The whole story reads too much like a propagandist fairy tale. Certainly in the form that’s on the CNN website.
Sorry, but I didn’t get sucked into it.
That’s British cynicism for you.
Considering that he’s a lawyer, I assume that he’s fairly politically astute, and he is known to the occupation forces as “the guy who saved Jessica.” He may already be in a good position to face the next few years. His backside may be in a sling though if there is a backlash against the invasion.
Don’t forget that he also allowed the Marines to recover the remains of nine of our MIAs.
Nine bodies identified as U.S. soldiers
While I am quite the skeptical type, I’m glad that I’m not so cynical that I can’t hope that the story in the OP is true.
Sure, it sounds like some cheesy dialogue from an American film. But considering the very considerable risks he took over a period of many days, I’m inclined to believe his motivation. Not everyone is motivated by money.
Well, let’s see now.
Mohammad’s country is attacked by an invading army which has killed enormous numbers of his countrymen. Ill trained soldiers and malitia are dying by the thousands trying vainly to stem the tide. One of the invading soldiers is wounded and captured and hospitalized. Our hero goes and talks to the soldiers. who have been slaughtering his countrymen,women, and children and helps them plan a commando raid on the hospital to rescue her.
What do I think? I’m not sure I’m qualified to have and opinion. But there are lots of widows and orphans who might not think Muhammad is hero material. Try putting yourself in their places.
[ul]:rolleyes: [sup]They didn’t say he’d have to live in Baltimore.[/sup][/ul]
Actually, that’s an astute point - anyone got any figures for attacks on Muslims in the USA?
After years of finally moving towards acceptance, Britain’s Asian communities are complaining of a resurgence of racial abuse.
Some seriously good bodyguards.
He should get his “Skulking” merit badge and his “Enormous Balls” merit badge.
Indeed.
What do you mean, jjimm? I know that as someone not lucky enough to be a citizen of the greatest country in the world, I am constantly dreaming of the day when I too can salute the stars and stripes and proudly call myself an American.
Well secretly I feel this way too, but I’m not going to admit it.
He has the knowledge that he risked life and limb to come to the aid of a young, defenseless woman who was being brutalized by a bully.
Sounds to me that Mohammed has discovered the true key to happiness. And it ain’t a SUV.
I think citizenship for Mohammed and his family should be offered, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he declined. For starters, he couldn’t practice as a lawyer here (although he might be able to do some limited Iraqi legal work, but that could be difficult to arrange). Even if benefactors offered to put him through law school, the challenges of studying American law might be too arduous or simply not compelling enough.
Provided he avoids getting assassinated, he could have a brilliant career in post-war Iraq.
The title of Minister of Justice for the post-Saddam Iraq. As for potential assassins, I’m certain there are many Marines who would volunteer to be his bodyguards until the new country stablizes.
CNN’s reporting that someone’s offering to give him a $100K as a reward for helping the US find Jessica. Sounds like a good downpayment.
I look at this a little differently. Having him become an American citizen would be to our advantage. The country would be better for having a man with this much character as a citizen. Hope we offer, hope he accepts.
I’m a little confused as to why some people think he should be lavishly rewarded. I realize that he did do the USA a service and should be compensated, but millions/what ever he wants?
I bet some of the special ops folks who stormed that hospital are having a hard time supporting their family on a military paycheque, but they will remain nameless and won’t see a dime beyond their weekly pay (at least until the movie royalties start pouring in). This can be extended to anyone in the service anywhere who are taking risks and saving lives.
That being said, I do think Mohammed is an amazing person for taking these risks and I wish him all the best. We need more people like that in our poor world.
The military folks were doing their job in rescuing Jessica (not belittling them at all). Mohammed could have easily kept his mouth shut and had no worries. Instead, he risked his life and the lives of his family for someone from another country, whom he’d never even met and was part of an invading army. That takes a huge set of cojones!
The special ops guys who pulled Jessica out of that hospital will tell you that they live for doing things like that. The fact that the mission was textbook perfect is even better. They’re relatively well-paid soldiers and are no doubt reaping many rewards right now for what they’ve done. (Few of those guys will ever have trouble finding a date, I’m sure.) No doubt, the citizens of Jessica’s hometown (if not the entire state of West Virginia) will be more than happy to bestow as many honors on those guys as they will Jessica.
Yea, 'cuz Mississippi is just heaven on earth. :rolleyes: At least he could live and be a valuable part of the community here, in Mississippi he’d be “that uppity sand nigger”.
BAD! No American citizenship for you! 