Left Behind

Scott Pelley On The Plight Of Iraqis Who Helped The U.S.

(CBS)  This segment was originally broadcast on March 11, 2006. It was updated on Aug. 15, 2007.

When U.S. troops invaded Iraq, they had a major handicap - they didn’t speak the language. There would have been no progress, and likely more American dead, had it not been for Iraqi citizens who volunteered to serve our armed forces as translators.

Many thousands of Iraqis believed in the cause. They signed on as drivers, construction workers and office workers. But now they and their families are being hunted down by insurgents bent on killing them for collaborating. No wonder many are fleeing Iraq, desperate for asylum. But as they appeal to the U.S., many feel they’re being left behind.

As correspondent Scott Pelley reports, they’re finding that America, which was so eager for their help in the beginning, is not so eager to save them now.

---

"I lost everything. I lost my country, I can not stay there, anymore, and I lost all my friends. I can't see them, I lost my family, and I feel like a prisoner," says a man, who 60 Minutes will identify as "Rami."

Rami used to be a translator for U.S. forces; he’s now in hiding in Syria, and for the interview with Pelley, he insisted on wearing a disguise to protect his family still in Iraq.

Three years ago, Rami worked side-by-side with American soldiers in a guard tower on a U.S. Base. Then, the insurgents figured out he was working for America. "They called my … at my house and say that 'We're going to kill you if you…because of your involvement with Americans,'" Rami recalls.

At first, Rami says he didn't care. "But, then they said that 'We're going to hurt your family.'" Rami says he went to the American soldiers and asked for protection but says that request was turned down. "So, I felt like I was left alone without any protection," he recalls.

Asked what he did at that point, Rami says, "Well, I had to quit. I felt like I was abandoned.

"He has no life. He's hiding all the time," says Private Joe Seemiller, who was Rami's American partner in the guard tower. When they first met, Seemiller says he didn't know whether he could trust Rami, but says that over time, they became "pretty good friends," not just co-workers.

Asked if he thinks of Rami in the same category as an American soldier, Seemiller says, "Absolutely. He gave up his entire life for this country. And now he's stuck. And there's no one to help him. And we owe him whatever service we can provide to make him safe."

What do we owe him?

Says Seemiller, "Bring him here. Bring him home. He can stay at my apartment. I got a spare bed for him."


No one knows the work of the Iraqi allies better than retired Major General Paul Eaton. He was in charge of training the Iraqi army in 2003 and 2004. "I have no doubt that the translators have saved a great number of American lives," he tells Pelley.

And Eaton believes America owes them the same.

"Do you think it is politically impossible to open the doors to immigration to Iraqis because it's an admission that the war has not gone well?" Pelley asks.

"The war is not going well. Everybody knows it. The president of the United States and our Congress need to admit that a population is at risk. At risk because they have thrown their lot in with us," Eaton says.

[darrinshack]

While the assistance from the Iraqi nationals is appreciated we should not be expected to allow them to move to our country. They should be willing to fight for their own country. If the people that continue to complain about the situation over there would band together and actually do something then they could make their country whatever they want it to be instead of over populating our country and causing our economy to strain by living off of our government. FIGHT FOR YOUR COUNTRY AND LET OUR TROOPS COME HOME!!!!

[ronleff]

i sometimes cannot believe the stupidity and shortsightedness of the government bureaucracy. we have a shortage of arabic speaking translators to help the state dept and CIA in the fight against terrorism. Here you have a proven, loyal group of people that have risked their lives as translators to fight the war on terrorism and we refuse their entry into this country. It's a win-win situation for everyone and clearly the right thing to do to allow thm to come here. No wonder so much of the world feels the way the do about us.

[rb8760]

Scott Pelley, How many Iragi naitonals do you want to move into you town since you seem to think we're not doing enough? I can't believe I even watch 60 minutes once in awhile it is so left it makes me sick.
No wonder the evening news is doing so poorly.

[birnco]

A big concern is how many of those Left Behind are believers of the Islamic Sharia Law? What was their motivation for siding with the US? Certainly it was to help overthrow SH. But, are they secular in their religious beliefs? A huge influx of today's refugees is different from Ford's exodus. Many American's are extremely Islamaphobic. Strategically complicated for our national security and morally damaging for our country's image.

