The Honest Broker

There were protests the other day over the murder of a fairly prominent Sunni Sheikh here in Baghdad.  The murderers were dressed in Iraqi Army uniforms and it happened in a sector patrolled by the Iraqi Army.  The Iraqi Brigade Commander tried to meet with the family of the Sheikh and the protesters to try to calm the situation.  He made little progress as he was not trusted by the Sheikh's relatives.  This matter was immediately elevated to the highest military levels on both the American and Iraqi sides.  Several Iraqi Officers here in the TOC suggested repeatedly that American involvement was necessary to calm the situation.  Yes, an Iraqi Commander should meet with the protestors, but he must be accompanied by a Senior American Officer.  Although most Americans considered this an internal Iraqi matter, many Iraqis did not share that opinion.  Neither side appeared to trust the other and wanted American involvement to ensure fair treatment. 

I have seen similar situations since my 2nd week after arriving here in January.  I am not bringing this up to draw any conclusions with regard to sectarian tension and conflict, other than to confirm that such things do occur here.  What I would like to point out is how US Forces are regarded here.  We have been asked to supervise or arbitrate at every level from neighborhood to national repeatedly.  The reason for this is because of the entrenched culture of corruption of the past 35 years.  Whether Sunni, Shia or Kurd, the presence of Americans at neighborhood council meetings, disputes and detention facilities is not only favored, but is often greeted with a sigh of relief.  The Iraqis know they will get fair treatment from us because ethnic group, tribal affiliation and political power do not weigh upon our measurement of justice.   

This brings two things to mind.  Firstly, the average Iraqi will often (not always) trust us more than other Iraqis outside of their family when it comes to fair and humane treatment.  Secondly, for all of the people at home and in the media that think we are such a widely hated and mistrusted "occupying force," I would like to know why they think the Iraqis hate their honest broker.  I have found that only the arhabi do.

Comments

[David]

Major, The reason many here think that US forces 'are such a widely hated and mistrusted "occupying force,"' is simply because they are only listening to the tripe put out by the Main Stream Media (MSM). How could a US Senator get on the Sunday Morning News Shows and say the blatantly false statement that the war in Iraq is lost is beyond me. He knows that what he is saying is false and yet he continues with his falseholds only to achieve some political goal. US Forces are the most honest and trustworthy forces in the world today. Don't believe me? Just look at who is constantly requested to undertake UN missions. If the US were really a hot bed of incompetence and imperialism would their military be so readily requested? The war in Iraq is won, thanks to men like you, and now it is up to us, your readers and fellow bloggers to get the word out and counter the MSM and their lies.
Thank you for all you do!

[Pamela]

David has hit it right on the money! The MSM is so much to blame and they should be held accountable for their lack of integrity. It's folks like us who DO NOT listen to the MSM that have a clearer picture of what reality is. We seek the WHOLE story, not just the sound-bites. It is indeed bloggers and other forms of information who need to continue getting the truth out. Keep calling the MSM on their lies and spin.

Honor is yours!

[Dan Cameron Rodill]

Major,

Your point about Americans viewed by Iraqis as "honest brokers" highlights yet again the Media War that is raging world-wide. Confession: While supporting the U.S. mission in Iraq (against all opponents)and following the story, I was NOT really aware of this aspect of what's actually going on. Lamestream constantly bombards us with how Americans are disliked or even hated, and Iraqis want them out. Thanks for mentioning this very interesting element of the reality. It's the kind of thing that demands being in Iraq to appreciate and understand (and convey to those not in Iraq). What a "gap" between media and full disclosure of the story. Well, there may be some Americans with a background who plan to help bridge that gap before too long, and know how to do it and are not afraid to do it and can do it(especially if the bureaucracy is wise enough to open a door or two.) Major, I think you know what I mean.

