Brian Golden

Welcome back this is Tom Finneran you while listening to -- for a money AM 680 WR KO. -- you get no excuses in the first hour breaking up to speed on every bit of news that's relevant national international local blah blah blah I also noted that in this -- off. We have major Brian Goldman on. He served in Iraq he is the author of several journals all of which are already post it up on the RKO website get down and at an orange forum link. You read these articles not just at your leisure I think these these should be mandatory reading no matter where you are on the political spectrum. Read them think about them re read them at another time away a couple of weeks read them again and again just fabulous insights. It's how difficult that is. I'll talk a little bit later about Steve Bailey and about the game going to play -- the Steve Bailey called who's -- What we have legislators and lobbyists and bureaucrats and also to the usual suspects we'll play who's the villain. With follow them but I want to get right to with Brian Goldman a guy who grew up right here in the neighborhood you know we broadcast from the all -- Brighton area. Bryant's a local guy who served in public life and is held the number of positions marketable the arc yo audience with -- Brian really what what they what I want to focus on what I think the audience will what encouragement to focus on his. Your time and observations and experience and predictions. About Iraq I want to get right to something that I think troubles every one of us we as civilians the other guys who put on the uniform view -- you've served over the -- Furious about when we hear about the limitations on rules of engagement that somehow or other when you folks arena situation. You've gotta kinda do a quick mental checklist as to whether this is okay to shoot a nod in most of us -- you kidding me. We're at -- pulled the gun. Emptied the clip out rather heavy -- the clip the CA come home in a box policy come home in a wheelchair. And so civilians we say why would put -- you know these limitations on on our men and women in uniform can explain it to us so that we at least understand. What that held the Pentagon as to what do you guys.

Sure it's they obviously all important the rules of engagement. Permeate life for the military and and everything they do in Iraq whether it's combat air support air strikes on. Densely populated urban neighborhoods. But -- his -- a checklist on that as far as using air support and air strikes in such a way that civilians casualties are minimized. But far and away the most difficult conundrum that every commander in every soldier faces there is when you're -- the door to door searchers the sweeps through neighborhoods the weapons harvest attempting to identify insurgents and grab them. Whereas they -- that is about the most menacing job on on the face of I'm God's green earth. And yeah it's frustrating I think it's frustrating at times for soldiers. Probably more frustrating. Sir that the average civilian who thinks about it man what what are you asking these 22 year old. East side sergeants 34 specials to do. As daybreak in that door down and we do ask a lot of them there's no question about it but it's also fundamental to who we are. As -- people and I think the average soldier gets that the average soldier is very well aware the human tragedy and the perception of the United States in the eyes of the world and in the eyes of the Iraqi people. If they get this wrong we're not asking them to be perfect we're not asking then 22 lives and it and it completely and apparently fail safe decision making process where there's certainty is guaranteed that's socially out of the question. But we're asking them to do and we do despite training so that it should be come impulse of that when they come through a door. When they -- come into our narrow densely populated street and stand. There at their immediate horizon what are they singing is there any reasonable basis to conclude that the -- is being posed. Buying individual R individuals and act accordingly broke their zero to -- reasonable basis it's.

To me those folks those soldiers you've just described an amnesty and that we have to. Abide by certain rules of engagement in order to maintain color sense of honor decency in image whatever that might be the image we want to project. As a law abiding nation but it seems to me these poor kids have put in a no win situation. If they go about it even notwithstanding the training if they go about it. Are cautiously against an enemy that was used children as suicide bombers. And is as ruthless as could be and would use women and children as shields and screens in order to go about the if foul deeds. If it if the it overly sensitive to that they'll get blown up by these these these these these very violent people. If they -- perhaps a little for a little tree happy to be. Protective of themselves and their colleagues say comrades in arms. Then they run the risk of he's you know politically correct -- politically motivated each trials about -- violating that code in it in the restraint at the I mean I think as -- than those of the parameters within which these guys are trying to operate an -- sympathy my sympathy at least is with them -- 100% I'd rather have them. In this case her on the side of caution come home alive. Keep their comrades alive. And not be and not be second guessed.

