The disconnect between perception and reality in Iraq is troubling...
Many of our "troops" seem to think that they are being "Welcomed" by Iraqi civilians...
But yet, for the insurgents to "plant" these massive IEDs, and other explosive devises, MUST HAVE required major excavation of the roadway---that SOMEONE surely would have noticed! So, Wassup?
My hunch is that there is a cultural disconnect between most American soldiers and officers, and the native "culture" in Iraq...and indeed, in the whole middle east in general.
Middle eastern peoples are often on the surface "very friendly"...but this is often a friendliness inspired by fear or even deep seated hatred.
Call it a cultural hangup, but I personally "like" perplexed looking Arabs better than I like "smiling" Arabs... No, I can't explain this rationally, but I have experienced it; and I know that there is efinitly something to it.
Many American enlistees are from small town America where everyone is a "straight talker," and where emotions and disagreements are expressed "directly."
This may come from our historical tradtion of "freedom of speech." Or, it may just be classic native American character trait,...but in other parts of the world, people are way more circumspect.
They'll "welcome" you, and then try to pick your pocket...they'll spike your drinks...then steal your bags; and/or look for other ways to "put you down" but without you're knowing it.
While outwardly "respecting" authority...many secretly despise it...and there is almost a "second language" for communicating this contempt that only the "initiated" know how to understand...
Indeed, often it's a suble "body language," where one thing means something else totally...
So, my advise to "the troops" is beware of "Smiling Iraqis."
And that advise goes straight to the "Commander in Chief" as well...remember, "Curveball?"
BECAUSE WE AIN'T IN KANSAS ANYMORE... AND IN THE MIDDLE EAST WHAT YOU SEE OR HEAR IS NOT WHAT YOU GET...MORE OFTEN THAN NOT.
