Speaking of "crap", why would an authentic Iraqi citizen, as you claim to be, choose to use Wikipedia as a reference for his signature quote commemorating "Iraq's True Leader Abdul Karim Qassim" when there must be hundreds of authentic cultural references to choose from?Originally Posted by ali_ababa
The short answer is, he wouldn't. Only a person creating a sock identity to post to an Internet forum would make that kind of mistake, "Ali Ababa".
You may or may not be correct but
that's an attack on the poster, not his comment. We try to refrain from that. Thanks.
If the poster isn't genuine, meaning he is pretending to be something that he's not, it isn't an attack, Ken. I simply don't believe that this poster is real, and I'm saying it as simply and directly as I know how. If calling the poster on it is not allowed, then what is the preferred method, because I really don't think that it's in anyone's interest to tolerate fictional characters as members, do you?
If Ali Ababa can demonstrate to a moderator, via a qualified email address or in some other way, that's he's an Iraqi citizen, then I'll be happy to apologize for my mistake and I'll make a donation of US$50 to the International Red Crescent in his name.
http://donate.ifrc.org/
I think
thats the reason I chose to try questioning the overall intention of his first post ref the IP was for this type of thing. If someone is trying to muddy the water then one of the best ways to counter might be to add more water thus lessening the dilution or by point / counter point. I think this will always show whats what in the end.
Just my take though, so take it for what it's worth.
Very generous
You are certainly entitled to your opinion but I'd point out that you have no proof of your accusation and his ability to disprove it may be limited by circumstances of which we are not aware -- or even no desire to respond which is his right. The owners and operators of this Board are entitled to establish rules as they wish and it behooves us who post here with their permission to heed those rules.
We'll have to differ on your first sentence, above. You correctly provided that all important caveat of "If." That's the point, it's not known and yet you accused.
You offer is generous but moot and no apology is required. While there are admittedly folks all over the internet using pseudonyms and providing false backgrounds, the position here is take posters at face value. If it's an overriding issue for you, you could send him a polite Private Message as an inquiry. Please address your comments on the open board to the comment made, not the individual who made it.
Thanks again and we should just move on.
Sage advice in two posts from Ken White, only the tail end of which is quoted here. FYI, the red and yellow cards next to the offensive posts are infractions and indicate moderator interventions.
We do not vouch for ali-ababa's credentials or position, and do not object to JeffC's basic questioning of them, but the absence of tact and elegance in so doing is not welcome here. This is not a UFC Smackdown.
About the topic
I can't imagine this ever not having been an expectation both from the HN or US sides after going in.
To me it seems to make sense that from the perspective of the Coalition you don't invest the time, money, and resources most importantly human and otherwise and not expect to make sure it wasn't all in vain or at least in long term benefit to yourselves. And from the HN side why would you not want those who helped you get where you are to stick around long enough to keep everybody else from taking advantage of your weakened state.
As far as the populace go I would guess as long as things continue changing in one form or another they will act based on how it affects them at their local levels more than based on any large scale changes.
As time goes by I could see them caring more about the upper echelon leaders.
I don't think we can leave Iraq until we've fixed what we broke. I can't imagine a single history of this event being written that doesn't reflect badly on the actions of the U.S. government going in. As far as I can tell, the only saving grace left to us is how we exit. And as far as keeping a permanent base is concerned, that's a certain way to keep us at the top of the al Qaeda recruiting posters.
People aren't using their real names or they use pseudonyms? Where? Oh wait that would be me....
Obscured identities do serve the purpose of allowing people to be more truthful even if the anonymity is not as deep as they expect. You have awesome advice Mr. White that promotes understanding. I prefer to have my assumptions challenged through the mediation of the Internet rather than find them flawed on the battle field (metaphorically of course since I'm scared of conflict). Courtesy in debate regardless of the topic engenders reason even in the face of abject ignorance. One of the things I've respected and honored about SWC is the clarity of reason and purpose that professionals in the art of arms bring to the scholarship of conflict.
Sam Liles
Selil Blog
Don't forget to duck Secret Squirrel
The scholarship of teaching and learning results in equal hatred from latte leftists and cappuccino conservatives.
All opinions are mine and may or may not reflect those of my employer depending on the chance it might affect funding, politics, or the setting of the sun. As such these are my opinions you can get your own.
Ah but you don't provide a false background
ergo your pen name is one of those sudo-whatchamacallits in name only...
Hmmm. Something wrong with that sentence...
My MOS used to be 00XY; Small Unit Coward, Non-tactical -- so obviously I share your dislike of violence and conflict.
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks