Since I opposed the war and believe the occupation to be a disaster for the Iraqi people, I have a tendency to focus on reports from journalists and others who've spoken with angry and disgruntled folks. People who believe the occupation may yet serve some useful function (for example, providing an umbrella of security during a transition to...whatever comes next) are attracted to stories that feature cooperation and rebuilding. Or, at the very least statements of hope such as Salam Pax's blog writings.
If you look carefully and toss aside preconceptions and wishful thoughts you'll notice that it is pretty easy to find stories supporting both points of view. And so here we are, from thousands of miles away, unable to read or speak the language, unfamiliar with the customs and sketchy on the full history, suspicious of the dominant faith, trying to make sense of a shattered nation in which car bombings and classic guerilla attacks happen on one side while soccer games between GIs and Iraqi children may happen on the other.
What conclusions can be reached from this?
To me it means that both Bremer and I are wrong. Bremer thinks (somehow I think he truly believes his statements) that all-in-all things are getting better all the time for that mysterious person, "the average Iraqi."
In contrast, I believe that the "average Iraqi" is fed up with the American presence - with unfulfilled promises, ineptitude, lethal raids that often kill the innocent, with the humilation of having tens of thousands of folks who know nothing about you stomping about, armed to the teeth and on a hair trigger. I'm thinking that many people are quite fed up with that as I would be.
The truth is though, both Bremer and I are only partially right though we both assume our view is the total picture.
I understand that activisits need rallying points and organizing principles. "Let's Examine The Aftermath of War In Detail And Formulate A Plan Of Action After Thorough Analysis" does not qualify - or fit neatly on a bumber sticker.
People are dying so action is needed.
Still, in debate, particularly from the relative comfort of a list, I think that less certainty and more humility would be a good thing and probably lead to sharper political action.
DRM
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