Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4/04/03

TYPE=SPECIAL REPORT

TITLE= SOLDIERS' FEEDBACK ON WAR

NUMBER=9-007

BYLINE=WILLIAM CHIEN/MANDARIN SERVICE

DATELINE=KUWAIT

INTERNET=

INTRO: How do coalition troops feel about anti-war protests back home? Do they expect a hero's welcome? In this report VOA's William Chien asks these and other questions of U-S and British soldiers at coalition bases outside Kuwait City.

TEXT: Lieutenant Eric Jones works in a U-S psychological unit. He recently returned from the front lines in Iraq and is now waiting to accompany other units into Iraq. As we walk together, I ask him what soldiers on the battlefield think of reports about continuing anti-war protests in the United States and elsewhere? Lieutenant Jones, a Tennessee native, says America's right to free speech and to disagree openly is one of the reasons he's fighting in Iraq.

///LT. JONES ACT///

Any opinion about anti-war.well, I mean that is one thing about America. You are free to express your views. I mean, I whole-heartedly agree that we need to be over here because I think it is in America's best interest for safety back home that we are over here. I mean after September 11 you see what we are facing and that it is a new world and a very dangerous one.

///END ACT///

British Corporal Daniel Beck has a different opinion. Even though he does not agree with this war, he states that his personal views on politics are not important to him. He is a soldier, and following orders is his duty, something that his view of this war can not effect.

///BECK ACT///

Yeah, I think the war is wrong myself. I am just doing what I am told to do.

///END ACT///

With regard to England's involvement in the war, another British soldier, who asks me to withhold his name, recalls the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and its impact on Britain.

///ACT UNNAMED///

British people died in that attack as well. Over 300 people, British, were lost in that attack as well. So, if you look at it that way, we have as good a reason as America.

///END ACT///

Are the forces satisfied with the current pace of the war in Iraq? Lieutenant Jones thinks the current pace is right on target.

/// LT. JONES ACT2 ///

Well, I believe they weren't just going to let us walk right into the front door. I think the resistance we're seeing so far hasn't surprised anybody. If anybody thought this would be over in a few days they were fooling themselves. Everything is going right on schedule. Even our high command is saying nothing is really surprising so far.

/// END ACT2 ///

British soldier Corporal Beck says that the Iraqis he has met have been very friendly. He believes that the Iraqi people have endured autocratic rule for a long time, and should have the chance to enjoy life, and the things that they have. Lieutenant Jones also says that his encounters with Iraqi citizens have been pleasant.

///ACT3 JONES///

A lot of Iraqis were glad to see us there. They really were. We did see a lot of children along the road, adults too. People were wanting to take pictures and things like that. We didn't see any sign of hostility when we went through.

///ACT3 END///

(Signed)