The "War on Terror" in Iraq

[kimodragon]

Wow!

In November of 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait. I had been serving in the United States Marine Corps for 3 years when the flag went up for my unit to deploy to the Persian gulf. January 11 1991 my unit was standing in the Port of King Fahad Saudi Arabia. My unit was part of the 1st Expitidionary Forces.

From there I was launched north to a little place out in the desert called Mashab. About 15 miles from the border of Kuwait as the crow flies. In fact there was only 1 major highway at the time in Saudi Arabia at the time and that ran from Kuwait south all the way to the port that we had just landed at.

We were there to guard that highway and the mass exodus of the people of Kuwait city that was about to happen. And to make sure that Saddam's forces went no further. At this date the operation was call Operation Desert Sheild.
We were a defensive protective force for the people of Kuwait. We were not there to attack Iraqui forces. The politicians were still trying to convince Saddam to give up his thoughts of enslaving the Kuwaits and to stop killing his own people. On Feburary 2th 1991 Iraqi forces turned towards the oil fields of Saudi Arabia and launched scuds missles into the borders of neighboring Israel. The U.S. forces had been joined by U.N. coalition forces by this time. And the U.S. Marines were now leading the offensive attack against Iraqi forces. Now called Operation Desert Storm!

We did not go there to begin the "war on terror". We were there to protect Kuwait and Saudi oil fields. And to stop the attack of Saddam Insane on these neighboring country. If we could not turn his forces away and stop his campaign of annoyance on Israel, the Israelies informed us that they were prepared to wipe Iraq right off of the face of the world. And believe them we did. His forces were not willing or capable of fighting such a one sided battle and so they gave up their attempt within 36 hours. As a parting shot of defiance the ellite guard lit fire to several of the Saudi oil fields.
That day really, really, really sucked!!!

Even though at that time we knew exactly where he was and could have easily captured or killed Saddam. Our orders were to let him go and guard the oil fields.

Thus we had to create a sequel to the campaign called Operation Desert Storm 2 "Let's free Iraq from Saddam's tyranny!" Which was carried out a few short years later.

Now who gave Saddam this crazy idea that this campaign of lunacy would be successful? A man who later on would become the true "Terror of the United States of America." Osama Bin Ladin!

We had intelligence that he had been planning this terror campaign against the United States for a long time. But could not amass the forces to carry it out. But he found the perfect patsy to begin his plot in Sadam.

We thought it impossible that anyone would dare to attack us on our own soil after the show of force that we had just displayed before the world!

Our arrogance brought about our greatest sorrow. And we still feel it to this day.

But they awoke "the sleeping giant" once more! And once more America was the tip of the sword that would lead the world into a "War Against Terror!" No matter where terrorist of world peace were going to run to hide we would follow and hunt them down. Not knowing where we would fight or how long it would take.

And we found our forces fighting of two different battle fronts. Iraq and Afghanastan.

Iraqi we freed from Saddam's tyranny only to find that there government collapsed and they started fighting amongst themselves for control of the country. We found our role there to be that of the protectors to the people's choice for government. Except that they are not sure what they want. And suffer for it. Some feel that we should just leave Iraq to solve this fight for control to themselves. But this could leave the people to be exposed to a suffering much worse than what they experienced under the rule of Saddam.
Which we were responsible for ending! Ooops..... sorry.

In Afghanastan we found an enemy with a much different agenda. They want to start a holy war that will engulf the whole world and turn us into the bad people that are oppressing there people and their freedom as they view it.

And now that campaign has moved into many other countries. Especially the nations of Europe. It has turned into a conflict between the religious rights of the world versus the oppression of the Muslim religion.
And we have turned into the "great devil" leading the world against the Muslim way of life and seeking to do away with the Muslim people.

Osama got what he wanted and I see no end to this anytime soon.


The true terror that we must fight against is the mistrust and fear that all of this is fueling between all people of this world.

We all feel the pain together. We all see the suffering that is going on.

We must all raise our voices and turn our leaders minds and eyes to peace!

It is our duty as citizens of the world.

Before it is to late.



Thank you for listening.
_________________
From you I receive to you I give
Together we share
For this we live