Operation Iraqi Freedom
“As the guerrilla war against Iraqi insurgents intensifies, American soldiers have begun wrapping entire villages in barbed wire. In Abu Hishma, encased in a razor-wire fence after repeated attacks on American troops, Iraqi civilians line up to go in and out, filing through an American-guarded checkpoint, each carrying an identification card printed in English only.” — New York Times, December 7.
Unlike the US military mind
“You have to understand the Arab mind. The only thing they understand is force — force, pride and saving face.” — Captain Todd Brown, a member of the US Army unit that oversees the Iraqi village of Abu Hishma, quoted in the December 7 New York Times.
You'll be shot ... for your protection
“This fence is here for your protection. Do not approach or try to cross, or you will be shot.” — Notice on a sign in front of the barbed-wire fence around Abu Hishma.
Winning `hearts and minds'
“With a heavy dose of fear and violence, and a lot of money for projects, I think we can convince these people that we are here to help them.” — Comment to New York Times by US Army Lieutenant-Colonel Nathan Sassaman, the US Army battalion commander whose troops oversee Abu Hishma.
Born-again red?
“In today's world, it is not enough to limit oneself to the law of the market and its globalisation. Solidarity must be fomented, avoiding the evils that stem from capitalism, which put profit above the person and make [the latter] the victim of so many injustices.” — From December 15 statement issued by Pope John Paul II.
Passengers to be supplied with colostomy bags?
“It's obvious that whoever thought this up in the US authority hasn't travelled on a 14-hour flight to Australia." — Board of Airline Representatives of Australia executive director Warren Bennett, commenting January 7 on an announcement by Qantas that the “US Transport Security Administration are now requiring that passengers on flights to the US are not to congregate in groups in any areas of the aircraft, especially around the lavatories”.
From Green Left Weekly, January 14, 2004.
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