Tuesday, March 17, 2015
What Every Soldier Know
What Every Soldier Should Know points out the little cultural differences while in Iraq as to not offend the Iraqi people but also to be aware of the various sayings that could result in harm and/or death. "Inshallah el khair means Allah be willing. Listen well when it is spoken," insists that it is of importance to remember and be aware of this saying but does not explain why. "Men wearing vests rigged with explosives walk up, raise their arms and say Inshallah" explains why one should be aware of the saying as it is usually followed by an explosion. What Every Soldier Should Know is a guideline for soldiers to follow. It reminds them that although the people may be friendly ("small children who will play with you, old men with their talk, women who offer chai") they could still be wish death upon you and/or celebrate it.
It reminds of the stories my mother would tell me of her tour overseas and how they would have to be careful even if they were seeming to be surrounded by nothing but innocent children and pregnant women, they could still be a threat. For any of the people in the crowd no matter how trusting they appear, could turn around and just as easily end your life with an explosive vest.
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I agree. I think it definitely is trying to say that everyone could want to hurt you and that you need to always believe that they will try, just to be prepared. I also found it really interesting the phrases Turner deemed to be more important and less important so to speak. For example, telling them "Stop! Or I'll shoot", is useless, but "Allah be willing" is very important to pay attention to. What really gets me is that I can't figure out why.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to think of people being that evil. It is even harder for me to wrap my mind around children producing explosives and potentially ending lives. It is a shame how much war can consume a community. In a normal situation, children would not be allowed to participate in such an act. Although, however, because of the extreme circumstances not only are children involved but the adults have to be weary of the children as potential dangers as well. War consumes the best in people and ultimately changes most peoples way of life.
ReplyDeleteI think the participation of children is a cultural difference that makes it hard for Americans to understand. For example, in the Vietnam War, and even during WWII in the pacific theater, the Americans, then, could still not understand why the Japanese(or VC) would fight without retreat knowing they would lose.
ReplyDeleteI think this same element applies to those in Iraq who felt violated that America is stepping on their way of life. Although it seems easy for Americans to say that our way is the way of life, that doesn't always work for everyone else. As a result, parents who feel this way, would hand their child a grenade, kiss them on the forehead, tell them they are loved, and then tell them to walk over to that American smoking a cigarette.