Talk to an Iraqi - This American Life - Showtime: PART 2/2

[HoPunch]

Ron Paul for president.he'll get us out of Iraq and all other countries we have no business policing

[me25422]

rich gay Iraqi moves to America and complains about the war. Has this guy ever thought about taking up arms and protecting his country from the invading AMericans? if another country invades my country I am fighting back.

[LiberalJerseyman]

@me25422 So if one of the many nations America has bombed over the years decided to invade us based on one of our attacks upon them, you wouldn't have a similar attitude to the guy in the video? Also, nice move calling him "gay" and "rich." The very shitholes who got us into the war were rich and gay.

[kingmu1]

how is it that an 11 year old girl is smarter than 95% of americans? This is tragedy of epic proportions!

[Friedstuffsable]

"They flew two planes into my hometown" - Marine. "Who did?"- Iraqi. "Terrorists" - Marine. Yeah, Saudi Arabian terrorists. But we didn't invade Saudi Arabia did we? Not that that wouldn't have been smart either. It would have been just as stupid. So by this Marines logic & people who think like him, If a group of civilians from America go to another country & commit a terrorist act, That country has the right to attack an entire nation?

[FightIrishFan10]

2:33 THAT MORON

[ShamelesslyRed]

So much to say - there are not enough apologies to cover the injustice done against people who had nothing at all to do with 9/11. To begin with, as an American, I supported the invasion, but it was because we were told that Iraq was in large part responsible for 9/11. It was a lie. We know that now. Consequently, more than 65% of our nation no longer supports being in Iraq, or anywhere else in the middle east. I pray we are out soon. God be with you and your family. Thank you for this video

[foxboy1618]

The lady in 2:37 is a great example of people who are gullible of what they watch on the media. Republicans and these religious bigots have these ridiculous obsessions with wars when it only looses lives and money. I can tell you that I did not vote for George Bush back then and if he would come in election this year, he will still not have my vote.

I get the point of the video and it was to show that America had no reason to come in Iraq and people bought into the lies of the government.

[REVELONRAY]

It's 8/2011 I only just saw the video on TAL.I wish I had "Talked To An Iraqi".Any thoughtful person,from ANY coalition country is saddened by what happened after the invasion.But if understanding is the purpose one must recognize the critical distinction between the violence and the political forces behind the violence.If the US had it's way - the violence would have ended after taking Baghdad and rebuilding would have begun immediately.But other violent POLITICAL forces wrecked that chance.

[BlackXSunlight]

It's the same old egotistical "I'm right and you're wrong" narcism that has been passed down since Adam and Eve. For millennia mankind has been it's own greatest enemy as one "genius" wants to force his ideas on the other. The Crusades, dare I say the Holocaust, and this. Jefferson would turn in his grave, and Hamilton would laugh at him and say "I told you so; the people are a great beast."

[HonestObserver]

I wonder what people think about the U.S. now that there have been troop pullouts, and more emphasis on Afghanistan, and action against Libya, and a trend of Arab revolts against tyranny without direct American intervention.

[degoban]

9/11 has nothing to do with iraq war, who think that is just retarded, and unfortunately the are the most

[robinsintree]

Shock and sadness when I heard the marine.  This is what he truly believes? The killing of thousands of civilians "it happens. It's war." ??? Really? So, so very wrong. The "war" is about taking ownership of another country because of it's resources. OIL. The young girl is a breath of fresh air. I follow her lead and apologize to the country of Iraq for what is happening. I am sorry.

[googenshlagen]

It makes me a little sad to watch the conversation with the marine about a minute into the video.

"They flew two planes into my home town."

The vast majority of the 9/11 hi-jackers were not from (as he mentions) Iraq, Afghanistan, or Syrian, but Saudi Arabia.

You would think of all people, a marine who had served in Iraq would be a little more informed.

Whether one agrees with the other justifications given for the war in Iraq, 9/11 really had nothing to do with it.

[gutstotake]

I've had these conversations with iraqis in iraq, both times i was there. As a Marine, still on active duty, I find it hard to reconcile my devotion to mission with my broader knowledge of the realities of the country. It's hard to deal with, and watching this hasn't made it any easier.

[WEARENOTSIMPLE]

I am not slightly amazed by what some people spoke on this video. Because we human are ignorant. That is how we have evolve. ignorant mind is an advancement. It forms reality for us almost out of nothing. Being ignorant gave us the ability to adapt our minds without much troubles to time and space. We form reality out of fairy tales. It is the nature of us. It got us this far. It seems to me now it is not working for our survival :(

[scotthallowood]

Thank you for this video.

