WSD's

[azskyman]

We've heard plenty about WMD's, weapons of mass destruction, but the weapon of choice once in the Iraqi cities will be WSD's, weapons of sacrificial destruction....suicide bombers.

In Vietnam, we travelled in small groups when going into the city. Sometimes as small as 3 (driver, passenger, and guard). We all had M-16's but little else. For more than four months, I made my way about 35 minutes off the base, in the Colonel's jeep, with our driver and a vehicle guard.

I'd arrive at the school where I was teaching the teachers, principal, and sometimes the kids, as much as I could about our language, our culture, and the positive things about the US of A.

Never did we contend with WSD's...instead our fear was snipers...one or two individuals who might learn our patterns and pick us off while we were out and about town.

We were smart enough to meet at different times on different days...but never did we need to consider the potential of a WSD. It would have changed much about our year there...but never do I recall a single report of a WSD while I was there.

It is a changed world as a result. For while I never really knew the enemy from the friend over there, I never had to live with the fear that someone would take themselves out in an effort to take me out as well.

I don't envy the troops...in fact, this is a fact of today's world we would prefer not to have to confront...because our reactions will be driven by fear and uncertainty.

That was clearly the case today as some women and children fell victim to our fear and concern for WSD's.

azskyman

[streetsoldier]

Steve, I remember five-year-olds chained to machine guns in RVN...young women riding bikes laden with explosives in the baskets...and today, this vehicle didn't heed the several warnings given, the troops tried to disable the car, and FINALLY, when all means had failed did they fire directly into the rolling stock.

We have to recognize that Saddam is not uinlike any dictator of the past...Stalin, Hitler, Ho Chi Minh, Mao..and will use the innocent to "get at" the forces of liberation, now as then.

I will brook no argument on this...I SAW it...I was THERE.

[mf_dolphin]

If I may add Streetsoldier...like all of the tyrants before him Saddam's time has come! The people of Iraq will be liberated!

[Lindaloo]

That bus incident was indeed a tragedy. I believe it was a set up for our forces by a dying regime that will go to any lengths to gain sympathy and to make the United States look as if we are out there killing civilians. All these war protestors need to take a trip to Iraq and see how civilians are being fired upon for fleeing. And to see how they are taking children from their homes killing them because their Fathers will not fight for the regime.

[StormCrazyIowan]

No kidding, wake up and smell the ______ (add word here)!!!!