Best Regards,

Dan Cameron Rodill (gringoman)

[Streeter]

Major K, forget the MSM and the Dems on the hill.
Those turkeys are going to be on the run as if every day is thanksgiving.
I like to think of the days when the job in Iraq is done and they are able to fend well for themselves, this leads to imagining what America can be when we get that infusion of brave,tough,hard working,(add as many words of praise as you wish here) men and women that return home from the mission.
We are doing great here right now; with all you guys home, WOW.

Thank your troops for me, Streeter

[The Southern Agrarian]

Semper fi!

The anti-war Democrats and left in this nation have no integrity on the issue of war and peace. Their constant rationalizing that the Battle for Iraq is not part of the Global War on Terror is lacking in reality, exposing their crass political opportunism. Their constant need to separate them selves from the war works to separate them from the American People because this is an American Policy - To Fight the Global War on Terror in order to make the world safer for our way of life and for our children and our children's children. We are at war with an enemy who hates our way of life and seeks to destroy it while converting our children or our children's children to the ways of Islam.

[The Southern Agrarian]

Semper fi!

I wanted to add that I salute you and your fellow troops on the ground. Ignore the MSM, they believe they are among the annointed - annointed for what? I am not sure. But we love you all and I and my family are deeply appreciative of what ya'll are doing for this nation. God bless you all and God's speed.

[RichardAubrey]

I have heard of the same kind of thing from a friend who was in the Peace Corps decades ago.
A PC worker set up a farmers' co-op in, I believe, Bolivia. Everybody did better for the usual reasons. The American's replacement continued the work. The co-op was humming.
The Peace Corps did not replace the second guy when his tour was over.
The co-op collapsed because the farmers didn't trust either their fellow farmers or anybody from the Bolivian government to run the thing.
Back to the bad old days of trying to screw the other guy and everybody ending up worse off.

It isn't just lack of tribal affiliation that makes the difference. It's the cultures' ingrained distrust of the basic honesty of the others. "If I'd screw him, then he must surely be ready to screw me, so he must not be allowed to be in a position of influence over me."

But they apparently think Americans are different.

[Duke]

Terrific piece, I'd just like to point out that the Left, both here and in Europe, have stated their program over and over again but we just don't listen to what they say. Everything is based on two premises:
1. That American Imperialism and America is dangerous to the world
2. and can only be stopped by weakening America and its institutions from both outside AND INSIDE.

That's it. Period. If you will examine every MSM hit piece, Left diatribe, and liberal whine through that lens you will get it every time. From the extermination of Christmas to the multi-cultural stomping of our own heritage right on down the line.

In the above scenario the Left cannot remain true to their own premises if they report that the Iraqis actually want American Military as honest broker. They must report that American Christians are imposing their views on a helpless victim group; or that American Imperialism has rendered the Iraqis impotent so we can.....(fill in the blank). It's all very simple and predictable and the way to answer them is to repeat over and over the premises of the Left and explain to others what is going on. Don't waste your time discussing this with MSM.

[Gary Orton]

Major K.,

You ask, “… for all of the people at home and in the media that think we are such a widely hated and mistrusted ‘occupying force,’ I would like to know why they think the Iraqis hate their honest broker.”

I think you mischaracterize Iraqi sentiment toward U.S. forces. It is not a question of the Iraqi people hating you guys stationed there. The fact is most of them just don’t want us there. A Fabian-like resistance is war against an occupier. It is not necessarily motivated by hate although it might feel like it, but it cannot endure without widespread public support. (Why the Iraqi people view us as occupiers and not as temporary peacekeepers will be the subject of debate for a decade or more. You probably already have some theories, but there is no evidence that Iraqi opinion on this or any other subject has been molded by western media.) The good news is that it appears that the Iraqi people have a strongly held desire to have their own government provide security in a fair manner, i.e., have Iraqis perform the role of “honest broker” between disputing Iraqis.