[Sananda8888]

I have such respect for you for doing this and hopefully awaking some of the people that you spoke to...even though I heard you say that most wanted to tell you how it was. The cut of the man at the car lot, I'm sure, summed it up for a lot of people and I echo the thoughts of the 11 year old and offer deepest apologies to all the Iraqi people for this invasion. It's too bad that so many American's believe the rhetoric that is pumped out in the media and don't think for themselves.

[Sananda8888]

This is a video which I believe every American should see. The simple belief that our country is in Iraq to defend American freedom is as ridiculous as going into Vietnam was to stop communism. The idea that a military action can stop terrorism, which is nothing but a belief, is ludicrous. Terrorism is not an army that goes around in uniform with the banner on their sleeve. How do you determine a person who is a terrorist from one who attempts to protect their family? You CAN'T! Then what??

[MightyDragon]

Excellent work good sir. Millions of Americans wish you and the Iraqi people the best. We are sorry that our government has caused so much turmoil and death in your land. We hope to someday have peace with our brothers in the Middle East so we can enjoy life like good and decent human beings.

[AhmedM85]

I'm shocked to see that an 11 year old had more courage than all the adults featured in this video.

[hivemindanarchist]

This is really great. It's actually very insightful and truly interesting to watch. You should make a full length doc in this style. This is actually the sort of thing that really opens peoples minds- its not a futile exercise at all IMO.

[marcellinasfigaro]

You have the self control of a saint. I don't know how you could sit there and listen to the ignorance of the young man who actually believes the Iraqi's flew planes into the WTS, or the old guy that sat there and told YOU the way it was in Iraq. I'm constantly AMAZED at the gullability of people in believing everything our government says. What you've said in these videos is what I personally believed it to be just from the sheer fact that it logically makes the most sense and you verfied it

[itsbankaibitch]

In regards to terrorism, it's not about killing people: it's about killing an ideal. If people can understand how an ideal is objectively detrimental to humanity, the ideal loses its grip on people and gradually withers away. However, there likely always will be a group or groups of people with the same destructive objectives and disregard for human life, race and religion discounted. It seems like sentimentality to imagine a world where large groups like that don't operate or even exist.

[Blackstarguitar]

mike the fuckin psychotic ...

[notthecheatr]

Very well done. I honestly think we Americans are incredibly naive about the rest of the world, and I say this myself in guilt because I suspect I myself am incredibly naive about the rest of the world.

[meganofasheville1]

Thank you for creating this documentary. The USA has sown seeds of hatred that I fear will haunt us for generations. We can never fix what we have destroyed....although we could bring to justice the liars that led our military to murder hundreds of thousands of Iraqi men women and children. I am a photographer and I'd love to do anything I can to illuminate the horrific crimes against humanity that my country has committed.

[Keithed200]

@111cada Iraq is ranked in the top ten of the world’s failed states. It's government is highly corrupt, unemployment is rampant, hundreds of people still die in attacks each month, and it's been confirmed by the U.S. military's own civilian death toll that AT LEAST a hundred thousand. This has been confirmed by the U.S. military's own civilian death count via Wikileaks.

Iraq's "democracy" also just murdered its own people protesting corruption and unemployment this week by the way.

[F33bs]

@Keithed200 Iraq's minorities and religious groups were intentionally played against each other by Hussein, and people like al-Sadr continue to do it. It is Ba'athism that is responsible for the fragmentation of Iraqi society, not western interventionism. You can say that we underestimated it, but you can't say that we are responsible for it.

You're just looking for anything to justify leaving Iraqi society to the wolves, and if you take polls more seriously than people, I feel sorry for you.

[Keithed200]

@F33bs And? It was the United States who originally helped support Hussein and kept him in power during the 80s. It is the invasion of Iraq which has allowed Al-Sadr to gain so much influence. The U.S. government has it's own particular agenda in regards to Iraq and largely does not care about the well-being of the Iraqi people. My opinions are not based on polls, they are formed from the realization that the U.S. occupation has worked against the country's people and should not be supported.

[hanssmitty82]

The Marine in this video is a moron. There are a lot of vets walking around thinking just cause they went over seas they are experts on foreign affairs. Im a vet also and let me tell you, I've met some of the smartest people I know in the military, but by far have met the biggest idiots of my life there. Im talking real stupid like this guy. You could see the ignorance in his eyes. I bet his one of the guys that come back and want people to hug him and call him a super hero.

