How many times has been there? Why does he feel this way? What is his family situation? How old is this person? On and on and on. Wiser people than I need to consider these things and make the call.

I would not want to be in his shoes! I know, very funny. On day 31, if he is not back with his unit, ready to go, he will be arrested and put in jail and await the verdict. That being, charged with desertion. (AWOL) He will get a dishonorable discharge from the Army and could serve the rest of his life in prison.

GLeigh,

The soldier is wiser than you obviously and he has made his decision and I applaud him for it.... as much as I applaud those refusniks in Israel who has refused to serve the Israeli Occupying Forces on Palestinian land. He would be more honorable in the eyes of the world in prison that he would be serving an occupation.

I would need more in-depth info to decide his fate, but there are those ready to condemn or idolize him without so little info on the facts. Perhaps he had a mental break-down. Perhaps his girlfriend dumped him, or whatever. Who knows? The Chinese military now has over two hundred million in it. Do you think military commanders should ask each one how he feels everyday? If they join, here, there is no draft, then they become obligated.

GLeigh,

you join an army to defend your country borders but not to go invade other counties and kill innocent civlilans who pauses no threat to you.

When that happens then the honorable thing to do is to say i will not participate... does not matter how long he has been there or how many times... or if his girfriend dumped him or not... all these things are irrelevant.

Again, we have no facts. He went once. Have no idea why he doesn't want to go back. Iraq is a democracy now and that seems good to me. The old prison is now redone and no longer a place for mass hangings. Everyday we hear about a new something, commuter train, zoo, whatever. It will be a struggle, but I think the people there will build and prosper.

GLeigh,

Thanks on your real deep insight on the situation in Iraq... I did not think that was the topic but you really put on an whole new light on the issue.... yeah right.

Professor – Obviously you know nothing about being in the military. You don't get to pick and choose what orders you will follow and which ones your won't. When you are inducted, you swear an oath to follow orders.

I know honor, truth, and promises mean nothing to you, but they mean a lot in the US military and to other people of honor.

And what is this obsession you have with occupations? You see occupations everywhere. Do you think New York is actually an English colony being occupied by the Americans? LOL. We are not occupying Iraq. We are there with the agreement of the Iraqi government. Our job is almost complete there. We will be leaving soon. The Israelis are not occupying Palestinian land. There has never been a country called Palestine. Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, and more were lost by the Muslim/Arab countries when they tried to eradicate Israel in 1967, over 40 years ago. It is Israeli land now. Get over it. Stop fighting a war you lost more than 4 decades ago.

Bill,

thats why I will never serve in an army.... I will never allow my sons to go serve in an army unless I am guaranteed that I will only serve to protect my countries borders from invaders. I do not want to be used to kill my own citizens inside my borders (like in Israel) not do I want to be used to kill civlilans outside of my borders when we decide we want to invade other countries.

That to me what is honorable.... Following orders blindly does not have a place in my book of honor.

But, I see where you are coming from.... alot of people like you were raised on following orders blindly.

I do not have an obsession in anything.... I just like to call things by its name.... The Iraqi government did not call us to go into Iraq.... Bush decided he wanted to go there (for revenge) becuase Saddam (who is a criminal in my book) threatened to kill his Daddy.

We on the other hand, we swear to serve our countries but without that service contradicting our Allah (God) or our Religion (Islam).

I think that's more honor, truth, than your promises.

Prof – You are good at accusing people. Blind obedience? My children, 3 of them, have always been taught to think for themselves and to always understand that their elders and world leaders should have some insights and knowledge that we do not have. None of them are military. Saddam threatened to kill his Daddy? Never heard that so don't understand it. The Iraq thing was done badly perhaps, or the way it was suppose to be done, we as people judge things badly in my opinion, but I do think that it finally got done. Finally. From that – we move forward and build.

And Prof – I know you will never serve. You have to have your own way. Perhaps I'm a little like you in that but realize not everyone on Planet Earth can always get their own way. Nations have to work it out, not individuals.

The article is very vauge and miss leading; CNN really needs to work on their reporting skills.

I would ask the questions, how many times has he been to Iraq? What was his true motivation to join the military?

Many Americans join the military for a pay check, they are nothing more then one step away from being a mercenary, yet they say it is because they feel obligated to serve their country, then why is it when they are told to report for duty in a hostel country do they run away, or complain, or come up with a medical problem preventing them from a deployment.

I think this soldier should be arrested and sent to jail for going AWAL.