Iraqi opinion polls confirm that Iraqis view U.S. forces as an occupying force and not a temporary peacekeeping or security force. For over a year Iraqi opinion polls have indicated that more than a majority of Iraqis want us out sooner than later. http://www.oxfordresearch.com/Iraq%20June%202004%20Frequency%20Tables.PDF

Apparently Iraqi politicians have been listening to their constituents. Just last week Iraqi Shiite, Kurd and Sunni leaders meeting in Cairo demanded withdrawal of U.S. forces according to a timetable, and even condoned armed resistance. http://www.juancole.com/2005/11/iraqis-ask-for-withdrawal-timetable-ap.html http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107AP_Egypt_Iraq_Conference.html

Working in such an environment is tough and hazardous. As a former Air Force Judge Advocate who served overseas during the unpopular Vietnam War, I can understand your frustration; however, please remember that the good example you set every time you deal fairly and respectfully with Iraqi civilians will be remembered positively long after we have departed Iraq. I compliment the dedication of you and your troops and feel proud that you are performing your duties in the best of American traditions.

[Streeter]

Gary, the Majors' point was why do the U.S. MSM and Democrat leaders go to such legnths to characterize Iraqi sentiment toward our troops in the worst possible light.
Off issue posts should be short.

Major K, thank your troops for me, Streeter

[Kurt]

Gary,
If you want learn about and comment on the Iraqis, you might want to consider sources more reliable than Juan Cole. The article to which you refer has been thoroughly discredited at Across the Bay. http://beirut2bayside.blogspot.com/

[Anna]

Not sure why the previous poster would think that Major K doesn't know what he is talking about, when he is there working with the Iraqis. It's quite a statement. Anyway...

Major K, thanks for another insightful post. Stay strong and stay safe!

[TM Lutas]

The problem of the MSM is self-correcting in the marketplace if we civilians don't let it get away from us.

The key is this, that the MSM and other liars out there are spreading false information. This has costs for those who believe in it. Those who have influence and position their clout, money, and stature based on falsehoods tend to not listen to those sources in future once they've been hit with the consequences of lost money and personal embarrassment.

The market for honest brokers of information is a lucrative one and those who purvey falsehoods are also bleeding themselves dry. With each round of uncovered lies and misstatements, the MSM loses another fraction of a % of their influence. At a certain (yet unknown) tipping point, old line press are simply not going to be accredited anymore as they've been surpassed by new press vehicles that are providing better product. Some of the old-line press will be bought up by new ownership that will reform the institutions and fix things that way.

What's important is to endure things until that tipping point is reached and to ensure that the incumbents can't get laws passed that create legal privileges for the incumbents (federal press shield laws, accredited journalists having more 1st amendment rights than the rest of us, etc) and create a barrier to entry.

That's not one for the military to fix, though. The civilians have that part of the job of keeping america going. We'll do our best.

[Dan Cameron Rodill]

Major,

As an independent who supports the mission in Iraq (and who may get to blog it next year) I factor in even the nay-sayers. And that includes the 73-year old Dem Congressman Murtha who is respected as an "old Marine." As an example, right here and now I will appreciate your knowledgeable and considered response to the following....

Dec 01 10:05 AM US/Eastern

LATROBE, Pa. - Most U.S. troops will leave Iraq within a year because the Army is "broken, worn out" and "living hand to mouth," Rep. John Murtha told a civic group. Two weeks ago, Murtha created a storm of comment when he called for U.S. troops to leave Iraq now. The Democratic congressman spoke to a group of community and business leaders in Latrobe on Wednesday, the same day President Bush said troops would be withdrawn when they've achieved victory, not under an artificial deadline set by politicians.

Murtha predicted most troops will be out of Iraq within a year.

"I predict he'll make it look like we're staying the course," Murtha said, referring to Bush. "Staying the course is not a policy."

Murtha, 73, the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, expressed pessimism about Iraq's stability and said the Iraqis know who the insurgents are, but don't always share that information with U.S. troops. He said a civil war is likely because of ongoing factionalism among Sunni Arabs, and Kurds and Shiites.

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2005/12/01/D8E7H2EG0.html

[flatlander-]

The situation you describe is EXACTLY the situation that prevailed in Europe for several decades after the end of WWII. And not just in NATO.

