Speaking of Iron Grip...

Can we educate our men a little?

Desert Rifles, Issue 12, July 25, 2003

Iraqis Given Freedom of Speech

Story and Photos by Cpl. Joe Niesen

HILLA, Iraq—On Monday, soldiers from Collation Forces, civilians from the Iraqi Media Network and Iraqi reporters from both before and after the war gathered to discuss the Collations involvement in the formation of an Iraqi free press.

Collation Forces.

"I want you to know that we will hold no secrets here, we genuinely wish to help the people of Iraq ," said Colonel Steven Bruce in his introduction. He added that he wanted and encouraged the reporters in attendance to take as many photos and to ask as many questions as they wanted of the entire proceedings...The entire atmosphere of the event was one of openness with the military and civilian presenters encouraging those in attendance to speak with them both during the conference and breaks.

That's been changed a little since July, huh? (If it was even true then. November: "In two separate letters to the Pentagon, the press claims that U.S. troops are harassing journalists in Iraq and sometimes confiscating equipment, digital camera disks and videotapes.")


The fact that the ultimate goal of the Collation Forces, with regard to the media, was to create a truly free press within Iraq .

"Media will not be affiliated with any government, party, group or religion. Iraqi's are not of one mind, and as a result, must try and cover objectively for the people to place worth in it," said Sandrock.

Bush is trying to set up a government-based media outlet to send "positive" information back home.

And, let's see....

Iraqi's given freedom of speech...

Union leaders are arrested.
Protestors are given "fair warning" that any anti-US demonstrators will be fired upon.

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.