[redknightricky]

@iraqicaptain1 Have you ever thought of coming over here in Southern California? There are plenty of people here who might lend an open ear. But if you already been in CA and you found the same level of ignorance from the other states, then I am sorry for recommending CA. Everyone I know here in SoCal aren't "brainwashed". For the past decade, I am tired with all the b.s. from the media. I would rather listen to you than a newscaster.

[F33bs]

After watching this video again, I fail to see why you asked that veteran "What did Iraq do to you personally?" Since when did humanitarianism have to be justified by self-defense? Since when does standing up for other human beings have to begin with oppression in the First World? Don't you think the oppression in the Third World is bad enough?

[Keithed200]

@F33bs The Iraq War was not sold on our love of humanitarianism or democracy. It was sold on the notion that Saddam Hussein was an immediate threat to our security and had chemical and/or nuclear weapons. This obviously turned out to be wrong so supporters of the war have instead turned to rationalizing about how we have brought "democracy" to Iraq in the form of a Shiite government that largely continues all the torture and murder that Saddam's did. You have been duped.

[F33bs]

@Keithed200 I was unaware that I had to support the official reasons for anything, much less a military intervention. Setting aside the moral imperative the West had in treating Iraq as an imperial province for so long, you're just wrong in point of fact. Saddam Hussein was planning to restart his nuclear program after sanctions were lifted, and his connections to the AQ Khan and the DPRK are well known.

Nobody brought democracy to Iraq, since it was already there.

[Keithed200]

@F33bs Hussein's capability to produce nuclear arms was essentially destroyed after 1991. The Iraq Survey Group found no evidence of "concerted efforts to restart the program." Whatever evidence there is of Hussein wanting to restart a nuclear weapons program is largely based on hearsay from interviews, which is not what the official rationale for the war was or even a particularly solid rationale in itself.

[F33bs]

@Keithed200 Obviously Hussein couldn't have planned to re-constitute a nuclear program while under sanctions, but the question every person and journalist should then ask of themselves and of the foreign policy infrastructure, is are we willing to starve innocent Iraqi's to death because of our inability to deal with a fascist, genocidal regimes?

My answer to that is no, and I hope any thinking liberal and internationalist would feel the same way.

[F33bs]

@Keithed200 Also, interviewing Saddam Hussein himself is hardly "hearsay," and reports that deal directly with the man have concluded that he was at least provisionally leaning towards lifting sanctions for the purpose of regaining control and consolidating power over Iran and the many disparate parties he fragmented during his own rule.

If that's the kind of state of affairs you want your country to be involved in, then just say so. But I will stand on the side of regime change.

[F33bs]

@Keithed200 Rather than endlessly reducing Iraq, its culture, people and aspirations to a set of papers pushed by wealthy men and elites around committees and courts, I'm interested in your views on the moral obligation the West and the USA had to Iraq.

Do you believe that a country that has for so long interfered on the side against the people, doesn't have a basic moral responsibility to them? Do you think we can just abandon that kind of policy when and only when it suits our interest?

[Keithed200]

@F33bs If you wish, my belief is that if there was to be any humanitarian intervention carried out in the name of the Iraqi people, then it could have been led by the United Nations or any force that would be more transparent and less abusive than the U.S. military. The U.S. monopoly of power in Iraq is essentially colonial and it is revolting that I am indirectly responsible for it via my government.

[JuanIII]

1:20 to1:30, We have terrorist in the United States, Ted Kaczynski. That guy is beyond thick. I'd like to put an end to murder, but that's a cause that's going to lose.

[jklilbit]

You should come to Arlington Virginia and talk to the people here about it you will be surprised by the huge range of different answers you will get

[F33bs]

While I love TAL, this piece was a little non-sensical, and as far as I can see, they chose an Iraqi who wasn't even in Iraq prior to the Intervention.

Ask the millions of Iraqi's who vote in every election what they think of living in a country with a parliament. Search Al-Jazeera's reporting on YouTube concerning Iraqi elections, and tell me that it's not an improvement. Is war bad? Yes. But are some things worth fighting for? Absolutely. And democracy and freedom of expression are.

[iraqicaptain1]

@F33bs Thanks for your comment. But i in fact was grew up, went to school and lived in Iraq before, during and after the "intervention". I also voted in every election post US-led invasion of Iraq. And i wouldnt give myself, or anyone else, the right to estimate the market value of the lives of hundreds of thousands of people to then decide what they are worth or not.

[F33bs]

@iraqicaptain1 I didn't know you were the person in this video. So you have my respect for that. However saying that countries have the right to do as they wish with no consequence in the wider world, is the very essence of nationalist chauvinism. If we are going to truly live in a globalized world of inter-connected culture, there has to be consequences for violating that trust. Iraq was one of those countries.