[jdcapshew]

Bush et al have betrayed our troops, lied to the American people and abandoned our Iraqi friends who put their lives on the line for us. We left them to be killed. We should be so ashamed. Our leaders have no moral compass and our cowards. Bush should be impeached, if he's not a traitor, he's awfully close. There is no doubt that the Bush regime is the darkest 8 years of our history.

[kevin67a-2009]

They want to come here?
We have our own dangers here too.
For instance, here is the site of the next school shooting:

www.ExcelAcademyOhio.com

[taramm]

The post by Scott below shows just how Islamaphobic our country can be. Don't you think we had the same challenge when people came over from Vietnam? From Cuba? No one wanted these people here but we all adjusted because it was the RIGHT THING TO DO and we are a better country for it. Perhaps bringing these Iraqi people over would help our Islamaphobic tendencies. These people DESERVE to be here. These people fought for the lives of OUR Citizens. Shame on the President for not doing something, Congress for not pushing the issue, the media for not reporting it until now, and anyone who believes these people should be killed rather than supported by the U.S. Government. Eaton is right. It's a moral issue. It's not complicated when it's simply the right thing to do - you make it happen.

[pgranberry]

I can appreciate the sacrifices made for freedom. I question why those living in the country we are "helping" will not stand and fight rather than seeking refuge and blaming the U.S. for not helping them flee while we stay and fight. There are so many things wrong with this picture.

[jksachs]

I was distressed to hear about the Iraqi's that have been so neglected by our country. They have put their lives on the line and we (American government) can't even let them into this country. They all deserve to be honored and I am sure that they would rather stay in their country and fight for their freedom, but unfortunatly the insurgients see it another way. It is just morally correct to give them all the help they deserve. It is just right!!!

[rsked2005]

I am now just sick to hear this is happening to the poor slobs over there that were honerable enough to help us out when we were in need of their assistance, now we can just throw them asside, because are government can't be bothered with the red tape, or whatever it is they don't feel like doing. We did the same thing to those who helped us in Vietnam, and we wonder why there is a large part of the globe that hates us? We call ourself humanitarians, and run around saving the world, but don't even take care of those who beleive in us as a goodwill nation. I for one think we need to get rid of Bush and all of his money and oil hungry friends and rethink just what it is this country stands for. We use to know, and we were able to say we were proud to be Americans. It's getting harder and harder to say this, beleive this, and standby it. Our government is making it hard to be a ( PROUD AMERICAN ) Lets get back R.L.Sked

[count95]

Let%u2019s do the right thing and move the Iraqi Translators to a safe haven. If the post 9/11 security process is so time consuming, just move them to Kuwait while they are waiting to be processed. Aside from being morally right, doesn%u2019t it just make sense that the United States could use some field tested Arabic translators?

[lmfenton]

It doesn't matter that these men and families are Muslim. It is disgusting that we used these brave men to help us and now we can not help them be safe. If it were safe for them there - if we were providing them protection in their homeland that they love so much they went out on a limb to help the Americans because they believed we would be able to give them a better life- they would stay and help make the changes Iraq so desperately needs. Instead we abandoned them in the worst sense of the word- we aren't protecting them in Iraq, in the countries where they seek refuge or here in America. It is our reponsibility to write our Congress men and women, President Bush, Sec. of State Condeleeza Rice and ANYBODY else that can make a difference. We must demand that we protect these families- first in Iraq so they can help build Iraq back up and then if need be give them the opportunity to be proud Americans. If we do not step up to the challenge now we will be proving the terrorists and insurgents right in being arrogant Americans that only look out for ourselves and we will be giving them more fuel for terror. We must join together to help these phenomenal human beings.

[CallingPlanetEarth]

Please note that the Vietnamese were allowed into the US _after_ we gave up on Vietnam. If we were to allow into the US every Iraqi who was threatened by insurgents because of their work with the US, there probably wouldn't be many Iraqis who would assist US forces in Iraq for very long before requesting to be sent to the US. The sequence would be:

1. Volunteer to help US forces.
2. Claim that you and your family have been threatened (truthfully or otherwise).
3. Move to the US (instead of Syria or Jordan).

