Brotherhood

We hear all the negative stories about how Iraqi soldiers are behind -- how our military does not trust them -- etc... I must admit I am pleasantly surprised that the Washington Post released this story and picture... Some highlights:

"When I saw those Iraqis in the water, fighting to save their American brothers, I saw a glimpse of the future of this country," said Col. Mark McKnight, commander of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, which had overall responsibility for the unit in the accident, his eyes tearing.
[...]
Pfc. Russell Nahvi, 23, of Arlington, Tex., a medic whose platoon was involved in the accident, said he arrived in Iraq this month with preconceptions about the Iraqi forces. "You always heard never to trust them, to never turn your back on them," he said.

The actions of the Iraqis that Sunday "changed my mind for how I felt about these guys," he said. "I have a totally different perspective now. They were just so into it. They were crying for us. They were saying we were their brothers, too."

Iraqi Army soldiers pray in traditional Islamic manner in front of a memorial for 3 American soldiers on Friday, February 18, 2005 in Forward Operating Base Palowada in Balad. Iraqi soldiers helped Americans to find the bodies of three American soldiers with Charlie Troop Task Force 5-7 (SPC Dakotah Lee Gooding, SGT Rene Knox Jr., SGT Chad William Lake) who died in accident during a mission.
Ramin Talaie for The Washington Post