[iraqicaptain1]

@F33bs Thanks. But im confused a bit, cause first your criticism was about the person featured in the video (myself) and how representative he is, but now it seems like you just thought the war necessary because you think it is, regardless to what the people most affected by it think or believe. And its beyond me, what "trust" you're even talking about and think was violated. Not to mention the double standard judgment in your view. But thank you for taking the time to watch the video.

[F33bs]

@iraqicaptain1 I don't believe that you are representative of the majority of Iraqis. Is there any reason why you should be? As for the violation of trust, I think decades of ethnic cleansing was reason enough to cast a wary glance at Ba'athist Iraq.

My qualm is not with the Iraqi people. On the contrary, I find the people of Iraq to be inspiring in their embrace of democracy and womens rights. For what its worth, I carry around an Iraqi flag pin on my backpack at all times in solidarity.

[iraqicaptain1]

@F33bs Just saw that exchange you had with another viewer...i had to remove both your exchanges cause its insulting and degrading to use such language when approaching an issue that has directly affected and forever changed the lives of millions. But i do appreciate your interest.

[F33bs]

@iraqicaptain1 That's fine. I didn't mean to be insulting, but 'bapyou' is a well known troll who spends a lot of his time scouring YouTube videos and flaming people.

If you'd like to keep discussing Iraq, I'd love to do so. I'm still waiting for you to acknowledge most of the points I made and offer a response, as well as tell me why you should represent the entirety of Iraqi opinion, and which Iraqi's gave you this responsibility.

[kajillion]

@F33bs "However saying that countries have the right to do as they wish with no consequence in the wider world, is the very essence of nationalist chauvinism." Wait, are you talking about Iraq or the US?

[F33bs]

@kajillion Are you asking me to read and comprehend words for you?

[kajillion]

@F33bs If you can't see how your comment could apply to US foreign policy of the last decade then I wouldn't trust your interpretation of a fast food menu.

[F33bs]

@kajillion Of the last decade? You must be joking. The entire reason the US is even involved in Iraq is because of its horrible foreign policy in the 20th century. It's policy now has been a huge departure from the usual cycle of propping up dictators at the expense of the population, and you say that's a bad thing?

If you knew anything about Iraq and US policy prior to 2003, you'd see just how fatuous and a-historical your claims really are.

[lamelori]

@F33bs "However saying that countries have the right to do as they wish with no consequence in the wider world, is the very essence of nationalist chauvinism." Did you really say that? Wow. What a double standard. Do you think the United States thought about the rest of the world when it decided to invade a country and kill thousands of innocent people?

[Sananda8888]

@F33bs Obviously, you didn't see the entire video then. It shows this man in Iraq as a 19 yr old and working with the foreign media prior to the INVASION, not intervention. Let's be real and call it like it is. His family is together, apparently happy and employed. Not now!

[Notokayipromise]

That little girl is the smartest person you've talked to.Sad, really.

[skipplet]

@Notokayipromise She's also the most naive person he talked to as well..

[Mshine67]

@bapyou

Don't forget the estimated Trillion Dollars worth of Lithium discovered in Afghanistan. Considering most new Electronics Batteries (including cars), Lithium's value increases with each passing day.

[SUPERIRAQIII]

iraq donot have terrotist before the invadtion the real terrorist are the usa came to invade ancient country iraq donot have realshin with 9_11 if you said yes give me aprove !!! there is lots of dumps in your country lol.

[aranamin]

@SUPERIRAQIII

thats wrong im a iraqi myself so dnt go judging me

there were terrorists in iraq already and every were!

[Wawi9]

To rule Iraq by proxy was expensive for US, to gain democracy by proxy is expensive for the Iraqies, the road to true democracy in very long considering there is no democracy in the reigon, we are gratful to just be able to speak about democracy, Saddam was never the solution, niether was the Baath party, if my grand children can achieve democracy then we would have set a record, nothing new for the Iraqies, they broke all possible records in the history of mankind, the good and the bad records

[iraqicaptain1]

@Wawi9 Sad but true.

[waterluvr888]

"You got (terrorists) in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria ... "

I'd like to point out that terrorists come from everywhere. Not just the Middle East. There are people who are crazy or extremist or radical from every race, religion and country. Americans are just sore from 9/11. They've let it infect the way they think and see people. It's terrible. I even did a piece on it for my art class last year.

