Maryam, who was our guest tonight at Firedoglake, is a Pediatric Oncologist. She was forced to flee Baghdad but is running a refugee camp in Iraq for children who have lost their families in the occupation. She herself has lot many close family members and prior to the current occupation, she treated children with cancer - many cases the result of the radioactive munitions we used during Gulf War 1. That treatment was very difficult since the Sanctions imposed under the first Bush and Clinton blocked shipment of critical medical supplies to Iraqi hospitals.

I was very grateful for Maryam's willingness to talk with us - and for the openness of the FDL community during the conversation.

Thanks Ian for sharing this with our friends at Agonist.

I read the words of "Maryam" and understood the justified anger and hatred. I was reminded of a comment I made to a posting by Wesley Clark at TPM Cafe a few years ago. Clark had basically reposted a Washington Post article he wrote the week before suggesting that if he were in command of American forces in Iraq he could change the nature of the war and win it. He used a line to the effect "I wouldn't go against the American soldier" (not a quote). It was a double edged statement in that it implied both praise for the American military and denunciation of any that suggest that maybe continuing the war with Iraq was a mistake and not the best approach to the future and terrorism. A sentiment with strong "Rovian" qualities.

I responded that we had killed too many of their children for them to forgive us and in any way be won over by sentiments suggesting the goodness and good intentions of America. I suggested that one way to show our sincerity would be to turn over our political leaders and the upper echelon of the military responsible for the situation in Iraq to the Iraqi people for war crimes trials (as was done with Saddam Hussein).

But in what I think is a response to the blood curdling hatred expressed by "Maryam" I also stated that if after American forces leave Iraq and there then should be a terror strike within America that was shown to be based somehow from Iraq, no government, Democratic or Republican could avoid returning to Iraq to ensure that such an act never happened again - what should have happened in Afghanistan. What did happen in Fallujah would be a garden party compared to what would happen after such a terror strike. There's a big difference between a "nation building" phony attempt to spread democracy while stealing a nation's resources and nation destroying.

The (and I keep thinking "blind hate" but there's nothing blind about "Maryam's" hate) fundamental hatred that "Maryam" expresses toward America and Americans that may lead to revenge attacks in America would also lead to an America united in seeking its destruction, perhaps Noam Chomsky excepted.

It is truly depressing the extent that Bush and his cohorts and flunkies have damaged everything that was seen as good about America. I don't think that can ever be repaired, even with an America as powerful as the nation it was for the last 90 years. But both the power and the sense of goodness are gone, likely forever.

..........

http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/8/29/94325/1284

Wesley Clark:
"Now, never bet against the U.S. military -- I wouldn't ever do that. They are unmatched in dedication and professionalism."

It was the bit about US visas being sought for Iraqi employees of the US forces (mainly translators). If we were settled in for the long haul, why seek these visas on an expedited basis?

If you haven't read this piece in The Nation yet, do so. You'll begin to understand not only what this war is doing to the Iraqi people, but to the mental well-being of our own troops.

I have read that the US plans to maintain some large bases in Iraq, regardless of what the outcome is. I had read that some project US troops being there for as much as 30 years hence. Safely behind fortress walls and not venturing into Iraq. Kind of like Guantanamo Bay. I have no idea how true it is but I can see how the US might want a new base in the Middle East. I always thought all the hubbub in Kosovo had something to do getting troops closer to Russia. I may be all wet but I am very cynical of my country's forays into other countries. There is always seems to be some sinister motive involved.

can be viewed here:

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