Professor February 25th, 2009 946 GMT

Bill,

thats why I will never serve in an army…. I will never allow my sons to go serve in an army unless I am guaranteed that I will only serve to protect my countries borders from invaders. I do not want to be used to kill my own citizens inside my borders (like in Israel) not do I want to be used to kill civlilans outside of my borders when we decide we want to invade other countries
*************************************************

Professor,

That's funny!!!!

How old do your sons need to be before you will allow them to make a decision for themselves??

Why is it you think that armed forces are forces are developed to kill civilians???

You are the one who repeatedly spouts off that "there are no civilians in Israel, they are all occupation forces- women, children, babies and the elderly" ! Right??

So, according to you there are no civilians! US forces could invade Israel and kill every human being in the State of Israel and that would be perfectly fine with you, right?

What are you going to do when the Mexicanos decide they want their land back?-- you know, the place where you built your squatter shack!
Are you just going accept the fact that your an"occupier" and leave -- where would you go??? Where do you really belong??? If you're not a Native American, you certainly have no right to live where you do according the philosophy of professor!

You should really sit down and write your new President a serious letter and explain to him your position on the armed forces, world order and above all, your commitment to Patriotism!!

I'm sure he'll be quite impressed!!!

Calos,

I guess you have a short-term memory problem too like GLeigh... hehe

Don't you remember that you were the one who told me that all Israeli citizens have to serve in the (IOF) Israeli Occupying Forces?

Hmmm Prof – Someone told me but I think that Israel people had to be in the IDF, and think I had heard that before, but I don't live in Israel. It's different in the U.S. Where are you?

Professor February 25th, 2009 1748 GMT

Calos,

I guess you have a short-term memory problem too like GLeigh… hehe

Don’t you remember that you were the one who told me that all Israeli citizens have to serve in the (IOF) Israeli Occupying Forces?
*********************************************************************

Professor,

No- I said that all Israelis- Jewish Israelis, are required to serve in the IDF!!

It is you who continue to call them the IOF--

you once again "assume" that all Israeli citizens are members of the IDF for their entire life-- from birth until death!!

They enlist for a limited time, less than 2 years. But I know, the view according to professor mentiroso is that this means they are never civilians but rather IOF members for life. Therefore legal targets to be murdered by professor mentiroso and the Hamas militia at any point in time during their natural life.

Get a life--

Good for him. The majority of US citizens know that it was not only an illegal war, but an unjustified war, which has led the USA to the brink of financial ruin. Why do you think Obama had such a huge win – because of this heinous war crime resulting in millions of displaced people and hundreds of thousands of dead Iraqi citizens. Bush and Cheney should be charged as war criminals by the world court. There was absolutely no justifiable reason for the Iraqi invasion (except in their minds for the greedy control of oil and resources). As for "that man tried to kill my daddy" (George W. Bush about Saddam H.) just watch the movie "W" and you will see him (G.W. Bush) speak those very (or close to it) words.

Rose – I don't think the war in Iraq led to the financial problems. It was bad loans to people. Greedy people in general. Someone tried to sell my 19 year old dau a condo for over a hundred thousand because she had a job. Six months later, she changed jobs to get to move to Hawaii. I told her, flat-out, if she bought a condo at that time – she was an idiot. George Bush had a tough eight years. It's easy to look back and say something should or should not have been done. Lots do it. It's know what to do at the time – that's the trick....

George Bush had a tough eight years? Really? What about all those poor dead soldiers he sent to their doom without just cause for doing so – an illegal, unjust and "preemptive" war? Or all those returning with severe physical or mental trauma? The Iraq invasion had nothing at all to do with protecting the USA. The Bin Laden family (relatives of Osama's) was visiting Bush in the White House on 9/11. The only people to be allowed to fly out of the USA on 9/11 was that same Bin Laden family – personal friends of the Bush's. (Can you imagine that the USA would have escorted Lee Harvey Oswald's family out of the USA after he assassinated Kennedy, before questioning them??) All the hijackers were Saudi's. Why didn't GWB invade Saudi Arabia? Because the Bin Laden family was partners with GW Bush's oil interests in their country.
If you think this illegal war has not cost the USA billions over these past years, then you are sadly misinformed – do some research. Even President Obama is coming out and saying that the true cost of the war was hidden by "accounting tricks" and he is going to put an end to that and let the American people know the true cost of this horrific war. (I also urge all to watch the movie "Stop-Loss" about soliders being sent over and over to Iraq when they think their service contract has been fulfilled – a loophold the military is using to keep resending troops over there.....Very enlightening....)

