This is a press release you probably won't see reported in the mainstream media. From OPFOR:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERELEASE No. 20071026-01
October 26, 2007Iraqi Army at Besmaya Installation Support San Diego Fire Victims
By U.S. Army Sgt 1st Class Charlene Sipperly
Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq Public AffairsBAGHDAD, Iraq -- Members of the Iraqi Army in Besmaya collected a donation for the San Diego, Calif., fire victims Thursday night at the Besmaya Range Complex in a moving ceremony to support Besmaya's San Diego residents.
Iraqi Army Col. Abbass, the commander of the complex, presented a gift of $1,000 to U.S. Army Col. Darel Maxfield, Besmaya Range Complex officer in charge, Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq, to send to the fire victims in California.
The money was collected from Iraqi officers and enlisted soldiers in Besmaya. In a speech given during the presentation, Col. Abbass stated that he and the Iraqi soldiers were connected with the American people in many ways, and they will not forget the help that the American government has given the Iraqi people. Abbass was honored to participate by sending a simple fund of $1,000 to the American people in San Diego, to lower the suffering felt by the tragedy.
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Iraq
Comments (32)
Libs will undoubtedly see t... (Below threshold)1. Posted by HughS | October 27, 2007 1:59 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Libs will undoubtedly see this as another evil scheme hatched by Rove.
1. Posted by HughS | October 27, 2007 1:59 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 13:59
2. Posted by marc | October 27, 2007 3:05 PM | Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
And a reason to hit something less than 5 on the post voting function.
2. Posted by marc | October 27, 2007 3:05 PM |
Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 15:05
3. Posted by Steve Crickmore | October 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Score: -14 (16 votes cast)
Yes, it was a nice gesture of Colonel Abbass. He seems a special person. He certainly seems to endear himself to the US military and American people
"Without America? Fighting alone? Just Iraqi army fighting? That's not good," Fadhil said, his eyes widening at the thought. "We need time for training, for supplies. We need at least seven years." Even better, he said, 50 years.
I just don't know if there are enough Abbass Fadhils' in Iraq.
3. Posted by Steve Crickmore | October 27, 2007 3:09 PM |
Score: -14 (16 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 15:09
4. Posted by U.P. Man | October 27, 2007 3:44 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
The more we support him the more of him there will be Steve.
4. Posted by U.P. Man | October 27, 2007 3:44 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 15:44
5. Posted by realist | October 27, 2007 3:48 PM | Score: -24 (24 votes cast)
is anyone naive enough to believe that this is anything more than a publicity stunt concocted to engender more support for our continued occupation? Iraqi soldiers contributing to Fire relief? They tried the same stuff after Katrina.
i know this is horribly cynical to say but come on!!!
5. Posted by realist | October 27, 2007 3:48 PM |
Score: -24 (24 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 15:48
6. Posted by hyperbolist | October 27, 2007 4:12 PM | Score: -4 (8 votes cast)
Mmmmm, that's good P.R.!
6. Posted by hyperbolist | October 27, 2007 4:12 PM |
Score: -4 (8 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 16:12
7. Posted by nogo war | October 27, 2007 4:24 PM | Score: -15 (15 votes cast)
It is a good thing when others not directly involved do this.
Of course...when many nations offered help for Katrina?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/28/AR2007042801113.html
7. Posted by nogo war | October 27, 2007 4:24 PM |
Score: -15 (15 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 16:24
8. Posted by marc | October 27, 2007 4:45 PM | Score: 6 (10 votes cast)
As predictable as rain in the Amazonia the nay-sayers and "anything but good news" trolls are out of force aren't they?
Crickmore - anyone ever tell you you're a USDA prime cut A-Hole?
8. Posted by marc | October 27, 2007 4:45 PM |
Score: 6 (10 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 16:45
9. Posted by Maggie | October 27, 2007 5:28 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
The effort of these guys should not be met with
cynicism unless there's proof of it being
a pr stunt.
9. Posted by Maggie | October 27, 2007 5:28 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 17:28
10. Posted by Steve Crickmore | October 27, 2007 5:48 PM | Score: -12 (12 votes cast)
I agree with you Maggie..It is probably a little of both; good faith and a good pr or move.. Who knows? By the way, speaking of Katrina victims. Col Abbass was not not to be outdone there as well.
10. Posted by Steve Crickmore | October 27, 2007 5:48 PM |
Score: -12 (12 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 17:48
11. Posted by Maggie | October 27, 2007 6:01 PM | Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Having lived through Rita, and still dealing
with hurricane damage any help is appreciated.
Maybe these guys have big hearts.