[blackxbamboo]

If there are any Iraqis reading this, I'm sorry too. I'm sorry we can seem so dumb and conceited and selfish and arrogant. Our lives are no more valuable than yours. I dont know why we are there. American troops killing iraqis are not going to make us free, we were never not free in the first place.I hope one day we can be forgiven, if not made allies. I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm sorry.

[maysaffar]

البقاء للأصلح

هذه هي شريعة الغاب مع شديد الأسف

[harryfmk]

Was the marine for real?

[jacksawild]

I'm British and the fact is we weren't attacked until after we invaded two nations. I would like to apologise but it is so far beyond our control it seems pointless. A million people marched against the war here, and were ignored. For what it is worth, many of us are sorry; including me.

[cilek2010]

Thank you so much!!!! It is sad USA does not know what a war is. I am from Turkey and I know how war affects lives. I have so much love for the point you are trying to put out there. I wish I could say that this video will make a difference but public is already brainwashed about this war.This war started for no reason. Cause tons of people to die, get separated on both sides FOR NO REASON. Now we are pulling out and it will take years to recover. I hope you re-unite with your family.

[chocolate1295]

the first guy doesnt really understand what a terrorist is obviously. theyre all over the world, even in the u.s. duh

[enadiz2007]

bullshit

[forestlock]

I feel the same way as the 11 year old girl did. In all honesty, I want the best for all the country's in the world. that is really the way that it should be.

[bobhairi]

American way of life..

Kill all the red necks , the latinos , the african american.

the asians,...

but only let those neo-captalist,illuminatis,free masons,all the jews alive..

that's is what George Bush and Tony Blair and his gangs have in mind.

[DeepSpiritsMedia]

Not everybody hears what is easier for them to believe. Some of us hear and believe things, even if they are not easy. Even if they are hard!

[miguel552003]

Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 it and thier was no weapon of mass destruction in iraq it was a bunch of lebanese and saudies who run in the twin tower who by the way were trained in america i feel sorry for the iraqi people they are in the middle of war and it seems everybody is against them and they are paying with thier life every day good job bro but i would say you can not convince americans they are a very selfish folk.

[chemist86]

Good stuff

[orochi1356]

how they they fighting to keep our freedoms. It's the job of the people and the government to keep our freedoms HERE. going over there and thinking that everyone there is the enemy is wrong. people should think of the parallels between the U.S. and iraq now and the colonies and the british empire. Yeah, we're not ruling them (at least nobody's said we're ruling them) but we're telling them what they should want is in their best interest.

[ogloosh]

This video made me sad..

I mean, holy shit, the level of ignorance in this country is astounding. A god damn little girl was smarter then most of the people in this video!

[Conza88]

@ogloosh - Homeschooled. Not government schooled. Simple.

[josevanreyes]

last time i checked no Iraqis where involved in 9/11 what a dumb typical ignorant American

[SeventhHeaven5655]

The 11 year old girl is the only one who makes sense. "I've been waiting 3 years to apologize to an Iraqi"--this is exactly how I have felt thru thie whole war. As an American, I'm ashamed at the ignorance of these people who are in favor of the war.

I am unable to read the comments of others--some kind of glitch--so if anyone knows how to fix it or what to do, I would be grateful for your help.

[gosciu555]

First of all 9/11? PROVOCATION. The only reason events like that happen is to put people in a mood to go kill so muslims. That's the only reason that happens. Then they can say, Iran, Iraq its all the same, they all prey to allah they're all guilty.

[haruki456]

this girl is a heck alot smarter than my friend. My friend had no idea there was an iraqu war until I told her she also believes that the japanese were justified in bombing Pearl harbor and her father is in the navy! And I agree with this man just because Americans say iraqis are thankfull we are there dosen't mean it's what iraqis believe

[Hareezmufc11]

lucito86. it is really sad about the way most ppl think like you. please dont relate the koran with terrorism. the Koran condemns any violence. and those who commits suicide on innocent ppl are long lost from the teachings of Koran. I do not want to be bias. I am not here to defend the Islam or anything. This video was made for the realization man has lost itsway with humanity. the ignorance of human being is quite a shame.

[PiscesPhishie]

What a precious little girl, I'd like to think that she was in this video to redeem some of the negative qualities that we've seen in the video. But all in all, it's a sad thing, so many people have not taken the time to educate themselves about their own surroundings enough to have valid reasons to why there should/should not be a war. It's a difficult stance to take, to choose one side or the other. Even today, after learning everything (and still learning more) I can't decide the lesser evil.

