NewQuisitor

they did nothing to the thieves , we did understand why they did not interfere or tried to stop the thieves

Rules of engagement. Can't shoot at them unless they point a gun at you and pull the trigger (stupid rules)

I'm sorry man, but I've heard a lot of soldiers express frustration for the same reason-- it fucking sucks to see nice people getting robbed and not be able to do anything about it because of your standing orders.

It's even worse when somebody's obviously up to no good, and you aren't allowed to engage them, from what I hear.

Yessss but-- and correct me if I'm wrong-- but if looters weren't fucking with U.S. property, there wasn't a whole lot you could do, was there?

I've had a couple of National Guard friends tell me that and sound very frustrated, but I don't know if that's just what a lieutenant told them, or if that's reflective of Army policy at that time.

What makes you think the Americans would just kill your dogs? By poisoning? I can see shooting, but poisoning?

How do you feel about it when Iraqi troops shoot Americans? How do other Iraqis feel? (not trying to be antagonistic, genuinely curious what the average person on the ground thinks)