GOTTA SEE THIS-WarEndur.Freedom 03/21/03 Pt2-Umm Qasr,Al-Faw,Safwan,Az Bayer

The usual suspects and many brave photographers | 3/21/03 | The Armies of Good against the Axis of Evil

[SuziQ]

There is something so moving about still photographs that video will never capture.

You're so right. I had mentioned in the Hole that I'd heard of a NY Times columnist who was incensed at that picture of the Iraqi being given water. His comment was that the Americans were FORCING the Iraqi to drink. There are several clues in the photo which belie that idiot's comment. First, the gun is held by a soldier who is out of the picture, and it is NOT pointed at the Iraqi soldier. Second, the Iraqi's hands are behind his back, so he wouldn't have been able to hold the canteen anyway. Third, look at the hand of the American soldier which is on the Iraqi soldier's head. It is not clenched with anger in any way. It is resting on his head in order to keep the Iraqi soldiers head in the correct position to receive the water without causing him to choke on it, and to allow him to get as much as he can. It is a protective gesture, not an offensive one.

As you said, still pictures let you see all the things that a fleeting video can't.

[HairOfTheDog]

First, the gun is held by a soldier who is out of the picture, and it is NOT pointed at the Iraqi soldier.

Yeah, we talked about that in the Hobbit Hole too. Those of us who know how LoTR was filmed know the tricks the camera can play with perspective! I am sure the gun is pointed down and clear of the Iraqi, but the camera is tricking the perspective.

[Capitalism2003]

The REAL inspectors have arrived.

[Aurelius]

"Not only am I a vet, but although it is not generally known, I won the first Gulf War single-handed."

Walt"

I wouldn't expect a liar like you to stoop to tell such a relatively puny fib as that.

[Laura Brown]

I have two cousins in the Royal Irish Guard based at Umm Qasr. I think they are doing a great job. I would like to wish them luck and to say get home safe. My cousins are Corpral Trevor Coult and Lance Corpral Gareth Coult.

I also believe we should capture Saddam and have him on a televised exicution or is that just my sick mind??

[sthrngirl]

I am very diappointed in the way this war is going on. I am a wife of a Cpl. in the Marine Corp and to see our men having to "cater" to the Iraqi soldiers needs as POWS is really iritating. Our POWS, God bless them, are not being treated the way we are treating the Iraqi's. They are only surrendering to live another day. Our men and women are fighting for someone else's freedom and they are being treated like shit! The way I see it don't take POWS of Iraq, kill them the way they are killing our brave men and women! Iraq is the one that decided to fight us and that is what we are here for. If you think about it the way I do, every POW that we have captured could have killed one of our men or women before they were captured and now we are making sure they are feed and watered on a regular basis. What about our POWS? Just something to think about!

[maitken]

Could you do me a favor?...This pic looks like my Brother-in-law, and I am trying to find out the details of this.

Mark

[HairOfTheDog]

I can't source it! - I can say that there were two pics of the same soldier from that scene.... searching for the other one for you!

[HairOfTheDog]

Here it is:

Maj David 'Bull' Gurfein, of New York City, right, with 1st Marine Expeditionnary Force, tears down a portrait of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) in the southern border city of Safwan, Iraq (news - web sites), Friday, March 21, 2003. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Posted here: U.S. Marines Tear Down Saddam Portraits

Here is the first shot again:

[wingnuts'nbolts]

Thank you, again. So much we hear is negative that this positive feed is wonderful. We are so proud of these military men and women, their sacrifice for freedom for strangers, as well as our defense and their compassion which shines clearly in some of these pictures. God Bless all these people, and you, Diogenesis

[Capitalism2003]

This baby will grow up in a FREE Iraq.

[wingnuts'nbolts]

Thanks for the heart warming picture! Lucy child. It is also heart warming to have a 22 yr old student as a FReeper and supporter of our President and troops. Welcome!