Mine as well Lou -- that they have to live with risk and it is no two ways about that either either risk that there's going to be harm physical harm occurring that they don't want to occur to themselves are are there you know brothers and sisters in arms. Our our risk is that they could find themselves on the wrong side is that the uniform code of military justice and and the Geneva conventions the Geneva absolutely forbids as does the uniform code any. Targeting of civilians -- and targeting anyone without a reasonable basis to believe that they pose a threat. Is a no go and it and again the United States of America being what it is isn't just about perception Abbas in the world it's about intern -- ER law. And and there funniest soldiers who -- As a result of that. And that's why. But I think of politics heroic deeds that occur over there every day and I don't mean just. That the spectacular congressional Medal of honor stuff and that's occurring to. But just. Living a life in doing your duty as best you can. -- in day out in a miserable climate in miserable circumstances socks from that the family and friends that you love. You -- all that into it and then put them in a situation where they have to pull the trigger and might get it wrong there's nothing but sympathy and empathy every which way you look at it coming from from me at people like me and mean that the civilian American people understand the day they still have to make the decisions and they have to apply just test every time they engage everybody just to be on the safe side of the law and on our perception of who we are and what we're doing with talk.

Two major Brian Goldman who served in Iraq he's our guest for the next hour we are going to take calls soprano and a vigorous 6172666868. Brian Donald Rumsfeld back in the news on the Tillman case I don't want to talk about the Tillman case I want to talk about. Rumsfeld and ER assessment of his strategy to go into Iraq. With what I would characterize this as my characterization I'm not a military guy but. I think he tried to two pull off an important assignment a very important mission. On the cheap on the light if you will LI TE RL IG HT however you want to do it. He went in with insufficient manpower and I think they had been military opinion whether it was Colin Powell or others who would said he if you -- ago. You better go in with maximum force and a determination to get this done. As swiftly and decisively as possible in the aftermath of that military condiment commentary back and forth between professionals. What's prime what's major Bryan Golden's view in all of this was rumsfeld he's what do you think of the rumsfeld decision I don't mean to be coy.

In my response I'll try to answer your question and at the same time. So in honor of the fact that I I put the uniform on with some regularity now more than ever -- once I left active duty in the 90s I've been on active. Duty three times since nine elevenths a prolonged periods. And while I have a lot of leeway. To speak when I'm nodding uniform there is also the certain understanding that one does not beat up on the decisions the commander in chief by the national command authority whether it's you know Bill Clinton. When I was on active duty during his administration -- Our George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld you and I I and the audience that both both -- in the audience except that an understand now having said that. I'm in environments all the time when that very point is an aide Ari I don't think it's much of a secret that that is someone of -- consensus opinion. Does that. Do inning on the cheap connotes a certain attempt to economize financially that we wanted to do this and spend as little money as possible I don't think that was that are at all. Think to gives the rumsfeld approach its -- there are a lot of people who thought is that 450000 soldiers would be too much of an affront to the Iraqi people that if all went according to plan. -- 150000 would be able to do the job and 450000 would only antagonize the local population would look and feel more like not an I Asia Asia and we're trying to avoid that it. Obviously it hasn't worked out. And and I'd say the consensus of opinion is you'll want -- hundreds of thousands if not an initial assault. I'm in the immediate wake -- in the peacekeeping mission and that that it's continuing to cause trouble to this day the fact that those several 100000. Weren't ready to go on the ground that's a fair criticism. But news there is definitely not present environment a couple of weeks ago and armies service college in the midwest. Where many people would persuasively make the argument that pass the time the decision was still sound that we did not want. To be under sought. Should everywhere throughout that country antagonizing and and threatening the Iraqi people's image of himself by putting 450 years is absolute brute force unmistakable fruitful OC O'Connor and down. That's that's something we're continuing to live look history is certainly going to be hasn't want to say about I describe attendance as an attack.

To use the surgeon's touch as opposed to something more off it but more -- a blunt instrument want to hear small blog than an overwhelming. And a shift quickly equipment Bryant. You make reference students some reviewed journals about the ceramic the body -- the weight of that the ceramic plates that you have to -- the humvees the hammering -- like you general assessment of the state of the equipment to date as we speak today the boys and girls -- over there in uniform have we as a nation done everything we can to protect them in every way possible.

