Baghdad Firefight, March 2007
Multi-National Force - Iraq set up a YouTube channel to "give viewers around the world a "boots on the ground" perspective of Operation Iraqi Freedom from those who are fighting it." (Note: none of the videos are graphic) In this clip American and Iraqi infantry come under fire while patrolling as part of Fardh Al-Qanoon, the Baghdad Security Plan. These soldiers make getting shot appear to be nothing more than a dull task that has to be endured.
Don't Stop
In this Snickers ad--not shown in America--stick figures on the illuminated Walk/Don’t Walk signs come to life and engage in a West Side Story–worthy rumble. (The city scenes were shot in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the animation was assembled in Amsterdam, and the hip-hop song in the background is Kuwaiti.) (HT: Very Short List)
Arab O'Reilly Factor
This clip from Al Jazerra starts out as a bizarrely amusing squabble over the execution of Saddam Hussein. But it takes a turn toward the absurd when one of the panelists says: "As you know Saddam executed my own brother and many of my relatives. He executed the uncle of my children. But the way he was executed proved Saddam was a brave man. He has truly become our martyr."
The video supports Tarek Heggy's claims about the "Arab Mind" (specifically points 1-5, 14-16, 19, 20).
Newt Gingrich: Vote Different
“There is not a single thing in that commercial that enables America to solve a problem. Oh, it’s clever…fills up space in television…people can talk about it. It’s the Entertainment Tonight version of governing a great country, and it’s very dangerous.”
At the end, Gingrich makes an intriguing suggestion that the Presidential candidates should take seriously. (HT: David All)
Bolero on a 5-string cello
A clever family of Brits play Ravel's Bolero on a shared cello. (HT: Intellectuelle)
Thanks for the link to the Multi-National Force - Iraq YouTube channel. Me thinks the Iraq War may someday be referred to the first "YouTube" war. The American public is hearing from soldiers on the front quickly, clearly and more than any other war ever before.
For a true "boots on the ground" perspective, perhaps it would be more appropriate to show some graphic footage showing blood and body parts.
Mr Heggy sound like a bigot. His specialty has nothing to do, furthermore, with diagnosing any racial group's mind.
You mean like of the kids that the terrorists used this week in a car bomb? Or of the women and children that the terrorists hide behind after firing on our soldiers?
Or do you mean our troops, after they've sacrificed their all for the hope that someday the Iraqis will enjoy a peaceful democracy much like we have here in America?
Terrence,
I mean show it all-the American Blood, the Iraqi Blood...show it all. SHOW ALL THE UNNECCESSARY BLOOD AND SUFFERING AND STOP SUGAR-COATING IT. We are not seeing it here in this country. Are We?
I'd like the Iraqis to enjoy a democratic society too, but that's not why we are there.
John