mshaw09

Back in 2010, I was deployed to Iraq with the US Army. I lived in a small combat outpost in northern Baghdad for one year. It was such an eye-opening experience - one that I will never forget. Before leaving for my deployment, the military and the media made me think so little of Iraqi people. I assumed that everyone there hated us and were awful people. During my time there, I lived with many Iraqi locals and it was such a life-changing experience. I lived with truly wonderful people. People that I still talk to presently. I could write you a novel on that year of my life. I wish that more American's could see and experience what I did.

What do most Iraqis think about the US military killing Sadam Hussein?

How do they view Muqtada Al-Sadr?

Do Iraqi citizens have any negative feelings towards those that have migrated to the US?

Domhnall, if you could go back in time and relive each day, would you?

If you’re gonna hurt yourself for money, you might as well make a lot of it.

Thank you so much for your responses to my questions. I haven't had a chance to read your story, but I'm looking forward to reading it when I have some time tonight. I'm really interested in your story. I did watch your video on YouTube. You briefly mention something that I found interesting while I was there, which is the distribution of wealth. I would regularly see hard working people getting around town using carts pulled by donkeys, while rich people speed passed them in very expensive BMW's and Mercedes. It seemed liked people had very little money or an absurd amount of wealth. Could have just been the neighborhood I lived in, but I have a feeling that it was probably like that all over Iraq. I lived right next to Uday Hussein's palace in Adhamiyah. That place was HUGE and he only used it as a vacation home, from what I was told. That guy was CRAZY!

So badly I wanted to explore the city on my own. No uniform. No weapons. I just wanted to wander the streets. I wanted to explore all the shops. I wanted to eat local food. I wish I could have experienced so much more. I would love to go back and visit.

One thing that I didn't mention earlier is that once I returned from Iraq, I got out of the military. My time in Iraq completely changed my mentality towards the US military and the politicians that decide what the military does.

I hope that the people of Iraq and those that have migrated elsewhere can live in peace and happiness. I wish you and your family all the best.

Correct, the US military captured him, which lead to him being sentenced and executed. I should have composed my question differently. Sorry about that.