I think so Tommy the an initial a year. After march 2000 through it was a game of catch up again. We're up against something no one had any familiarity with the whole notion of the improvised explosive devices the roadside bomb. By the roadside bombs as part. That doesn't happen Clinton had vehicle becomes the -- that become -- vehicle borne improvised explosive device been been up against anything like that before. And it became readily apparent after the initial combat operations that that greater armor on humvees was necessary exact sappy -- to make reference of small arms protective inserts as -- ceramic plates of very heavy. -- you insert in your in in your body armor. And vast but it. We had always had a body armor and everybody went over -- went with body arm they went with the prior incarnation of it. That was not as solid not as reliable Tenet I wars that earlier incarnation of body armor when I was in Bosnia. But it. Again a secretary rumsfeld said at the time you go to war with the army -- half when you have end up we -- and a constant process of innovation. Days the next innovation is always under way and then notion that you come to a screeching halt and wait for it to be developed is ultimately. Sort of self deceiving you get it to the field as it's developed and as it's as it's produced in sufficient quantities. But you've always got something new underway -- and you don't stop and wait for that I think that's a fair argument to make on behalf the initial. Equipment issues that we have an inept but to get tear your bigger point. The date of the armed humvees are all up armored that is the redoubling of efforts to protect them against -- roadside bombs that's occurred everybody's got sappy plates Providence has for some time the body armor and protective equipment issues I think are that's it address to a healthy extend our today answering the mail entirely know obviously the threat. Is still there in the equipment is only going to get yourself. -- need direct journal and I forget which -- this comes from you make reference to a general Casey apparently general Casey's father. Grew up in Brighton general Casey's father grew up in Austin and those of us -- tales from all such a tougher -- an ocean of difference in there's no I had love Alston Brighton both equally but it's interesting right if our deployed to Iraq I would is -- And Brighton center just a few blocks from where we are now in his Korea and Vietnam veterans memorial. Up there. And on the stone was they and MG major general George Casey. I knew I was going York and it was going to work in the legal office of a four star general named -- George Casey. So I immediately google's major general George Casey Vietnam has the highest ranking man killed during the Vietnam conflict he was killed when his helicopter went down in Vietnam just as his son. George Casey was graduating from Georgetown with RO TC RO TC commission in the US army will.

Okay and so that then so the son of this the highest ranking guy who died in Vietnam who was a local guy current policy of bright guy translate street Paul stern okay and whom they named veterans of foreign laws of VFW hall or some type of post around him veterans post. You ended up working for his son correct in Iraq is general Casey steel

Active and deployed in Iraq to date. General Casey is not deployed overseas but was there as a four star commander of the multinational force Iraq for almost three years. It was a herculean brutal task and is is just a very very fine man outstanding person and soldier. He now returned home. Was replaced by general David Petraeus who is often discussed in the news today he is presiding over the entire -- Including the surge surge that is under way in general Casey is now the top dog he has the chief of staff of the US army one of members of the joint chiefs.

Brian wanted to are too real right now about thus surge in hand a particular passage I'm taking you back to 2005 so I comment with hindsight you were trying to write about what you so are what you hoped for a what you thought you might seek. And I ask you about what these two day when you think this sounds maybe a little bit naive I don't say that critically -- just say that just as a general sense of what has developed. His is Brian -- writing I think it's in journal four and he's talking about 30 miles south of Baghdad where there is a significant Shiite -- our presence. And he writes there is hope that the Shiites may view the new democracy. As a means of protecting themselves through the majority status this is my editorial comic keep in mind. While the government did have been in the majority in Iraq they were. The politically they were in the minority the Sunnis exercised control and domination over them. The Shiites may also be prevented from acting upon any vengeful impulse was against passed to a mental as. I eat the Sunnis and in Saddam. The democracies power sharing structure. Each checks and balances and a professional sized military. Hold some promise in this regard Britain around July 1 2005 about two years ago Bryant. As you look at the scene two day. What do you see what would you share with the RKO audience

I feel no different about those words today than -- at that time I wrote -- obviously I had hoped like all of us. That the political solution would be quicker. Now more efficient and ultimately more effective that we would have an Iraqi government in Baghdad. That set aside its profound differences and realize that you know peaceful coexistence was dependent upon and getting along and ultimately -- in in all of their self interest we had hoped that the government because right after I wrote that there was a constitutional referendum. It was very Dicey first of all agreeing to the terms the language of the constitution then getting it passed. By a supermajority of the province's it was a great deal of concern that the Sunni minority population minority would present its lack of our loss of power in a democracy that the deceit it. But other a lot of -- votes far ultimately the Sunni provinces did not essentially act as a Zito on the constitution which we have some concern would occur so even than. Adoption of the constitution creation of a new government there was a lot of hope. That was our pervasive throughout the army acting through American political culture those who keep an eye on things. Up obviously. I deal. At the constitutional level did not yield the results in the day to day functions of the government oil sharing the hydrocarbons law where everybody gets a piece of the pie -- and the oil revenues which are 84% of the revenues that fuel Iraq literally and figuratively just 84% of the national wealth is that soil that's their economic it's everything it's that in some pistachio nuts something we.

