What? the? fuck?????

Goddammit, people, and you wonder why I, and people like me, show up here every day and post our hearts out against a continuation of the current status quo, and take our lumps again and again posting against nomination of the various DLC warmaongers and do-nothing otherlings. Only to be attacked untiil we feel there is no other recourse but NOT TO VOTE AT ALL. And, then we are lectured and ripped apart by a whole NEW faction.

It is thankless, for sure. But, it does make me wonder WHAT THE HELL IT WILL TAKE to make you all say Enough!!!!!.... This will happen no longer in my name, enabled by my vote. This stops here and now! What?

How can you all sleep at night?


TC