I am delighted to see
those American soldiers getting to know the friendly
Kurds. I have always been welcomed by Kurds, as one
of their own and I hope more American soldiers can
take relief in Kurdistan and see this for
themselves. Kurdistan is definitely different then
the Arabic plains of Iraq.
Also the Americans can now see for themselves, that
despite that the president of Iraq is Kurdish, Kurds
see themselves as Kurdistani's and not Iraqi's. The
military website the "Black Anthem" is doing a good
job reporting about the realities faced in
Kurdistan. They also report about humanitarian
projects for the Kurdish people. This website shows
the friendly face of the American army and soldiers,
something which cannot be seen on the mainstream
media, which is only focusing on the bad picture
like Abu Graibh.
The LTC Tom Clarkson made three reports about his
visit to South-Kurdistan (Northern Iraq).
"Back in the early 50’s, while in Miss Ruby Unruh’s
third grade class at Northside Elementary, I may
have heard of Kurdistan, but doubt having imagined
actually going there," wrote Tom Clarkson visiting
Kurdistan.
But we were still in the country of Iraq. |
SSG Osborne with one of the Kurdish water
improvement project contractors.
Photo:Military News - Blackanthem.com |
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Not, however, as far as the residents of the area
were concerned. To them, this was Kurdistan - pure
and simple. Nowhere could be seen the Iraqi flag.
Everywhere the flag of Kurdistan waved, was posted,
or painted - on buildings, mountainside and even on
the large, nearby dam. They are Kurds. Period.
Indeed, for the most part, little affection is felt
by them for much of anything Iraqi. It was, after
all, the leader of Iraq - Saddam Hussein - that
systematically killed hundreds of thousands of them.
Beyond these brutal murders, all told throughout
Kurdistan, he had his soldiers bulldoze and complete
raze over 4,500 Kurdish communities.
Yet, all with whom we met or saw were exceedingly
friendly to Americans. Gracious and polite, all were
fast with a smile and wave. Furthermore, they -
clearly - are taking the initiative in re-building
their own infrastructure with care, determination,
precision and pride.
I also support Tom Clarckson's idea, that people
should support the "adopt the school" project for
Iraq and Kurdistan.
"If only those of the Western World could experience
a few moments interacting in and with their lives.
Should any have a wish to make even the smallest of
a difference, this is a great place to begin," he
emotionally wrote.
Adopt a school. Support a refugee camp. Take time to
positively effect lives beyond that of your
immediate safe, secure and sanitized community. Make
a difference!
For those people from local US school or civic,
social or fraternal organizations, who want to
support Iraq and Kurdistan can contact with Steve
via steven.hayden @ us.army.mil or send such
directly to him at: CPT Steve Hayden, 401st CA BN,
APO AO 09334.
You can read more from Tom Clarckson's reports here:
"Adopt
a school"
LTC Clarkston Wraps Up His Trip to Kurdish Iraq
LTC Clarkston's Visit with the People of Dahuk
Military news - Black Anthem
Kurdistan: "South Eastern Turkey" is Northern
Kurdistan. "Western Iran" is Eastern Kurdistan.
"Eastern Syria" is Western Kurdistan. "Northern
Iraq" is Southern Kurdistan
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