[oonemesisoo1337]

that girl tory was friggen adorable

[lucito86]

I have a good answer to the Iraqi boy by an Iraqi, United States war against Iraq that Iraq produces terrorists as any other Muslim countries, what should the U.S. sit and wait when it is conditional that it is ok to kill Christians and Jews, , or you may take our children ch women from us. I would rather eat you on the day before you eat me up at night, with all respect for this guy who seems to be good and clever, if you want to solve the problem, you tear the Koran, because it is the problem

[khrixtian18]

America should stop sticking its nose into other countries business. Props for that Iraqi.

[jethromayham]

I'm joinin, yes siree indeedy! Sounds like a lot of fun to be able to litem up!

[chubs119]

It really is amazing to see how these people are just walking around with their eyes f***ing closed. Desperately clinging to talking points that they have heard once or twice on the news while not really knowing shit.

[OniRecordsNZ]

Upmodded your post and wished to comment to say you basically took the words out of my mouth..

[RentAnEducation]

That little girl is so awesome.

[juvjuvjuv]

Im voting for Tori !!

[lstemac]

I'm making up my own "Tori for President 2032" tee-shirt now

[Tabitha5599]

I'll vote for her too! I can't get the link to come up, but I saw another video with her in it, when she was younger. It's a YouTube video called "The Objector - USA". She's at 12:20. Her maturity amazes me.

[OniRecordsNZ]

Its amazing that this girl seemingly made her own descision with no preassure from her parents despite one being in the army and serving there...

[bapyou]

The veteran from 0:04 to 2:00:

"You got (terrorists) in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria ... "

What this numbskull left out of his rationalizing the war, is that 17 out of 19 of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudi citizens! So, by HIS rationale we should have invaded Saudi Arabia more than ANY country. But the U.S. already gets enough oil from the Saudis, so why go there?

This whole war, you dumb goddamed idiots in the military, was not ANYTHING about fighting terrorists. Brainwashed fucks.

[sparkledust7788]

I sorta agree. It's not about terrorists, in fact I honestly believe it definatley could have been avoided. I feel and know that it's about the oil and money. Just take a look back to the early 90's when the US screwed over the middle east in the international world trade center banking. Why else would they attack our world trade center. They must have been mad at us for a reason. There is so much more to this war than what "Americans" see on the media.

[bapyou]

They key to understanding the terrorist attacks of 9/11 is understanding Saudi Arabia -- origin of the majority of 9/11's participants. Learn the 20th century history of SA: the establishment of the kingdom; the oil supply policy made by Franklin Roosevelt and the royal family. The Saudi people have always resented the US presence in the holy land of Islam: both the oil company enclaves and the military bases. The royal family has always accomodated the U.S. From these the resentment has flowed.

[sparkledust7788]

Yeah. I am taking a course called history of the middle east, which is very intresting, and we have speakers from throughout the middle east talk to us, as well as military men/women who have and are serving in the middle east. But yeah, I will definately read more upon the history of Saudi Arabia, I think they had some partaking in the government of iraq, or something like that.

[bapyou]

There is very little connection between the Saudi government and Iraq. Particularly under Saddam.

[OniRecordsNZ]

That veteran pissed me off so much. I had no idea that some people were even THAT blind to it all....

[F33bs]

@bapyou It amazes me that there are people as stupid as you. Terrorism is a phenomenon in that it defies national boundaries, and as far as we can see, actively refuses to accept the very definition of citizenship. Are you going to claim that there were no terrorists in Iraq prior to 9/11? Moqtada Al-Sadr wasn't Iraqi, then? Abu Nidal didn't have government offices in Baghdad? Hussein didn't pay the families of suicide-bombers in Palestine?

Do you know nothing about Iraq? The answer is yes.

[bapyou]

@F33bs "Terrorism is a phenomenon in that it defies national boundaries"

And none of the terorrists who perpetrated 911 were from Iraq. 911 was the back-up rationale for the war that right-wing toads have been mouthing since the first rationale (WMDs) was admitted by George Idiot Bush to have been a lie.

And terrorism, little boy, is a form of asymmetric warfare.

Convince me that the US needs 100,000 troops in Afghanistan to find 200 Al-Qaeda. C'mon, you weak fuck.

[F33bs]

@bapyou The reasons I support the intervention in Iraq have nothing to do with terrorism. They have to do with clear violations of the genocide convention, non-proliferation treaties and the United Nations resolutions and charter. Are you going to claim that Iraq didn't violate any of these? I'd love to see you try. However you won't even attempt to back up your claims.

You'll just throw out words like "right-wing toad" until you finally get too old to be a pompous, ignorant troll.