While I believe that those who risked their lives to help US forces _definitely_ deserve to emigrate to the US, for the reason listed above this unfortunately can't be allowed to happen until the US military involvement in Iraq has ended (whenever the heck THAT will be).

[dftoad]

Kudos to Scott Pelley and 60 Minutes for telling this long overdue story. Our community is trying to help a young Iraqi woman who was a translator for both US and British forces and the post invasion municipal government of Baghdad. She weighs about 90 pounds soaking wet, and has been targeted for death for helping us. She has more guts in one finger than those on here who are hiding so bravely behind our borders.

[earliehb]

This is in regards to bringing Iraqi's over here. I am totally dead set against it and I base that on the comments about over 100,000 Vietnamese being imported in a few short months.I don't think people have any concept of the destruction that brought on one city alone. The city of Lowell, Mass. was turned from a decent hard-working place to a place of fear where people didn't dare walk the streets in daylight. Those people moved in 18-20 people in a two bedroom apartment. The very worst part of it was that the young people formed some of the most dangerous gangs in the nation and their women greatly added to the number of hookers already walking the streets.
Another big beef is the fact that those "aliens" were handed everything for free. That included housing, food, clothes, jobs, cars etc. etc. All this was done in front of out own homeless and hungry who couldn't get any help.
Those "imports" don't even have respect enough to learn English. I resent the fact that everything you buy has to have the instructions translated into 20 different languages. Plus everywhere you go interpreters have to be provided. All of the cost is of course passes on to us the comsumer. I just wonder if I went to Iraq or Viet Nam would I be given the same courtesy.

[wtezra]

I cannot believe how we are so unwilling to learn a thing.
Please do not compare Iraq to Vietnam. Vietnamese people never proclaimed death to anyone. Look what happened in England who has taken in plenty of Arabs from all over.
Now, even Arabs that grew up in England, who have British citizenship are ready to commit acts of terror.
It's time to start learning and think American FIRST. What's wrong with that?
Please do not make us feel as we do not care. We are the most giving of nations. This is a different people. We do not understand them and never will. How can we understand kids that are eager to blow themselves up?
Let's concentrate on taking care of our troops, bringing them home and safeguarding our own people, feeding our own people, educating our own people.
Thank you.

[rmayes11]

A striking ommission in your report was the fact that the U.S. did the very same to those who sided with the U.S. against Saddam during the first gulf war. As I recall, he killed all of those linked to involvement with the U.S. Same thing happened to the Kurds. This seems to be the U.S. policy to engage allies and abandon them. If the Department of Homeland Security will not allow the refuges that helped in the war effort to relocate to the U. S., the least that should be done is to help them settle in other countries for the protection of their lives and family!

RMayes

[tbweb]

It's very important for the U.S. to take care of those who support it. The main reason is friend and foe watch how those who support the U.S. are treated. Enemies of the U.S. will use badly treated U.S. supporters as poster children to discourage other potential supporters saying things like "look what happened to them?", If the U.S. does not do a good job taking care of its supporters, future support will be hard to come by! It's better to provide a safe haven for U.S. supporters in their own country, it's not practical or realistic to move every U.S. supporter to the United States! But the U.S. should do all in its power to make U.S. supporters safe in their home country. Only in extreme cases should U.S. supporters be allowed to come to the U.S. Why should a potential U.S. supporter come forward and help the U.S. if they see a U.S. supporter badly treated or worst, neglected.

[chuck-jackie]

Thank you for informing us about this act of abandonment by our government. I am very frightened for these brave Iraqi people who, by helping our soldiers, now face the very real threat of death. I think it is criminal on our part to abandon them now. I will gladly open my door to offer food and shelter to Iraqi refugees. Please tell me how I can help.

[randalds]

Saigon redux.

[mllwebster]

Send one of these left behind Iraqi to me. I do not speak the language or have any heritage there. I'm just an ordinary American, but there's always room for one more at our house. Forward this message wherever necessary.
Maggie Littlejohn

[varunkle]

Thank you, thank you! I am attempting to help a young Iraqi remain in the US -- and it has been one of the frustrating things I have ever encountered. I am so unhappy with our country. Can anyone say the word -- fiasco? The actions of our government --- of our State Department --- are immoral. There are similarities to this and returning Jewish people to Germany. It is criminal.