Roselakota,

Do you really think GLeigh and the rest of those blind supporters of Israel cares about the US and its financial problems... they just would like to see Israel sucking the last drop of blood... the last drop of H2O.... the last penny the US has to fullfil the greater Israel dream. Thats what they live and breath for... and the hell with the rest of the world.

I've always read that wars stimulate the economy. But, running late for a luncheon. Now that he's gone and the war has been going on awhile, it's very easy to sit back and judge. I agree we need to cut cost in our government. We send out stuff to everyone and need to care for own right now first. Aide our people here. I'm for it at least.

I do think the U.S. has obligations, to Iraq, to Israel, to the states, and should fulfill those. But, the world in general will care for itself and grow. I have high hopes for it mostly.

Wars "cost" in many ways. You never hear about how much oil and gasoline it takes to keep the "war machinery" running, including warships off the coast. Also, now that "body armour" is keeping many soldiers alive minus their limbs and with severe brain damage from concussion from explosions, the cost for rehabilitation and long-term care is staggering. Sure, they make some money with munitions etc. as "Lord of War" movie – Nicolas Cage- represents, but there are many long-term costs including very screwed up emotionally scared war veterans, many of whom end up homeless and on the streets not to mention the damage to their extended families. Costs can be in many forms......
As for Israel, I agree that with the USA pumping billions over the years to them, it has created a very lopsided and unfair distribution of wealth and power to Israel at the cost of the Palestinian people. Israel has walled in the Palestinians and are now trying to "starve them out" as they continue to bombard the tunnels, which of course unless the blockades are lifted, is the only way for them to bring in food to the civilian population. I don't live in Israel, obviously, but to most of the rest of the world watching this, we just sit back in horror at the atrocities that have been committed over the years against the Palestinian people at the hands of the "Zionist" (not all) Israelis. How many Palestinian people are in jails versus how many Israeli people are being held by the Palestinians? – and the war of words will go on and on. Until the Israeli's start treating the Palestinians as equal human beings with children they love also, and need to feed, clothe and school, this will never end. How much better to build bridges by providing necessary food, medicine and clothing than to bombard, raze homes and build up walls? This is intolerable to the majority of the world and it simply fuels antisemitic sentiment. The way the world views Israel could be turned around if they themselves would go in with relief convoys and start rebuilding what they have destroyed, but this will never happpen.... unfortunately. It would show a "human" side that we never see.

Roselakota,

As you see from GLeigh's latest comment... she does not mind murdering people of other countries in wars becuase it stimulate the economy of her country and thats good for her and her family and who cares about the hundereds of thousands families who suffer in other countries because of that?

Thats the kind of people you will see supporting Israeli blindly.... notice how she said the US has obligations to Iraq and Israel.... ok I see there is obligation to Iraq because the US destroyed it so its obvious they should build it back.... but what is the obligation towards Israel? A country that attacked US army... keeps sending hundreds of spies against the US.... how is it the US obligated towards Israel to keep sending billions of tax payers money?

Roselakota (Canada) February 26th, 2009 1628 GMT

Israel has walled in the Palestinians and are now trying to “starve them out” as they continue to bombard the tunnels,

*****************************************

you're funny-– who walled in the Palestinians in Gaza-- try Egypt in 1948. Who keeps them locked in-– try Egypt!!!! Why doesn't Egypt open the border crossing and let them ou???

Professor,

how is it the US obligated towards Israel to keep sending billions of tax payers money?

**********************************************************

Professor,

Face it!! You're broke!!! The $22billion that Israel spent in the US in 2008 keeps well in excess of 200,000 US citizens employed in good paying jobs!!-some of them in California!!!!

You're in no position to let that go down the rathole like your banking system and your screwed up auto industry!!!!

Roselakota (Canada) February 26th, 2009 1628 GMT

How many Palestinian people are in jails versus how many Israeli people are being held by the Palestinians? -

***********************************************************

Roselakota--

Really-- you think it's a game or what????

Better yet, - How many Hamas are being held in Palestinian jails by Fatah???? Any Idea???

I don't see anyone complaining about this one????? Ever!!!

Roselakota (Canada)

Why are the Palestinians who live in the West Bank not allowed to cross the river Jordan ???? Any idea???