Have to do a little economic oxygen he as well we are talking with major Brian golden who served in Iraq was the author of six journals. All of which -- right up now on the WR KO. Website collect kicked down on the veterans forum link we are going to make sure those journal stay up the F. As far as I'm concerned forever never never get a multiyear contract brand so it's going to be up their pro law. And when we come back we're going to get great TR calls a reminder 6172666868 as the numb but we'll take your calls with major Brian golden when we come back in a moment on parents for may and 6 AD WR KO.

From a stereo here it was going to come from bond wholesome stuff victim AM Pacific double. -- this is Tom Finneran Elizabeth -- or -- it parents forum on AM 680 WR KOI number here is 6172666868. We've been talking to a major Brian golden he served in Iraq he's the author of six journals which are posted up. For your reading pleasure run the WR KO website click done that for parents forum. They'll have just a wealth of information and insight and perspective we'll talk to Brian about a whole bunch of things.

I could go on forever not it's got time these that calls for the cocktail audience 6172666868 we're going to go right to it right now Benny scholar from my part than a year on the air with major Brian golden. The morning Betty. -- okay excellent Kevin. -- from Boston hey Kevin your idea what major Brian golden great and good great Kevin accelerate sorry about that Kevin I -- you would apologize

OK -- first I want to thank major gold for service to our country it's obviously very much appreciate it. And one question I had is what was your impression of the morale of the troops in the purple and in the mission. It.

Thanks that question Kevin it. -- the morale of the troops was outstanding when I was there in 2000 times the average American soldier is better. Then the most romanticized movie ever made of him or her. -- in day out when I was driving whether it was through Baghdad -- north and south to basra sometimes on. On on you know missions that would last 12 hours in the vehicle. Poll it's always upbeat always professional always constructive. And their comments and there it. It there's -- grow are over there there are problems and an average soldier will acknowledge that. But the average soldier is also focused on getting the job done the army does not -- I think a terrific job. I was getting them focused on task accomplishment. And there concern and affection. Florida fellow soldiers also boost their morale as you may have heard since World War II the stuff has been studied inside out why the soldiers fight. And part of you would like to think it's you know patriotic and flag waving in freedom and liberty and justice for all that's a piece of it but it's more latent what they would tell you is because the guy or gal sit next in the depend on me and I depend on them. -- you fight for your body your work on the mission for your body but you're also trained to task may do a wonderful job of that.

Open and one of the questions like could recall reading an article recently in the -- by two members of the Brookings institute discussing surged and they were concluding that early indications seem to suggest that the meet some success to ask do you have any familiarity with and with what your general impressions of for the surgeons.

It's getting -- a lot of attention Kevan the piece she referred it was a piece by Michael O'Hanlon and out Ken Pollock -- worked Iraq issues in the Clinton White House and Michael O'Hanlon as a as an academic. And and tinker at the Brookings Institution they're both at Brookings now which is certainly not a bastion of support for the policies of this particular administration. And they've been very harsh critics about the conduct of the war to date but the spent eight days there -- some of them with general Petraeus. And they produce does that Op Ed in the times of all places which has been very critical as well and and essentially are arguing that what we are by no means out of the woods yet that's going to be a long time and comment but there -- very. Significant objective signs of success and then obviously the reason it's going so much attention is because who today are. And where their article appeared the times but I that peace is not isolated that the chief the Iraq bureau southern New York Times is -- named John burns. Who also gave an interview recently which mirrored the comments O'Hanlon -- and saying that there are some very constructive things going on in Iraq and other

pull out now on the likens very different we are talking to major Brian golden the author of -- six Iraq -- get to the WR KO website. But make sure you make your calls hit 26172666868 we're gonna go back to Benny -- is with us say -- welcome from Hyde park. I did a great many -- a major Brian golden.

That is -- got a couple things -- the boring right what they're the science separate -- last year and dot. I outlawed engagement a short talk a little they -- as examples. Now what would start but it is all of politics for tribal I -- suddenly in between had -- remark in the upper Euphrates valley. Okay it's this area but what happened that we make -- small Wyatt says well it shakes. And you -- control about 300. The 500 man. Okay patient -- saying that may be happy part of actually try now we have another 30000 enemy the -- what. -- You gotta be very that have very indiscriminate about who we shoot it army.