[mayarice]

This was so obviously a manipulation piece to make the American public feel guilty and mad at the goverment. Scott Pelley's views were one sided - there are many other solutions to this problem aside from bringing 100,000 Iraqi' here.

[americanwomn]

Congrats to the iraqis who took part in helping their own country. Yeah it is screwed up that the American government isn't doing a little bit more to help those, who helped the soldiers,that are there for them in the first place.As for iraqis fleeing their own country, don't you think that probably is a good idea anyway? How many American citizens would stay in their own home if war found itself on their doorsteps? Having civilians out of the way makes the enemies more clear. And do not forget that American citizens die in Iraq everyday. I say bring our soldiers home and let them fend for themselves.

[mekuski-2009]

If we look back over our history we'll see that those immigrants who came to this country and worked to survive, thus becoming a true American, gained not only their neighbors respect but also a greater sense of self-respect for themselves. In today's times the social programs are too quick to hand immigrants everything they ask for simply because they don't speak the language. Wake up America - we can't continue to afford to support all the other nations! If these folks want to come to America and work to support themselves, then yes, let them come. But if we have to pay for them - let them stay. We can't afford the one's we're having to pay for now.

[grazinggoat]

Have no pity for such a little human. If he's been able to help our troops to get into Iraq, well he indeed is able to get ours out as well. Treason coould go both ways with such a little human.
What I regret most is our troops had to invade Iraq because it was an illegal action, use and abuse the life of such litte low humans, and not take responsibility of allowing this little human to asylum into USA.

[randalds]

This was so obviously a manipulation piece to make the American public feel guilty and mad at the goverment. Scott Pelley's views were one sided - there are many other solutions to this problem aside from bringing 100,000 Iraqi' here.
Posted by mayarice at 09:47 PM : Mar 11, 2007


LOL! This government of GW Bush's doesn't need any reports from Scott Pelley or anyone else to get the public mad at them. They're doing far to good of job of that themselves!

[barsili]

After invading Iraq as the ancient Barbarians in Europe, I feel "ashamed" as an American, for utilizing these Iraquis who assisted us there and now to see them going to neighboring countries where they can't even work... and now we don't allow them to come here as refugees? These are well educated people for the most part and would be an asset and positive contribution to our country--unlike what crosses the border now, whom many are illiterate or poorly educated in their own language and filling our jails. Enough is enough--just as the obituaries filled with American kids.....it's sickening to any person who has any level of decency.

[jbinthe757]

These must be the terrible men that the GOP tries to scare us with. " If we leave Iraq, they will follow us home". If these people who help us have no place in USA, they can stay at my home until they get on their feet.

[lars008-2009]

what? they don't want to stay and fight and die for their country? put them out of their misery....

Patrick Henry
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! March 23, 1775

[lars008-2009]

there is no peace with fascist nazi islam....

dnc are like john adams and want to give their lunch money to fascist nazi islam hoping they will leave them alone...

gop are like thomas jefferson and want to use their lunch money to kick fascist nazi islam's arse......

Thomas Jefferson knew about fascist nazi islam..... he killed plenty of them....

In 1786 Jefferson and John Adams went to negotiate with Tripoli's envoy to London, Ambassador Sidi Haji Abdrahaman or (Sidi Haji Abdul Rahman Adja). They asked him by what right he extorted money and took slaves. Jefferson reported to Secretary of State John Jay, and to the Congress:

The ambassador answered us that [the right] was founded on the Laws of the Prophet (Mohammed), that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have answered their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as prisoners, and that every Mussulman who should be slain in battle was sure to go to heaven.[1]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Barbary_War
http://www.usvetdsp.com/jan07/jeff_quran.htm
http://www.khouse.org/articles/2007/691/
http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/2002_winter_spring/terrorism.htm

[randalds]

Anyone else hear that click and then a gunshot? That was Jesus putting a bullet in his skull because he just couldn't stand to listen to one of lars (or singinslicks) psychotic prayers again. Poor bast*ard, I know how he feels. Whine, whine fu*cking whine! That's all these right wing Christians do! I mean it's either Jesus murder the Muslims or Oh god take us up to the rapture (which god has no idea of since the whole "rapture" was created in the mid1800's). Hell I'd get sick of their sh*it to if I was god. And then elected this moron Bush too! Talk about a why to pi*ss god off! Scheeeeeesch!!

[rd9231]

I have just finished watching "Left Behind" and want to add my 2-cents worth. I am Staff Sargeant in the Illinois National Guard and am currently deployed in Iraq, where I am asigned to a Theater Internment Facility. We work with Iraqi translators every day. Not only do they make our job easier, but in some instances they help us avoid situations that can become very dangerous very quickly. This saves a lot of American soldiers lives.
Every year our government allows thousands of illegal aliens cross our souther border and remain to nurse on our welfare system. These people take and give back little if anything to the government. The translators I work with risk their lives daily to help us over here. The very least we can do is provide them protection. The men I work with are over here placing themselves in harms way and the translators are right there with us.
We must do wht is right. We have got to protect them. There is no excuse not to. Surely it is not a monitary issue, and providing them with security from insurgents can be done without putting national security at risk.

SSG Randal Oakman
Camp Victory

[randalds]

The men I work with are over here placing themselves in harms way and the translators are right there with us.
We must do wht is right. We have got to protect them. There is no excuse not to. Surely it is not a monitary issue, and providing them with security from insurgents can be done without putting national security at risk.

SSG Randal Oakman
Camp Victory
Posted by RD9231 at 02:25 AM : Mar 12, 2007

Thank you for your service! Vietnam vet myself. The sad truth is that it is a monetary issue, but more then that. George W Bush does not want the number of immigrants that would be coming over if we helped all of the Iraqi's who help us. He understands and trusts (to some degree anyway) Mexicans since he had to after moving from Connecticut to Texas, but he still has some racial (though more likely religious, since Mexicans are at least christian) animosity toward Muslims. Also as an added note, please understand that most of us opposed to the war do still support the troops. I know there are some who would have you believe that that's not possible, but as a vet myself I mostly support you in the sense that I want to see you come home to your family and not die needlessly in a war for profit. That is NOT supporting our troops. Stay strong and come home in one piece bro. That's the ultimate mission.

[jbinthe757]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Bar
bary_War
http://www.usvetdsp.com/jan07/jeff_qur
an.htm
http://www.khouse.org/articles/2
007/691/
http://www.earlyamerica.com/re
view/2002_winter_spring/terrorism.htm
Posted by lars008 at 01:37 AM : Mar 12, 2007

This guy is a fraud, he copys and paste's this *** on every comment blog. He is incapable of original thought and uses wikopedia and other disinformation sites to spread his ignorance and hate. Lars, heres a quarter, buy a life!

[karlimhof]

To the servicemen who have contributed to the comments - come home safely!

Your concern about those iraqis who have assisted us is well founded and shared. We ask ourselves if our government will its concern as well and offer some form of protection for them.

This article forces me to think about the thousands of vietnamese we left behind - and who faced years of hardship and death under harsh north vietnamese communists.

One fellow I know did 16 years "re-education", moving from one mobile jungle prison to the next with only a hand ax and a hoe - the ax to build his shelter and the hoe to plant his rice. He was lucky and survived - 80% didn't.

If America does the same to these Iraqis, we cannot feel proud.

[bluestardad]

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE NOT STUPID! WE KNOW THAT

IF CONGRESS DOES NOT PASS THE IRAQ WAR SUPPLIMENTAL BUDGET REQUEST THE IRAQ WAR STOPS!

CONGRESS DO NOT PASS THE WAR SUPPLIMENTAL BUDGET!

CONGRESS FIDDLES WHILE IRAQ BURNS!

Write your Representatives and Senators! HERE ARE THE SENATORS UP FOR REELECTION IN 08!

