Azzaman, July 13, 2005

There are many things to love America for, but we in Iraq have none of them.

Through its arrogance, rashness and disdain of human values and life in its occupation of our country, America has undermined all the values it used to stand for.

Therefore, in our hearts we harbor almost everything but love for America.

America for us is a state of Humvees, Bradleys and other armored vehicles mounted by merciless soldiers with guns protruding from turrets, shooting aimlessly at innocent Iraqis with reason or without.

Iraq’s young and innovative director Ahmad Waeil al-Bakri is just one of their tens of thousands of victims. An American officer killed this humble, beaming and honest person in cold blood. The U.S. marine did not wince, did not say sorry and had no regrets.

Bakri’s murder by U.S. troops has devastated two families which relied on the modest income his work as a director generated.

The pretexts for killing Bakri will convince no sane being in this world.

We are tired of these pretexts and because we realize they are all false the day for the land these occupiers walk on to turn to burning fire is not very far away.

It is not my intention, through this article, to embarrass our new government which itself is not in an envious position.

But I would like to ask our leaders if they believe that the presence of U.S. troops on our land is necessary, what is the reason which compels us to accept their barbaric performance bent on devouring innocent Iraqis?

There is no difference between the horrific crimes terrorists perpetrate and those U.S. troops commit. Both sides target unarmed, innocent and ordinary Iraqis.

The tragedy is that there are some who think that U.S. crimes in Iraq are palatable because they are coated with sugar and chocolates.

American soldiers killed Bakri because they suspected his car was laden with explosives. After having him murdered, they found the car full of children’s toys.

Bakri’s eyes and those of his children, relatives and friends now stare in the face of U.S. soldiers on our land. The message to deliver: You are terrorists too!