11. Posted by Maggie | October 27, 2007 6:01 PM |
Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 18:01
12. Posted by Steve Crickmore | October 27, 2007 6:08 PM | Score: -4 (10 votes cast)
Could be..ordinary Iraqis were always considered to be among the most hospitable of peoples anywhere, by travellers when they had an ordinary life.
12. Posted by Steve Crickmore | October 27, 2007 6:08 PM |
Score: -4 (10 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 18:08
13. Posted by Maggie | October 27, 2007 6:12 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Hopefully they will blessed with a normal
life.
13. Posted by Maggie | October 27, 2007 6:12 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 18:12
14. Posted by Kate | October 27, 2007 6:58 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Wow! God bless 'em--that's a lot of money for them!!!!
14. Posted by Kate | October 27, 2007 6:58 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 18:58
15. Posted by Upset Old Guy | October 27, 2007 7:17 PM | Score: 11 (11 votes cast)
Ah, an advantage to being old! I remember back with water was pouring down off the Canadian plains and we had flooding in the mid-west. Big time flooding.
As I recall a few countries made Poor America-type statements. But in what is now the EU silence or Serves them right-type statements were much more common. Gee, and we hadn't even "offended" them with a "war or choice". Perhaps one of our trolls can explain that.
But the poorest of the poor, Bangladesh, sent a couple of plane loads of sand bags along with a statement to the effect that America had always been there for them in their times of need, and if there was one thing they understood it was flooding, and their best wishes.
Bangladesh will always be held in a soft spot in my heart for that simple act of kindness. But I suppose our trolls would have found it a suspect act, if they were past the bed wetting stage back then.
15. Posted by Upset Old Guy | October 27, 2007 7:17 PM |
Score: 11 (11 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 19:17
16. Posted by Rovin | October 27, 2007 8:31 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Not sure, but there sure seems to be plenty of Jamil Husseins in Iraq and here.
16. Posted by Rovin | October 27, 2007 8:31 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 20:31
17. Posted by jpm100 | October 27, 2007 8:58 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
It is a public declaration of their appreciation. So in that sense it is a "PR stunt".
And unless their's proof it didn't come from the men or money intended for the men, it's genuine.
17. Posted by jpm100 | October 27, 2007 8:58 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 20:58
18. Posted by brainy435 | October 27, 2007 10:39 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
If only you trolls were as cynical about the donors for the dem presidential candidates.
18. Posted by brainy435 | October 27, 2007 10:39 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 22:39
19. Posted by JLawson | October 27, 2007 11:49 PM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
But THEY'RE just doing it for the children, Brainy. That excuses a LOT of irregularities.
19. Posted by JLawson | October 27, 2007 11:49 PM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on October 27, 2007 23:49
20. Posted by chazaroo | October 28, 2007 12:12 AM | Score: -11 (11 votes cast)
More of our tax dollars for fascist propaganda
20. Posted by chazaroo | October 28, 2007 12:12 AM |
Score: -11 (11 votes cast)
Posted on October 28, 2007 00:12
21. Posted by Elroy Jetson | October 28, 2007 1:07 AM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
I commented on another blog and I'll comment here. God bless those Iraqi soldiers. They are probably making squat and they are willing to help out American victims of these fires. You guys rock!!
21. Posted by Elroy Jetson | October 28, 2007 1:07 AM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on October 28, 2007 01:07
22. Posted by civildisobedience![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://wizbangblog.com/nav-commenters.gif)
| October 28, 2007 8:23 AM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Of course it is part PR gesture; but one of good will toward America.
Nobody knows better than those Iraqi soldiers what is at stake in their country, especially if the USA abandons them to the Islamic wolves. Even with their very meager means they will do whatever they can to convince American liberals not to abandon them and their families.
Perhaps those Iraqi soldiers just didn't appreciate how hateful and cynical American liberals would immediately spit on their kind gesture.
22. Posted by civildisobedience![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://wizbangblog.com/nav-commenters.gif)
| October 28, 2007 8:23 AM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on October 28, 2007 08:23
23. Posted by OhioVoter | October 28, 2007 9:07 AM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
If only you trolls were as cynical about the donors for the dem presidential candidates.
LOL!
BTW, Steve,
Isn't it nice to have the opportunity to express an opposing opinion on a topic without being banned or deleted?
Given some of the things you and your Wizbang Blue crew have said about Kim, it seems rather ironic that she can handle what you all apparently can't.