[judopathoftruth]

how can you fight for freedom, in ANOTHER COUNTRY!

[drumrnva]

@judopathoftruth Why didn't our government and our citizens ask that question....?  Seems so completely obvious. And the notion that "American freedom" was somehow in jeopardy in Iraq was always delusional. It's weird when this many people can be so completely wrong in their self-justification.

[judopathoftruth]

that 11 year old, is a glimmer of hope

[judopathoftruth]

Man, this video is 100 percent real, Western (American) Attitudes are perfectly summed up here.

We should do one in Britain

[Melantrys]

I wouldn't put it quite so bluntly and in black and white terms as someone did before me, but, yeah, the 11-year-old girl impressed the hell out of me.

Not only her knowledge (Ok, this should not require great amounts of learning, but did anyone notice that most other ppl, even ones who had been deployed over there, were talking about Eye-raq...?) and compassion, but also her bravery. I believe it was very brave of her to sit down on that chair and apologize.

[dexpac]

Are there any plans to release more of this? I know This American Life has time constraints but I've gotta imagine they filmed a boatload of footage and cut it down to this. I'd like to see the full conversation with some of these people.

[iraqicaptain1]

Thanks for your interest....dont think there are intentions to release more footage by TAL....while there is a lot more that was said, done and recorded, what this segment included does somewhat express and represent the general mindsets and arguments

[NICCAGE26]

black Americans feel Iraq pain. we lost over 100 million people in our fight against these self centered infidels.

[MetalManDan7]

A bunch of fucking retards, except the home schooled 11 year old.

[ForestJay]

Tori for President '32.

[firesidefun18]

@ForestJay Sadly he cannot run for President he was not born in the US, but Tori for Governor.

[killerkohyar]

Nice video bro

[deenatahir]

wow ! thank u 7aider .

[smoknem]

that first dude was a straight up idiot.

[Andromanche1337]

Its hard to imagine people really believe being in Iraq is fighting for American freedom. It seems like a lot of people just say "I don't know" about a lot of issues with the war. Thats a horrible way to go through life just not having any idea about anything.

[Andromanche1337]

I feel bad for all the stuff that has happened since 9/11, and the horrible Bush administration and their actions. They duped the American people and I feel sorry for anyone who bought into the whole "war on terrorism", and war in Iraq/ Afghanistan. I can't do anything about it though. I'm just a humble person from America that feels ashamed sometimes for what goes on.

[matei2005]

Contempt for mainstream America, every breathing minute.

[bently42]

I will vote for President Tory in 2032. What a sweetheart.

[pbodycru121]

just shows how stupid the Americans really are, you tell them anything they will believe it. You went to Iraq to take the oil and distract the world with the war going on. You Americans are the F$£$ing terrorist. Open your eyes you dumb twats.

[hiphopopotomus999]

okay im against the war two, but people like you, who are so unrationaly against it ruin it for the rest of us

[smoknem]

agree 100%

[spitphire2]

I agree that the war was started on shaky ground, but don't blame an entire nation for one man's shortcomings. We shouldn't be there but don't blame shit on people who didn't do shit.

[Hareezmufc11]

i think waht he saying is that. i cant believe there are people justifying to go there. "freedom" has no relation with americans in Iraq. 9/11 was not cause by Iraq adminstration. You want to say Saddam violates human rights?. Well, somalia doesnt have a government, and millions are dying there, why not help there?.

[SeventhHeaven5655]

@Hareezmufc11 You are so right. Freedom has nothing to do with the war in Iraq. Mostly all wars big and small are because of national/tribal interests. This war started because of oil and because George W had an excuse to invade Iraq even though Iraq never attacked or even threatened the US. I can't believe people are so ignorant in this video (except the 11 yr old girl). How sad.

(I fixed my glitch problem from my last comment.)

[bigdmia]

If Tori (the 11 year old girl) is the face of America's future, then God Bless America.

[exigentrevolution]

This reminds me strongly about what's going on in Palestine right now, except Americans know almost nothing of Palestine's hardships. Why our media is so selective on what it wants to show us is beyond me, but we don't have the "fair and balanced" news we think we do. Watch any U.S. news channel, then watch Al Jazeera. Better yet, talk to a Palestinian. My friend Wala' is in Palestine right now, and she tells me horrible things that our tvs don't even mention.

