I wonder if any of you are paying attention to the Iraqi Soccer team?
Most Americans don’t usually have soccer(football) high on their play/watch list. However, I am glued to the television every time the Iraqi’s play.
There was a special on the Iraqi team. Many of these are the same men who had their teamates tortured by uday when they lost in the last Olympics. They have been training in a burned out field. The “grass” looks like hay. There is dust, dirt, and grime everywhere.
There was some footage of these guys taking off from Baghdad. The American soldiers were patting them on the back and wishing them good luck. There were hugs between the soldiers and the players. Then the Americans flew them to Athens in a C130!!! For those of you unfamiliar with this aircraft, it is an enormous cargo plane used by the military.
Do you know what the Iraqi’s have done since the games started? They have beaten both Portugal and Costa Rica!!! No one gave them a chance. The commentators are marvelling on what a “free” style of play they employ.
Of course they play free, they don’t have to worry anymore about being tortured, maimed, or killed by uday.
I hope that everyone who fought in the war in Iraq, have family and friends in the war, supported the war politically, economically, and personally will join in rejoicing at this miracle of the games!!!
JeffR