Page last updated at 08:03 GMT, Saturday, 6 December 2008
Iraq translators' mask ban dropped
By Humphrey Hawksley
BBC News, Baghdad
The Pentagon has rescinded a controversial decision that banned Iraqi interpreters working for US troops in Baghdad from protecting their identities by wearing ski-masks.
The ban was meant to reflect the improved security situation - in which interpreters were no longer afraid of retaliation. But that is not the case.
...
Col Willoughby said the mask ban had now been lifted and that
decisions could be made at an operational level.
"We ask them not to wear masks," he said. "But troop commanders can make that determination."
Zeeman does not give his real name and does not want his face filmed.
He has worked without a mask for some time, realising that it helps the hearts and minds campaign. "But the decision needs to be in my hands, not in the hands of someone in Washington who knows nothing about how we work."
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