SHOW THEM YOUR DISDAIN OF THEIR COWARDOUS ACTIONS WHILE OUR TROOPS ARE BEING KILLED! http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/


Alexander, Lamar- (R - TN)
Allard, Wayne- (R - CO)
Baucus, Max- (D - MT)
Biden, Joseph R., Jr.- (D - DE)
Chambliss, Saxby- (R - GA)
Cochran, Thad- (R - MS)
Coleman, Norm- (R - MN)
Collins, Susan M.- (R - ME)
Cornyn, John- (R - TX)
Craig, Larry E.- (R - ID)
Dole, Elizabeth- (R - NC)
Durbin, Richard- (D - IL)
Enzi, Michael B.- (R - WY)
Graham, Lindsey- (R - SC)
Hagel, Chuck- (R - NE)
Harkin, Tom- (D - IA)
Inhofe, James M.- (R - OK)
Johnson, Tim- (D - SD)
Kerry, John F.- (D - MA)
Landrieu, Mary L.- (D - LA)
Lautenberg, Frank R.- (D - NJ)
Levin, Carl- (D - MI)
McConnell, Mitch- (R - KY)
Pryor, Mark L.- (D - AR)
Reed, Jack- (D - RI)
Roberts, Pat- (R - KS)
Rockefeller, John D., IV- (D - WV)
Sessions, Jeff- (R - AL)
Smith, Gordon H.- (R - OR)
Stevens, Ted- (R - AK)
Sununu, John E.- (R - NH)
Warner, John- (R - VA)

If you think Americas sacrifice is worth it contact your ELECTED OFFICIAL and tell them http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

The House Speakers email address: [e-mail]

[lars008-2009]

what? they don't want to stay and fight and die for their country? put them out of their misery.... they expect americans to do it for them..... to hell with them.... stand and fight coward....

Patrick Henry
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! March 23, 1775

Hey lars008,

Have you enlisted in the army yet? What about the marines? The air force? The navy?

What are you? Scared?

Never mind, you can always join the girl scouts, you sissy.

[jmcgibbon-2009]

The more I hear about what this administration is subscribing to, the more disgusted I am to admit that I am an American. This President has put the repuation of this country, in the eyes of the rest of the world, in the toilet. How much is the American public willing to take before we take a stand?

[lars008-2009]

Appeal for Redress
Sign this Appeal.
This site is an Appeal For Redress in support of our mission in Iraq.
An Appeal For Redress is an authorized means for active duty military to submit a grievance to Congress. It can be signed by Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard military personnel.
It is authorized by DoD Directive 1325.6 and DoD Directive 7050.6.
The wording of the Appeal for Redress is:
As an American currently serving my nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to fully support our mission in Iraq and halt any calls for retreat. I also respectfully urge my political leaders to actively oppose media efforts which embolden my enemy while demoralizing American support at home. The War in Iraq is a necessary and just effort to bring freedom to the Middle East and protect America from further attack.
If you are active duty, reservist or national guard, please Sign this Appeal.
Most service members fully support the war in Iraq and feel calls to retreat by Congress and attacks by our media on our conduct and mission act to motivate our enemy while demoralizing our support at home, directly increasing the threat we face and resulting in greater American casualties. This Appeal for Redress provides a way in which individual service members can appeal to Congress to fully support us and actively oppose media attacks on our mission and our morale.
This Appeal will be delivered to members of Congress.
http://www.appealforcourage.org/

[notblue]

What a bunch of hipocrates, the Dems are doing everyhthing in there power to retreat and lose, almost everyone here at leftwing central carps about getting out of Iraq, but it's all Bush's fault if people in Iraq in the course of the democratic retreat are being killed. There is no lengths the left will go in the name of there cowardly self righteous politics.

[deathtoallah]

They may have saved some lives, but why? so they could get asylum in the USA and be here to committ their jihad right on our own soil? Just as many of them that "helped" us have hurt us by pretending to be police only to find out they are suicide bombers with death and destruction the only thing on their mind. Keep them in Iraq. We are over there in a war we have no reason to be fighting, and now you want to give them asylum in my Country? No way, they don't belong here. The leaders of the USA are making a huge mistake if you give these people asylum.

[amelia-t]

Hello,

I'm a researcher who worked on this story. I want to thank everyone who wrote in expressing support for the Iraqis who have aided our troops.

I met many Iraqi translators, drivers, and houskeepers. Their families are often the targets of retaliation, and because of their work, they have lost brothers, sisters, and parents. Many have lost arms and legs in the IED attacks against the US troops.


