IRAQ: Video of U.S. military's 'motivational' speech a hit on Internet
March 1, 2009 | 3:40
pm
A new video purporting to show a U.S. officer giving a "motivational speech" to "lazy" Iraqi police is an instant hit on YouTube, with nearly 300,000 views and more than 1,300 comments.
The comments are expectedly heated: Some think the U.S. officer is giving a much-needed, if quite foulmouthed, wake-up call to slackers who should be taking responsibility for their own country, and others are angered that an "occupying" force is lecturing a country that it invaded on how to run things.
Warning, lots of swearing.
-- Times staff
Look. It seems like both parties are in the wrong here. I've heard countless stories of how iraqi troops have taken advantage of our supplies, refuse to follow the orders given by their commanders and just generally not doing enough to secure their own country. It's kind of a cultural issue, but the commander is not in the right when he starts verbally assaulting this police force. I'm not saying that he didn't have reason or motive. When you're in that kind of environment, working with an incompetent force that's supposed to take your place, and watching 20 year old's die who deserved to live given how much effort they invest in the country in comparison to the local security force, it's frustrating. But you can't guilt arabs into motivation. You can't call them out on all their faults and expect them to suddenly work harder. More than likely, they're going to hold a grudge against them. Quite honestly, the only thing I expect out of this endeavor is a continuity of behavior. Yes, maybe the iraqi police force will step it up, but it's more than likely they won't. It's a cultural thing. We can't understand each other, because we can't stand each others' culture. It's not to say that we don't respect it, but it's military ineffective, and that's why this war is taking so long.
Posted by: Kaz Kawasaki | December 19, 2010 at 05:08 PM
Brianna - "good luck over there". How about on your way to work into the city this morning you take a look at the faces of the people around you. Remember the faces of the kid serving up your starbucks. Recall how well you slept last night relative to the young men this officer has not been able to bring home and their families and the people of that village to which they are assigned to protect. A situation that they have no say in but are ordered to do. Sure they all had a say in their future Before joining, but if they didn't who would ? You? Your barrista?
Of course I am generalizing and making the grave assumption you live a cushy life with a cushy bed in a good neighborhood with a good degree and fair job wage and working environment. So from what are you drawing from to fully understand what the roles of the police and military of Iraq and Afghanistan that Are being trained to protect themselves by us from the same murderers and brutal folks who have a hardon fantasy about crushing you and that life you lead day to day.
What would you want the police, national gaurd, or Mr Obama to do if your community was being mortar attacked daily, or hit with random and in discriminate rocket propelled grenade attacks ? I'll be surprised if you think that a groups of bandits capable of that will be persuaded to stop through a peace offering of school supplies and apple pie.
Posted by: Devin McDonagh | September 04, 2009 at 07:19 AM
I think this guy is right. We can't keep doing their job if they are not willing to do the fighting as well. What the last 2 posters may be missing is how many men has this officer lost while these guys sit around. He's only looking out for his men and the Iraqi's have to step up or a lot of people will have died for nothing...
Posted by: Subhunter | March 15, 2009 at 11:57 AM
This video makes me sick! I have a friend fighting for our country in Kuwait. If they speak to the Iraqi's like this, I can't even imagine how they speak to and mistreat our troops! What an a$$hole!
Posted by: Brianna | March 10, 2009 at 03:05 PM
Well, a prime example of America creating enemies out of friends. I especially like the part when he explains that being a police officer is about "kicking peoples ass". Somehow this combines the attitude of Saddam Hussein with some good old american Rodney King-policework. Good luck over there...
Posted by: bix | March 02, 2009 at 12:02 PM