Roselakota (Canada) February 26th, 2009 1628 GMT

As for Israel, I agree that with the USA pumping billions over the years to them, it has created a very lopsided and unfair distribution of wealth and power to Israel at the cost of the Palestinian people.
*************************************************************
Roselakota

Interesting!!

But, why don't the oil rich Arab brothers pump Biilions into Gaza??? They've got way more money than the US???

Wonder why that is ????? Any Idea????

Carlos,

How do you think the Palestinians have been able to survive so far?... Its by the help of the other Arab rich nations.... But, why the Arabs should pay for the distruction that Israel keeps causing?.... Israel should be accountable and held responsible... The US should hold Israel responsible for paying to rebuild every American School and hospital it destroyed.... The European Union should hold Israel responsible for every hospital, School or any building that was build by their donations. Enough is enough... my opinion Arabs should only pay for the humanitarian and food aid but the rebuilding should be by the Israeli money.

Carlos,

In my opinion money spent on building weapons that is used invade others and to kill innocent civilians anywhere is no different that drug money.... I would support cutting down on that industry to satisfy whats need for our own self defence only... and lets find other ways to create jobs that will not put the blood of innocent civilians on the hands of our employees and tax-payers. I know we can do wonders then by openning other doors for cooperations.

Prof – Please tell Iran who is moving towards nuke weapons your feelings. I aggree.

Professor February 27th, 2009 1007 GMT

Carlos,

How do you think the Palestinians have been able to survive so far?…
********************************************************************

professor,

Let's be real about this!! The Arab nations provide nothing more than sustenance to the Palestinians.
If the Arabs have been such good providers why does UNRWA need to exist at all?
Why have the Palestinians in Gaza been living in poverty????
Why is it that the Palestinians have been so fortunate as to be the only single group of refugees in the world to have a UN relief agency (UNRWA) created for the sole purpose of catering to the needs of the Palestinians?
ALL other refugee groups world wide, regardless of location, are provided for by the UNHCR. On top of that- UNRWA employees more people in it's effort to support the Palestinians than the entire worldwide employment of the UNHCR.
Another feather in the cap of the Palestinians-– they hold the #1 ranking world wide as the highest per-capita aid recipients on the planet.

And your US tax dollars is the primary funding for this effort!

So-- tell me again what a fine job the oil rich Arab countries have done in their effort to support their Palestinian brothers!!!

Is this really what you call "help of the other Arab rich nations" ?

With the wealth that the Arab nations have-– no help from any charitable organization should needed from anywhere!

And really, who is the US and the EU to demand anything of Israel??? Why do you or anyone else think that it is the right of the US to demand anything of foreign nations??? Who left the US to the task of being the de facto police force of the world!!! You can't control what happens on your own southern border!

If anyone is to make demands of Israel for their actions it is the UN! No one single solitary nation has this authority as far as I know.

But then, I know you fail to recognize the UN as an international authoritative organization. Maybe that's why you always feel the necessity stick your (US) nose in everyone else"s business without being asked.

Carlos:

“..Carlos – why doesn’t Egypt open the border crossing and let them out? & … cross the river Jordan” : My reply: Why should they have to be “let out” –- why are they being walled in and being denied life’s necessities? They should be able to live with dignity and have the necessary food, medicines and supplies they need to live without having to be forced from their own lands – which is apparently what you would like to see them do. Why don’t you go and live with a Palestinian family for a month – like the “30 days” TV show, and see if your feelings might change towards their living conditions, but I seriously doubt that your living conditions are anything similar at all to theirs and that you would be willing to give your little luxuries up.

“Carlos..you think it’s a game or what?” : My reply: Well, apparently Israel’s own soldier “refuseniks” don’t see it as a game and are willing to spend time in Israeli jails in protest.

“Carlos… rich Arab brothers pump billions into Gaza? …..way more money that the US? Wonder why that is?” My reply: No, I know why that is. Israel seems to be able to consistently shut down the money flow into Palestinian territory banks preventing even the Palestinian police from being able to pay their employees.

Finally, as a Native American, I see so many sad similarities of what is happening to the Palestinian people with how indigenous peoples all around the world have always been treated by their countries invaders and illegal occupiers. No one is going to change my opinion on that point. The “wall” simply creates one huge walled-in Indian reservation of indignity and suffering.

Carlos,

Israel would not have existed until if it was not for the US.... the US owns Israel... with the billions of dollars (not counting the US charities that send money to Israel) that the US pours into Israel.... I garantee you.... that Israel will do whatever the US tells it to do.... US can tell Israel either directly or it will just push the UN to do the work.... either way the US is the won who dictate to Israel what to do.

