Wary Iraqis Steer Clear of U.S. Troops

[Barrett808]

Wary Iraqis Steer Clear of U.S. Troops
By ANTONIO CASTANEDA, Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Shakir Abdul-Hassan goes out of his way to avoid U.S. military convoys as he drives his minibus around town, fearing American soldiers will mistake him for a suicide bomber and open fire if he accidentally gets too close.

Atheer Kamal is just as cautious: When U.S. soldiers set up a checkpoint near his computer shop in east Baghdad, he locks up and heads home, worried about stray gunfire if the Americans shoot at approaching cars.

Such fears show the dilemmas created — on both sides — as U.S. soldiers struggle to differentiate between friend and foe when conducting raids, patrolling roads and traveling in convoys.

Frequent shootings at checkpoints, plus raids by U.S. troops and airstrikes resulting in Iraqi deaths, have angered many Iraqis, who contend that ignorance of their culture and the Arabic language hamper the Americans. Some say flatly that American soldiers act like "cowboys in Western movies," in Kamal's words.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060406/ap_on_re_mi_ea/deaths_of_iraqis

[MrPrax]

1. "struggle to differentiate"?

No...they kill both friend and foe...and even kids still in their nightshirts...

[pocket]

2. in other news, penguins try to steer clear of killer whales

duh

[rocktivity]

3. GOOD NEWS!

Iraqis are coming up with clever ways to conserve gas and electricity!

:party: This post is part of the George W. Bush GULF WAR GOOD NEWS initiative.
rocknation