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Other Columns by Oliver North
Oliver North Bio
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Winning In Iraq, One Step At A Time
By Oliver North
May 20, 2005
Page 2 of 2
But this wave of violence, real as it is, represents neither the people, nor the future, of Iraq. The people of Iraq see it contrasted against the hope Americans bring, and they are siding with us. This violence is a "hearts and minds" campaign, aimed at the all-too-eager international media, itching for a story to show how the Americans are "failing" and to dishearten freedom's allies.
It won't work. During Operation Matador, I asked Marine Lt. Col. Tim Mundy, commanding officer of the Third Battalion, Second Marine Regiment, if he thought the terrorists actually had a hope or if they were acting out of desperation. He told me, "It's more desperation than anything. They know that things are going well in other parts of Iraq and they think it's time to make a last-ditch effort out here, and it's my job to make sure they don't succeed."
Thanks to the professionalism, dedication, skill and incredible character of the men and women wearing the uniform of the U.S. military, he's got a good chance.
The United States still does not have an ambassador in Baghdad, a vacancy that hampers communications and coordination between the U.S. military and the Iraqi government, but in the battle for the people of Iraq, our men and women in uniform -- in the towns and on the front lines -- are our best ambassadors. Our Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen rescue wounded comrades; weep openly over loss; pass out candy, teddy bears and soccer balls; and share their food, water, hugs, smiles, and dreams for a better future for all God's children. They are the best ambassadors we have, and they are doing yeoman's work in assuring a brighter future here in this dusty, unforgiving land. Marine Staff Sgt. Darin Patterson of the Fifth Civil Affairs Group said, "it's always a step forward, whether it's just one 1or 2 inches, it has to start somewhere." It starts in the heart of an American -- the dedicated, tenacious, devoted, tender heart of an American.
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To find out more about Oliver North, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2005 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.
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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA. >> Back -- Page 1 2
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