QUANDARY
Whom do we believe?
“Yes,” the Iraqi people “love us.”
“No,” the Iraqi people “hate us”.
I get both versions daily often with nightly repeats and numerous echoes from other media people.
No one seems to pay too much attention to the origination of such views. We are to assume, it seems, that the items are being reported by someone physically present with and standing among the common Iraqi populace, reporting their feeling directly to us. Or, could it be mere drivel composed by someone at a stateside “news desk”?
I find myself wavering at times . Are American's “hated” or “loved”?
Perhaps it could be seen as some of both.
Why?” indeed, and “How?” When did all of come about?
I feel our coverage of the war news has been enhanced by the new policy of “embedding” personalities with specific outfits where they will stay instead of popping in and out during lulls action. The reporters become part of the outfit; they bond with with their fellow members and, as a result, we are witnessing some of the best coverage we have ever seen or heard. They witness the immediate reaction of the people. Personalities who have become stale in their regular routines on TV, are being given a new opportunity to develop into into worthy journalists. I listen for their view concerning the happiness of the common people, and trust them far more readily than I do the far-off readers of the Arabic newspapers.
If I hear conflicting reports of the degrees of “hate” and “love” being expressed by the people of Iraq, I am urged to find out who said so. We have defeatists right among us, people who are politically motivated to seek personal advancement at the expense of our national well-being; persons who pander to a segment of malcontents here at home who never see anything other than gloom and despair whatever happens.
The situation in Iraq is far more complex than most people here can imagine it to be. The religious differences, alone, are very marked and they, in turn, dictate political affiliations which are not exactly fine-tuned to any ideas of compatibility or peace. The populace is apprehensive concerning its local leadership and fear any foreign power follows because they know themselves to be weak and, hence, vulnerable.
Back off a bit. Give it some time. It's far too early to decide if they like or dislike us. Your confident attitude can reassure them toward a positive stance.
A.L.M. April 19, 2003 [c712wds]
