Posted on 03/05/2003 9:44:24 AM PST by Oldeconomybuyer
The ideals of a peace mission fell apart when human shields from Iraq began to suspect their trip was "sponsored" by the Iraqi government. Nobody thought that living in Iraq while it was bombarded was going to be easy. But few of the human shields I met had given real thought to the fact they may not survive the coming weeks. What they did not count on - and until the very last hours, refused to believe - was that their whole trip may have been planned by the Iraqi government. When we crossed the border we were handed leaflets warning that we may be taken hostage by the government. When our coach left Amman for the border last Monday, the human shields in our delegation were just starting to question the reality of entering Iraq. Some decided at the last minute not to go at all. All the hotel and food bills were being paid for by the Iraqi Government. Our visas were processed in hours when for everyone else it was taking months, if at all. Former college lecturer Dave Howarth said he had decided of his own free will to sleep at the South Baghdad Power Station because the electricity was essential for the civilian population. We jumped in a taxi and within 30 minutes we were standing alone on the roof of the power station with the sound of industrial clatter ringing in our ears. But even then, in private he told me he may move to a different site. He felt the entire area would be carpet bombed by the Americans - regardless of human shields. Walking around Baghdad the next day was the strangest experience of my life. Here was a city under the very real threat of attack by Allied bombs. Dave told me that he felt safer in Baghdad than Lincoln. Despite this, I booked myself on the next available flight out of the country. Then 36 hours later everything changed. Doubts about the credibility of Dr Abdul Hashimi's Friendship, Peace and Solidarity organisation which had invited the human shields to Baghdad, began to emerge. Rumours reached their ears that it was actually the Iraqi Government that was behind their trip and not charity peace campaigners who had acted spontaneously. They went into a blind panic. Nathan - who looked like he had not slept for days - bought a suit and hired a car, ready to make a break for the border. He said: "I don't trust these people any more. I don't think we are going to be allowed to do what we want. I was here to meet the children and ordinary Iraqis. I don't want to go to a power plant." Everyone's fears were flooding to the surface. Everyone wanted to get out. Human shields were now discussing their anxieties openly. They whispered to each other about their methods of escape. The next morning I arrived at the hotel lobby ready to leave. I found - for the first time - that the doors had been chained shut. But the receptionist, who had been standing in the shadows, and who I did not recognise, let me out, padlocking doors behind me. When I reached the airport my heart was pounding. Liberal bribes greased the wheels of my exit. At every stage police officers, passport control and even a man who appeared to be the head of security called for "Bashish" - cash. Once in the air I started to feel relief. An hour later I was sitting on a bed in a hotel in Amman. I was safe. I ordered tea and called the airline to book my flight back to Britain. I arrived back in Lincoln this morning. None of the human shields who told me they wanted to flee Iraq have telephoned me since I left. I have not yet managed to speak to any of them. Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
Lincolnshire Echo reporter Brendan Montague travelled with local peace campaigner Dave Howarth, and explains how the penny dropped - and real fear set in.
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk
I agree. However, it is amazing how stupid this individual was in the first place.
I'm not sure that the collective IQ of this bunch would rival that of a bucket of warm sewage.
Yes, it really is. They are truly lucky (those who manage to escape Iraq) that there have been a few delays in getting this underway. There is a real chance in the alternate universe that they might have been nothing more than bloodspots by now.
Very good insight!
I have to confess that, for the first time, I feel a tiny little sense of brotherhood for Iraqi soldiers.
I just know the rank-and-file are LTAO at this foolishness, just like our soldiers are.
I believe the plural of doofus is doofi, not dofuses. Sort of like the plural of alumnus is alumni, not alumnuses.
LOL!
Many Actually Retreated after Only One Night
maroons....all of 'em
There was another thread a few nights ago, with thoughts which bear repeating (thank you RobFromGa):
This is so true to form for these particular strain of hypocrite.
They want to be "human shields", but only as long as they are guaranteed to be safe; and certainly not against real "live" weapons.
All the while, real American men and women, many with families and close business associates who count on their safe return, stand in harms way in order to provide these fools with their freedom to be "virtual shields" in assistance to the enemy.
Whisc side is right? I think the answer is obvious.
Which side is more serious about this debate? Those in harms way and those who will comfort the widows of those that lose their lives are very serious in their resolve.
The opposition, represented by the "virtual shields" are, in comparison, child-like and unserious. Not yet grown-up children who Know everything (who didn't know everything at that age?), marching along aging hippies who fondly rememember the Vietnam protests, and the Hollywood money men who fund the remaining Socialists.
It's like Spring Break but it feels so much more serious and wil help your chances to be a star.
Call them what they are: "virtual shields". To qualify you need small brain, large mouth and no guts. Amd please don't muss my hair or makeup.
These ridiculous people are standing in the way of our liberation of the same population they claim to love.
well, you left it on the curb in the blue bin, so......
thank YOU for putting it all so succinctly. In fact, I e-mailed the entire thread to family members....and pointed out your post in particular. My Navy brother loved it.
Please tell your Navy brother that there is a family in Ga that says Thanks to him for his service to our great nation. He is one of the people who we all owe our Freedom too.
I am glad to provide what comfort I can from my keyboard. Glad he liked it.
will do...thanks. He's "watching" this one...after flying an A-6 in the "Mother of all Battles"...aka "The FIRST Gulf War Whoop-A$$".
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