Local Heroes in Iraq

Abdul Amir Shuwayli

Published on February 7, 2005 By pseudosoldier In Current Events

I'm so glad I have the Early Bird news service the military provides me. What they do, see, is collect all sorts of pertinent news articles from various publications, and post them on the web for the perusal of the armed forces. It is because of this service that I now link you to the Washington Post: Link (Note: I was warned that a subscription was required, but I could view it without one)

I was first alerted to the story of this hero in an article (reproduced in the Early Bird) written by none other than Donald Rumsfeld, originally published in the Wall Street Journal, that addressed the need to recognize the hard work of and the efforts put forth by the Iraqi Security Forces, both military and civil (police). I'll tell you right now, the line blurs in the distinction between soldiers and cops very easily over there. Secretary Rumsfeld went on about the strides taken by the Iraqis in improving both their security forces, and their general situation, and complained somewhat about the negative attention that the ISF were attracting. To blunt the point that many Iraqi soldiers/guardsmen/police officers run at the hint of violence, Mr. Rumsfeld mentions, "George Washington repeatedly expressed frustration with poorly trained troops, many of whom fled from battles. At one point, Washington threw down his hat, whipped fleeing soldiers with his riding crop, and muttered: 'Are these the men with which I am to defend America?' They were; and he did."

But the Secretary specifically mentioned one instance that I wanted to bring up, a story I thought might be apocryphal if demonstrative: "Many thousands of Iraqi security personnel are performing exceptionally, and a few examples are worth mentioning. On election day, Iraqi security forces stopped a total of eight suicide bombers across Iraq who were hoping to upset the democratic process and kill innocent people. As was widely reported, one Iraqi policeman tackled and drove a suicide bomber back 50 feet from a polling station screaming, 'Let me save the people!' before the bomber's belt exploded, killing them both."

I was pleased to finally see this story in print (although it seems I didn't search very hard; USA Today Link ):

From the Washington Post:
Part of that mood change is credited to Abdul Amir, Iraq's newest national hero. On election day, Amir, 30, a policeman in Baghdad, noticed a man walking toward a polling station who appeared to be carrying something heavy under his coat. Amir wrapped his arms around the man and dragged him away from the crowd. A belt of explosives wrapped around the man blew both men to shreds.

Members of Iraq's interim cabinet have touted Amir as a symbol of national pride. Newspapers have been filled with stories about him. A statue is being planned, and the elementary school that served as the polling station where he died may change its name to honor him.

"It's too simple to say what he did was heroic," said Najat Abdul Sattar, the principal of the school, where bright-eyed children study in dim concrete classrooms just yards from where Amir was killed. "What more honor could we give the man?"

"When people saw what he did, they said we will not let those violent people intimidate us, and they went to vote in even greater numbers. Where there were three or four in line, after the blast there were 30 or 40," said Mohammed Hadithi, who lives near the school.

Yarhamahu Allah. God bless him.

Comments

Estrogen Lass

on Feb 07, 2005

Great story, Pseudo. I tried to think of something wise to say, but I cant. All I can really say from a dumb person's point of view is this: He was wiling to sacrifice himself to save those trying to change their future. Its kinda sad to look at it from an American's stance and this just makes me think, if we had suicide bombers here in America trying to oppress freedom's call, would we have an "Amir" to save us? All we can do as republicans and democrats is fight anymore it seems. We need to step back and remember that we are on the same side and not fighting each other. (I got a bit side-tracked at the end...sorry)

Estrogen Lass

on Feb 07, 2005

One more thing, before my statement gets taken the wrong way, because its not the way I meant it to sound. I just think that since 11 Sep 2001, we have gotten away from the feeling of being united and being "one". There is a lot of complacency now and it just seems that people have forgotten about that horrible day. But anyhow, I am tired, my thoughts have made no sense to begin with, and I will shut up now : )

You rock!!!

daehaksang

on Feb 08, 2005

I know what you're saying, EL. I feel the same way: in a recent poll by The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, high school students surveyed thought that the First Amendment was no big deal. I transcried the article from my local paper in my journal : www.livejournal.com/users/daehakhaksang/?=skip10

I think its sad that the country has become sooooooo polarized.

But as far as Amir goes...wow. I'm speechless.

Oh yeah, Pseudo, you are now my number one go to for all things Mid East related. No pressure.

Daiwa

on Feb 09, 2005

This is the kind of story that Michael Moore should be interested in, but he not only isn't, he'd studiously avoid it.

One act of selfless courage like that, sufficiently publicized, would serve to counter innumerable insurgent attacks, not to mention the media obsession with the bad guys and the bad things they do.

Thanks, pseudo.

Cheers,
Daiwa

ParaTed2k

on Feb 09, 2005

It is sad that the press is usually not interested in reporting anything about Iraq, unless it's troops dying, abusing prisoners or ISF troops running away.

Thank you for pointing out a positive message about those Iraqis who want to be a part of the revolution going on in their country. Freedom is worth fighting for!!!!

ParaTed2k

on Feb 09, 2005

I'm not that worried about our divisions here in the US. We are much like siblings, we bicker, argue, name-call and back bite, but just let someone else think they can join in and they'll find out how unwelcome they are.

Complacency is nothing more than enjoying the comforts and conveniences of home a little too zealously. 9/11 showed us a thing or two about Americans.

1) We're willing to come together when we feel the need. and

2) Just as soon as we figure it's safe, we'll go right back to the complacency our comforts and conveniences allow us to enjoy. ;~D

Estrogen Lass

on Feb 10, 2005

Well put there, Para. I completely agree with you and never thought about applying the sibling analogy. You are absolutely correct. Thanks : )

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