In multinational companies operating in Europe it was common to put a foreigner (often an American) in charge, because only a foreigner would be seen as having the moral authority to make unbiased decisions or tradeoffs between the 'warring camps'. A French would not trust a Brit, a Brit would not trust a German, etc. And a Scot would DEFINITELY not trust an English!

[j house]

Don't even give a second thought to those in the media, govt. and so called 'opinion leaders' who criticize the our actions in Iraq.
There are millions of us who believe in the mission to get rid of Saddam and bring freedom to Iraq.Keep the faith, stay safe and God bless..

[Esther]

GREAT post, Major K. You're so right about the baloney being said here in the states. It's like we're in the bizarro universe. Thanks for giving us the true story.

[AubreyJ]

It's so nice to get another straight up and honest report out of Iraq. Like others have said... we sure don't get it here in the States from the MSM... Great post... Great site and stay safe...
AubreyJ.........
(If ok... I added you to my BlogRoll)

[Ledger]

That a good example of how rabid the MSM has become. They would not say anything positive about the tremendous progress being made in Iraq. It looks like they trying to turn this into another "Vietnam."

Now, that the MSM has taken that position they are either going drown Americans in discouragement or they are going to Lose a lot of viewers. I think they are going to lose a lot viewers.

Keep up the great work and pass the word down the line!

[Ymarsakar]

Human nature is constant. Peace and prosperity is not brought about by wishes, but by power and sustained power at that. The Iraqis inherently know this. It has always been the case that an "outside" was trusted when the environment was chaotic and lethal.

You'd have to be insane to hate America or American troops after what we have done to reconstruct Iraq.

And most of the people who hate America are insane, both here in the US and elsewhere.

To them, power is more important than basic human decency, food, and medical treatment. To them, image is more important than substance. To them, lies not the honor nor the glory, but the vilest of human aspects.

And there will come a day when we shall purge that weakened part of the human soul, once we have enough allies in the world.

But until that day comes, sane people with the interests of family and self above all else, will come to know that being invaded by America is the absolute best thing that can happen.

The idea that these "noble savages" prefer squalor, crime, and corruption more than American occupation, is an insult to the human soul. And only those whom seek to exercise unrestrained power upon the weak, would make such arguments.

The only unfortunate thing is that our strengthest are also some of our greatest weaknesses. Our sentiment against Imperialism, allows us to prevent politicians from sucking an occupied nation dry. However, that same sentiment makes us very ineffective when it comes to providing the infrastructure, moral support, and education to the Iraqis. The American military are too modest, too humble, to take the lead in what they see as matters that should be resolved by local Iraqis.

The American military for example, does not arrest corrupt bureacrats in Baghdad, resulting in those same bureacrats pocketing infrastructure money that was meant for Iraqis in need.

The American military does not give out ultimatums or deals to the Sunnis, they leave that to the Shia and the Kurds.

This has the result of prolonging the war, but also making what progress we produce, very stable and well foundationed.

The quantity of improvements in Iraq is sub-optimal, but the quality of improvement in the long term is much higher.

Because even if we are unable to give the Iraqis the benefit of years of Imperialism, in setting up civilization over seas ala the British and Roman Empires, our chosen methods give the Iraqis something far more valuable. Self-respect, pride, hardness, and love.

To those who have lived a life that the only expectations were a short or prolonged death, the ones who provide them much more are nothing less than loved by those in misery.

They say of the Roman Empire, that they were the preeminent civilization spreading force in those times. They say of the British Empire, their need for resources, and creating the economic infrastructure in the ME, and unfinished and abandoned task. We say of the Soviet Union, that they were fated to fail on basic principles, and all too long a reign for our tastes.

What will humans in the 22nd Century say about America? The greatest nation in the history of the world, or a contemptuous failure as we ignored the world and let it slip us by?

That will be our legacy for history.

[asdf]

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[sikh]

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