[idioteque59]

wow, that's one smart and mature 11 year old.

i'm voting for her in 2032

[ChemicalSally]

as an Iraqi i felt sorry for these Americans, their country is depriving them of knowledge and the iraqi war crimes are so high in numbers because most soldiers/marines have the mentality of the first guy that spoke "i dont care" "fuck them" "nuke them" do you americans want these people representing your country?

[Tabitha5599]

The little girl toward the end of the video was awesome, and NOTHING like the other people in the whole show. She sounded very knowledgeable about what was going on in Iraq, and has probably heard stories from her dad, who is there. Maybe that's why she has the outlook she does. She can represent me any day and I'd vote for her for president in a heartbeat!

[ChemicalSally]

and i agree with you on that 100%

[Hareezmufc11]

it is a relief to see that there is still hope in that little girl.

her maturity exceeds all the other adults way beyond.

[krs10hats]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing this and sharing the video. There are a lot of Americans (even in the Midwest) who know this war is wrong.

[animejoao]

how can you do a freedon war, or so called anyway, to another contry how don share your own culture, and do not speak your own language, and you go there and start speaking english with people who dont have the slighest idea of wtf are you saying, dude thats is just crazy.

[omarnafoosi1989]

we dont have terrorists u douchebag!

[Taggerung89]

Most people in America aren't as stupid as that guy.

[Haitham1523453234]

good may free all Iraq very soon inshallah

[asuhdds]

haha this marine.. this fukken marine. "its war man, if you wanna win hearts and mines, sometimes several hundred thousand civilians gotta die, who cares theyre brown people aniways"

[asuhdds]

lol marine corps sure is edumacated "what did they do to you before the US invaded iraq" 'they flew two planes into my neighborhood.'

there was no al-qaeda in iraq before we invaded, you dumb shit

lol this would be like some KKK americans hijacking a plane and blowing up a dubai building, and the united arab emirates invades canada.

fuckin retarded ugh

[iheartponeez]

Holy shit that Tori girl, best daughter ever?

[citrusarcher]

Thank you so much for posting this. I wish I could persuade everyone in my family to see this, but I'll settle for having a better understanding myself.

I wish there was something we could all say and hear to justify what is happening over there, to make us feel better about it, to prove that it is worth it, and to have such a statement be true, but there is no such statement. There just isn't. And a whole populace shouldn't have to pay for that fact.

I wish you and your family well.

[seemoretube]

2:45 another complete idiot

[seemoretube]

1:30 complete idiot

[therealslimshady1112]

man you did a great jobb..and the answer is YES people want to hear what they want to hear..to make them selves feel good.i'm iraqi too and living abroad.

[iraqicaptain1]

تسلم حبي علتعليق...و انشالة تكون انت و الاهل بخير

تحياتي

[therealslimshady1112]

thanks man.god bless you and your family.ihope you will be together with them as soon as possible 'atsharaf beek'

[Youcheck]

Hmm, too much pessimism Haydar,take it easy, not to that extent. We Iraqis do have a brighter future, and yes we are in a democracy. Haydar, you never even mentioned the terrorists, Why is it always about occupation? i'm not implying that the americans should stay, on the contrary, but i would leave that for the elected Iraqi gov to decide.

Be optomistic my friend :)

[therealslimshady1112]

I blame all of em'..terrorists,the goverment,Bush..you're partly right ,i think that you're one of those who used to flatter the goverment for the great accomplishments "which i never heard about"..btw i'm not Haydar but i replyed u because you commented on my comment lol

[sonikgirl]

Thanks for posting this.

[Bongladen]

For our freedoms!

[Willwen]

The ignorance and arrogance of the American people is appalling - no wonder G. Bush has "served" as president.

It doesn't take much to fool and mislead the average American.

[anulay]

Very sadly true. But you know what, Bush has a record low approval rating at this point...but the fact that ANYONE supports him is atrocious.

[tehsuxs]

Doesn't congress have an even lower approval rating?

[anulay]

Probably. They're all a disgrace of humanity.

[concordat]

Congress has always had low approval ratings ever since tracking of it began in 2006. In act, even with all of the pollers listing their results over the past two years, it never went above 50% approval.

This isn't exactly an indictment of the Democratic party though, the Dems still have a double digit lead in the Generic Congressional Ballot over the Republicans. I think people just don't think Congress does very much.

[raskolnikov1331]

Interesting piece. I'm curious, what do you think would happen if the US withdrew?

[uz3r]

move to iran and the rest of the other countries on "the list"

[lilbubbyC]

This was great...everyone has a side of the story. It is to bad that war really never has any winners. To many lives have been lost on both sides to justify any of this. Iraq, the Iraqi's, the troops, & their families are all in my prayer.