For anyone who is interested in making an immediate difference in the lives of these Iraqis and other refugees, write to your senators and representatives immidiately.

In the next two weeks, congress will decide how much money to spend on Iraqi refugees. It will be part of the supplemental budget request.

Tell your senators and representatives that 3.7 million Iraqis have been displaced inside and outside of their country. This is the largest refugee crisis in the middle east since 1948. Tell your congressmen you support Refugees International and other aid organizations in their request for 390 million dollars to help Iraqi refugees.

It's just a first step, but it will help.

[amelia-t]

Hello,

I'm a researcher who worked on this story. I want to thank everyone who wrote in expressing support for the Iraqis who have aided our troops.

I met many Iraqi translators, drivers, and houskeepers. Their families are often the targets of retaliation, and because of their work, they have lost brothers, sisters, and parents. Many have lost arms and legs in the IED attacks against the US troops.


For anyone who is interested in making a difference in the lives of these Iraqis and other refugees, write to your senators and representatives immediately.

In the next two weeks, congress will decide how much money to spend on Iraqi refugees. It will be part of the supplemental budget request.

Tell your senators and representatives that 3.7 million Iraqis have been displaced inside and outside of their country. This is the largest refugee crisis in the middle east since 1948. Tell your congressmen you support Refugees International and other aid organizations in their request for 390 million dollars to help Iraqi refugees.

It's just a first step, but it will help.

[jebby_one]

We owe these people respect, but weren't they also working in hope of a free Iraq?

Why does CBS portray the US abandonment of Iraq as a done deal? Has CBS been holding secret meetings with Democrat copperheads?

The hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people who came to the US did so AFTER the fall of the South Vietnames government. Before that it was ILLEGAL for many Vietnamese to abandon Vietnam during their war against the Communist.
To compare the Vietnam refugees to our Iraqui friends is not an even match.

[dcmgbusacbs]

We must not abandon the translators who helped the American effort in Iraq. It more than unethical it is stupid!! This policy undermines our whole diplomatic effort in Iraq!!! It sends entirely the wrong message to the Islamic world. If we hope to engage is successful diplomacy, we must be trusted by the Islamic countries. Our word must be good, it is the currency of diplomacy, and must be backed up!!! The people must be allowed to emigate to the United State if they so desire!!! A superior policy, in this reagrd would be to advocate for these people for integration of these people into the new Iraqi society without fear of reprisals!!! To abandon these people now to their own devices is create potenitiatal enemies of former friends!!!!The policy that is both sensible and humame and ethical is to advocate for the former translors for integration into the new Iraqi society through dipolatic efforts on part of the United State and let hem imigrate to the United States if they so desire. This policy will demonstate that we do not abandon our friends when we think it is convienient to do so and will stand us in good stead to be trusted to keep our commitments made through dipolmatic efforts. LETTING THE FORMER TRANLATORS EMIGRATE HERE, WITHOUT A LOT OF RED TAPE, WILL FURTHUR THE CAUSE OF PEACE IN IRAQ!!!!

[jebby_one]

" I'm a researcher who worked on this story. I want to thank everyone who wrote in expressing support for the Iraqis who have aided our troops...

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is CBS so anxious for a US surrender that they are encouraging the Iraq people to flee Iraq?

Our Vietnames friends did not flee Vietnam until AFTER the South Vietnamese government had fallen. To compare Vietnam to Iraq was not appropriate, except for someone wishing to undermine for a US defeat or surrender.

[sixminviewer]

What are other countries involved in the war doing to help the Iraqi translators?

[jebby_one]

"We must not abandon the translators who helped the American effort in Iraq. It more than unethical it is stupid!! This policy undermines our whole diplomatic effort in Iraq!!!

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During the Vietnam war the US did NOT encourage Vietnamese citizens to flee Vietnam. Yhe US assisted those fleeing for their lives AFTER the fall of the Saigon government ... not before.

America owes these peope. We owe them out best effort at preventing Iraq from becomming another Crazed Jihadist state. We should not be encouraging anyone to flee BEFORE the US abandons the hope for a free Iraq.

I realize that CBS and their Copperhead friends are encouraging a US surrender or withdrawal. But why would they want the Iraq people to abandon Iraq before the US does?