Comments on: Escape From Iraq: A Muslim Family Finds Solace In Ramadan

By: Charles Reilly

Charles Reilly — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:03:12 +0000

I don’t believe that Ms. Shourd was stating any political views in her story other than reporting that this particular Iraqi family wasn’t enamored with the US military’s occupation of their country. Since she is now basically a prisoner of the Iranian government, Ms. Shourd should be afforded every consideration from the US State Department to secure her release (along with her companions). As everyone knows, Iran is a very volatile place at the moment, and Ms. Shourd and her fellow travelers may be in for a much longer and tougher journey than they originally planned. We can only wish them well.

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By: late_stranger

late_stranger — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:34:38 +0000

I wasn’t under the impression that she was ashamed of being American… I interpreted that to mean she is ashamed of the war, but not of being American in general.

I am ashamed of many things the USA has done (actually, most of them fall under the category of ;has not done’), but I’m not ashamed to be an American.

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By: Bethany

Bethany — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:44:43 +0000

Tim,
Thank you for your service.

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By: tim

tim — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:25:40 +0000

Having been stationed in Iraq and sharing with the people there, they are so grateful to the USA for the freedoms they are now experiencing. The common folks are not ashamed of the Americans but are beholden to them even though things are very far from perfect. No American should be ashamed either. War is aweful and lives are lost…precious lives…two friends of mine were killed there…American soldiers who I know personally would do it again even if it just gives some relief from the oppression. I am not for war but I am also not for people living without even the means to freely care for themselves and their families. The common folk in Iraq are happy to have someone standing up for them. Wake up people…it is not that simple to just say we should stay out of there. Sarah sould not be ashamed to be an American but should be happy that more people in Iraq now have more freedoms then they had just a few short years ago including those in Northern Iraq where she was visiting as evidenced by her even being able to be in Northern Iraq!

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By: Rami Saffarini

Rami Saffarini — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:56:34 +0000

Sarah’s writing shows both humanity and humility. She is also a curious and daring person; which is probably why she is in trouble now. I hope that she is released soon and that she writes about her experiences from an even more informed point of view. As a Middle Eastern, I believe that people like Sarah are the best ambassador’s for the US in foreign land and the best positioned to inform Americans about the real Middle East.

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By: Ian MacKenzie

Ian MacKenzie — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:12:52 +0000

Bethany – thanks for weighing in, but I would hardly consider Sarah’s apology to the Iraqi family as “bashing” the US. I’m sure Sarah realizes every day she’s lucky to come from a “free” country, which is why she exercies that freedom by learning more about the world and sharing her perspectives with her fellow citizens back home.

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By: Bethany

Bethany — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:03:17 +0000

Criticism is important to the growth of this country, but bashing, especially while overseas, just makes me cringe. It’s not a perfect analogy, but it’s similar to parents disagreeing in front of their children…too much of it will just end up weakening the unit. I try my best to understand people and their motivations, but I hope she will eventually acknowledge how lucky she is to live in a country where people still risk their lives to be, and where what she says won’t land her in jail. I don’t think Dan is being smug, just thankful, and rightly so.

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By: Eva

Eva — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:04:11 +0000

Kidnap victim? Good to know you armed yourself with the basic facts of the situation before sharing your informed opinion. As Sarah said above, being against the Iraq War (or not even going that far, simply having empathy for the Iraqi civilians whose lives were violently disrupted by it) is NOT anti-American. Do you really feel nothing for the civilians killed in war? Or are you too busy being smug about the safe, peaceful country you live in?

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By: Dan Simms

Dan Simms — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:48:50 +0000

This kidnap victim apparently has a very anti-American disposition. Perhaps her leftist, pro Islamic writings will help get her released soon. My heart goes out to her family and I hope for her safe repatriation (maybe she will eventually appreciate her own country)..