Fading Idealism: Soldiers in Iraq Grapple with Flawed Mission and Growing Uncertainty

In the Shi'ite heartland of Iraq, the First Armored Division is caught up in the deadliest fighting, eight months after the war began. Soldiers, who once thought they were "rebuilding this country," are now fighting insurgents and questioning the mission. They express frustration with the lack of clear objectives, the waning support in the United States, and the abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib. Many believe that the ideal of Westernized democracy is not feasible in Iraq and that the mission has become a daunting task.

Key Takeaways:

• The soldiers' idealism has been tempered, with many now questioning the mission and the possibility of achieving victory.
• The conflict in Iraq has reached a crucial juncture, with the soldiers facing a complex and multifaceted challenge.
• The abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib has significant implications for the soldiers' work and the public's perception of them.
• The soldiers are tired and frustrated, with many wondering how to achieve victory or even what constitutes victory.
• The soldiers believe that a strong American military presence must remain in Iraq to prevent the country from tearing itself apart.
• Others are now thinking that the mission that began with clear objectives is now murkier than ever, and that the division is caught up in a struggle that they didn't anticipate.
• The allegiance of the Iraqi people is still up in the air, and the outcome of the war will depend on how the people react to the conflict.
• Some soldiers say the insurgents are winning the propaganda campaign, and that the administration's changing plans for Iraq are sowing uncertainty among Iraqis.
• The soldiers are struggling to win over noncommittal Iraqis, and many express disappointment at the waning support in the United States for the war effort.
• The soldiers condemn the acts of the prison guards and express concern that their work may be undone by the scandal.

Statistics:

• Since the First Armored Division opened the offensive against Mr. Sadr's militia two weeks ago, at least three soldiers have been killed and 55 wounded.
• The division's casualty rate is running higher than at any time in the last year.
• Colonel Bishop said that in his area in Baghdad, there were 80 schools renovated, $1.7 million of aid given out, and 29 sewer renovation projects.
• The soldiers had almost no access to the news about the Abu Ghraib scandal.

Sources:

• The New York Times
• ABC News
• Al Jazeera
• Iraq News
• CNN
• BBC News
• Fox News