Professor,

If that's the case-- why do you and your government permit Israel to do what it does???

The rest of the whiners on the blogs all claim that the Israelis own the US and control the US government and US media and therefore keep the Palestinians "locked up, imprisoned and impoverished".

So which is it????

If you-the US, controls Israel-– fix the problem as you see it-– you– the US-– appear fully capable of inserting your personal agenda in numerous other venues around the world without being requested to do so!!!

Why are you. the US, being so shy about this one???? It makes no sense!!! If what you are saying is accurate!!

Roselakota (Canada),

OK, fine--– the typical game!!!! You don't have an answer when asked, so you simply respond with a question! Sorry, I don't play that game-- No matter who you are!

1) The Israelis never created the penitentiary called Gaza- the Egyptian did. How is this Israels' responsibility??? The Israelis never fenced off the border between the West Bank and Jordan! How is this Israels' responsibility?? Please explain.

You, apparently live in Canada-- so you know there are requirements both in the US and Canada to pass border security and Immigration- So what's so different here? Maybe it's more strict because of a history of violence, weapons, explosives and such???

2) So, It's Israels fault that the oil rich Arab nations don't help their Palestinian brothers!!!!! Really!!!!! BWAAAAAA!!!!! BWAAAAA!!!!
Surely you're kidding????? You must think the rest of the free world are ignorant fools and only you know the real truth! Give it up!!

If the Arab countries wanted to invest in Palestine--The UN would make certain that the money was provided in accordance with the wishes of the donating countries!

Please don't expect the rest of the world to believe your nonsense!

3) There are sympathizers in all societies, the Human Rights Activist organizations exist throughout the world, Mu hammed Ali refused to join the US military, consciencious objectors refused to join the US Army and fight in Viet Nam, on and on..... there's always been protesters for every cause-- this one is no different

4) You need to really study world history to fully understand who is the indigenous people of the land.
The Muslims didn't exist until the 5th Century. Arabs, they came from Arabia.
The land, commonly known today as the Palestinian Territories and the State of Israel-- was Judea until it was renamed Palestine by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 150AD.
The Jews lived in Judea back as far as 1000BCE. So you need not start with your nonsense about justifying that the land belongs to the Arabs because they are the indigenous people!
Also, the Portugúes word for Jew is Judeu-- see any connection there???

As far as I'm concerned, you being a Native American-– you should chase each and every one of the European, African or Asian immigrants off your land and back to their ancestral homelands.

Professor,
What about my post above???-- where you claim the Arab brothers have provided for your Palestinians brothers-- and basically I said-right BS--

Hey professor-- come on --Show Me The Money!!!!!!!!

Show us how the wealthy Arabs have provided for their Palestinian Brothers!!!!

I have to agreed with this soldier who is refusing with the return to Iraq!

Carlos,

You need to read up a little more about why the British gave the belfour declaration with all the european agreement to it... why the UN divided the land.... and why the US implanted this cancer in the heart of the middle east... you don't think it was done out of love or sympathy to the jews do you? You are so naive if you really believe so.

Professor February 28th, 2009 944 GMT

Carlos,

You need to read up a little more about why the British gave the belfour declaration with all the european agreement to it… why the UN divided the land…. and why the US implanted this cancer in the heart of the middle east… you don’t think it was done out of love or sympathy to the jews do you? You are so naive if you really believe so
**********************************************

professor mentiroso,

Do you really think it matters to anyone the "reasons"??

The only thing that really matters is that it was done in accordance with only internationally recognized governing authority in the world at that time– The UN, and the internationally recognized governing authority of the territory- Great Britain. If you want to insist that the US dictated this action, then you have the right to do so. However that doesn't make it fact. However, what is fact is that the plan put forth by the UN was voted on and accepted by the member nations of the UN.

Get over it!

Historical writings of the "reasons" are simply the writer's interpretation or opinions of someone else's thoughts or intentions. So it's quite easy to find "reasons" from a vast multitude of perspectives!

As well, it really is of no consequence what I think!

My view of truth and reality is obviously quite different than yours.

Professor,
What about my post above???—— where you claim the Arab brothers have provided for your Palestinians brothers—— and basically I said—right BS——

Hey professor—— come on —-Show Me The Money!!!!!!!!

Show us how the wealthy Arabs have provided for their Palestinian Brothers!!!!

**************************************************************

What's wrong-- can't justify your position or their actions-right???