;-)
23. Posted by OhioVoter | October 28, 2007 9:07 AM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on October 28, 2007 09:07
24. Posted by Steve Crickmore | October 28, 2007 10:28 AM | Score: -1 (1 votes cast)
OhioVoter...Fair point..Our new more restrictive comment policy at Wizbangblue is in a trial phase. I would like it to be eliminated, myself...I always try and express my comments with a certain respect, here. In this case of the Iraqi army donation I had some time on my hand so I'm just trying to pry what would be otherwise a simple report open more. By the way, I have written some critical and 'cynical' comments and posts at Wizbangblue on Hillary's 'donors from exploited dishwashers to Hsu'. Very few if any of her donors when interviewed, seem to have any coherent explanation for what they were doing or what Hillary was doing.
24. Posted by Steve Crickmore | October 28, 2007 10:28 AM |
Score: -1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on October 28, 2007 10:28
25. Posted by Chuck Simmins | October 28, 2007 2:05 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
The Iraqi Red Crescent sent $1 million for Katrina relief.
http://northshorejournal.org/index.php/2005/11/thank-you-from-iraq
25. Posted by Chuck Simmins | October 28, 2007 2:05 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 28, 2007 14:05
26. Posted by Paul Hooson | October 28, 2007 2:42 PM | Score: -3 (3 votes cast)
Iraq's Government and military can certainly afford to make small donations to charity. One Iraqi government official alone is reported to have stolen $1 billion dollars in U.S. financial aid all by himself. And the theft of U.S. weapons by corruption in the Iraqi military leaves hundreds of thousands of U.S. donated small arms unaccounted for. Any donation by the Iraqi government is really your tax dollars.
The war is expected to cost as much as $2.4 trillion dollars if it lasts ten years, equal to $8,000 in taxes for every man, woman and child in the U.S. The hope that Iraq's oil revenues would make the war only cost $50 billion according to Bush back in 2003 have not materialized.
26. Posted by Paul Hooson | October 28, 2007 2:42 PM |
Score: -3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on October 28, 2007 14:42
27. Posted by OhioVoter | October 28, 2007 4:39 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Steve,
Thank you for your response. I certainly hope that you are successful in ending the restrictive - and that is the nicest thing that I can think to call it - comment policy at Wizbang Blue.
I can't, however, comment on whatever you may have said in the comments there. As long as you all are not interested in hearing responses, I am not interested in reading anything that you all may write there.
I will gladly engage in two-way discussion with most anyone, but I walk right by street preachers screaming on the corner.
As to you use of the word "respect" ....
I personally believe in a vigorous opposition. I don't believe, however, that "vigorous opposition" is equal to "not respectful".
27. Posted by OhioVoter | October 28, 2007 4:39 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 28, 2007 16:39
28. Posted by ODA315 | October 29, 2007 12:59 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Well Hooson, using your logic shouldn't William Jefferson be first in line with a donation as well?
Or maybe we could use some of the billions Clinton and Edwards will spend giving us all "free" healthcare, "free" college tuition, $1000 401K starters, and $5000 baby bonds?
How about quit being a lefty dispshit and appreciate a kind gesture? Naaaahhh, didn't think so. Doind so would show class and character.
28. Posted by ODA315 | October 29, 2007 12:59 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 29, 2007 00:59
29. Posted by Paul Hooson | October 29, 2007 7:30 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
ODA315, Iraqi officials in the government and military steal billions of your tax dollars due to rampant corruption. What's a token $1,000 out of this?
Clinton already dropped her plan for $5,000 to children. But at least the possible proposals being floated by some presidential hopefuls involve improving the lives of the average American, not rewarding corruption in the Iraqi government. Which country should best spend your tax dollars anyway, this one or another one?
29. Posted by Paul Hooson | October 29, 2007 7:30 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 29, 2007 07:30
30. Posted by Veeshir | October 29, 2007 10:32 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Man, that's funny.
No good news for America can go undenied by our oh so tolerant and loving left.
And don't you dare question their patriotism. They love Amerikka, you fascist bastids.
30. Posted by Veeshir | October 29, 2007 10:32 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 29, 2007 10:32
31. Posted by OhioVoter | October 29, 2007 7:54 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Paul,
Officials of OUR government steal billions in tax dollars due through outright corruption (sometimes euphemistally called "earmarks").
What is it you find about Iraqis to be intrinsically less of value than our own government?
31. Posted by OhioVoter | October 29, 2007 7:54 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 29, 2007 19:54
32. Posted by Dion G. | November 1, 2007 5:47 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm sad that we have come to this stage whereby a gesture of gratitude, or sympathy, or camaraderie would elicit unkind words from some of us. Is it a reflection perhaps that many in this forum haven't done anything to help the fire victims?
32. Posted by Dion G. | November 1, 2007 5:47 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on November 1, 2007 17:47