[lookout123]

most of them are just as innocent as we are. interpret that as you see fit.

they are trying to live their lives, raise their kids, not annoy the wife too much, maybe hang out with friends when they get a chance. most of them have never known a time when their country wasn't being torn apart by some sort of turmoil. their hot buttons and sensitivities will be different than ours, but for the most part they are no different than we are.

we can judge them for not doing more to stop the suicide bombers and terrorists but everything is relative (insert another thread here). when is the last time you (or I) intervened A) when you knew of a man abusing his wife, B) the neighbor's kid stealing something, C) the guy who sold weed to the school kids, D) the coworker who proudly cheats on his taxes?
all of these things are illegal or immoral, why didn't you (I) step in and stop it? because it wasn't worth my time and effort? I don't want to get involved? No good deed goes unpunished? I've got enough to worry about in my own family?

I know my examples of crimes aren't even remotely close to the hideous nature of suicide bombing, but how many Iraqi's would even consider these examples as problems? their problems consist of long term rule under a tyrant who pulled people off of streets to rape them, kill them, disappear them. their beloved former leader gassed his enemies - even those within his own borders. they've lived in a form of poverty that nobody on this board has experienced. injustice, violence, death, destruction, retaliation are the mainstays of their lives. the suicide bombers are just more of the same - just a different target this year.

they are not going to stand up and police themselves until they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the new government is relatively stable, relatively just, reasonably assured of winning the conflict, and that the suicide bombers and their supporters will not rise to power. to put their necks on the line without some of those concerns put to rest is akin to poking a hornets nest to hear the buzz - just not worth it.

that doesn't mean i don't get furious at them for not doing something. but i've been in there culture. the "outrages" are different, but human nature in relation to the "outrages" is the same there as it is here.