Iraqi Unit Flees Post, Despite American’s Plea

BAGHDAD — A company of Iraqi soldiers abandoned their positions on Tuesday night in Sadr City, defying American soldiers who implored them to hold the line against Shiite militias.

Iraqi soldiers on Tuesday after abandoning their posts on a joint mission with American troops in the Sadr City area of Baghdad. More Photos »

The retreat left a crucial stretch of road on the front lines undefended for hours and led to a tense series of exchanges between American soldiers and about 50 Iraqi troops who were fleeing.

Capt. Logan Veath, a company commander in the 25th Infantry Division, pleaded with the Iraqi major who was leading his troops away from the Sadr City fight, urging him to return to the front.

“If you turn around and go back up the street those soldiers will follow you,” Captain Veath said. “If you tuck tail and cowardly run away they will follow up that way, too.”

Captain Veath’s pleas failed, and senior American and Iraqi commanders mounted an urgent effort to regain the lost ground. An elite Iraqi unit was rushed in and with the support of the Americans began to fight its way north.

www.nytimes.com... ted=all&oref=slogin

Enough is ENOUGH!!!! Let these #$@$ cowards kill each other till the end of time . IF they won't fight for their own freedom(why in the hell should we) F THEM and pull out!



[edit on 16-4-2008 by Master_Wii]

reply to post by Master_Wii


You really think America is over there for Iraqi's freedom, don't you?

You realize that the guys manning these posts are likely Shia themselves, probably have friends and family in the Sadr movement, or are part of it themselves? I would say that walking away from their posts is an exercise in freedom while the American demands that they stay and fight their neighbors for the good of American occupiers is... definitely anything but freedom.

You may have a point there Fox. Simply put, U.S. life is worth playing doctor, cop, teacher, or social worker to those who don't want your help. Pack up, leave and never come back.