Larry do you meant to say very discriminate -- talk about indiscriminate that's where it's indiscriminate up on the expressway yet you have to be very deeply used the word careful.

Careful exactly very careful -- I would and indeed and our -- exactly. It can go either way you know we've got a lot of success in the company commander of the -- battle a lot of six starts and just playing politics -- failed that you well popped up Al Aqsa mosque. And stuff like that and then all of a sudden -- 1002 allies on our side name private.

let me -- my -- question I'm going to ask you rather than heavy US major golden. What would you assets of troop morale -- in the fields going to eat cat sounds like it was a challenging area what was the -- the morality our unit.

Incredible -- I can't I can't describe -- itself frustrating comin' back guarantee in the media alike were aboard the victims of George Bush response and the morality incredible.

Whatever I -- what I find amazing Benny is this when I talked to Brian gold and I -- to -- for parents for a major -- that when I talked to guys like -- who -- I hear it across the board these -- the men and women around the front -- to within that they have every reason to bitch and moan and gripe if they have any basis for doing so and they talk about the morale they talked about the mission focus that they have. And then they come back in the F furious at what they read. I cannot believe that god newspapers I guess -- caught -- mainstream media. Don't at least give some ballots why is it always move on dot -- of view that gets trumpeted a -- headline in every article. And guys like -- and major Goldman's the viewers just kind of forgotten. It's amazing yeah Denny green jacket I'll be very carefully Europe -- the southeast expressway welcome home. Let's go to Rick Newton hey -- next on generous form what major Brian golden.

Hey Brian how -- he's that we -- I'm doing well I had a quick question Korea. I likewise was a marine in and not spend some time in Baghdad a Petraeus is definitely also. An adviser living outside the wire with the Iraqi gave. And my question was do you think we depend too heavily on contractors support and in the kind of make it more specific in cases where. We're paying a guy that works -- KP barter -- gore a 10050000 dollars a year to do work that we could have done on the Iraqi economy and we would be giving them Mott. More of -- Incentive to they have democracy to have free market system you'd think that where we're we're baking in this step in our. In our dependence.

It's an interest in her class Eric in which we did a lot of that in Bosnia will we pumped as much of the contractor asked her out into the -- economy as we could. Because that was viewed as an important frankly form of social welfare in a country that have been devastated by genocide at all. Civil war I think the same holds true. In Iraq I think is that from my perspective we tried to do that as much as we possibly could. The -- questions of reliability questions that skill set. -- questions of security hot how do you -- Some -- work force that you were going to employ a special instead it was in a sensitive. A bit of construction are sensitive facility on US space it you heated -- there was always a healthy degree of concern. About the wrong elements penetrating into places and.

Activities that they shouldn't be let me follow up on Rick's question -- just give us quickly beef -- going to continue with the calls AS AP but tell us quickly about phones. Water supplies -- was electricity what's the status of things in Iraq we take it off for granted here in the United States of America but this is a country that had been. Decimated by Saddam in terms of no capital investment and then further decimated by the fact that there's an act of war going on and things get busted up very quickly.

Absolutely the civil infrastructure was an absolute disaster before we arrived there a hundred see the war that the initial combat phase of the war did not help matters any today the schools are all functioning most of them have been rebuilt the coalition has -- a thousand new schools the hospitals as a general functioning many of memory built telecommunications has grown by 500% couldn't get a cellphone under Saddam Hussein and you could rarely get

land line. Communications was not encourage not just because sodom would make investment you don't want it sure didn't want people talking to each other even when we went into Iraq in. 20031 of the greatest handicaps that Iraqi generals had been maneuvering was the fact that they couldn't even talk to each other communications was but just up. A one way street back to Baghdad. In want generals talking to each other's that but that was doctor and so. Telecommunications is its.

Bloated up. Okay so it sounds -- we're making a lot of progress. How we are talking a major Brian golden the author of six journals that are up on that Finneran for a mile web site stay with us I see every call on the board we're going to get right to -- in a moment we'll be back in a moment with major Brian golden. On AM 680 WR KO.

Aggressive attitude towards doing the morning talk shows very he had he's been asked drag him back. Its current forum on Boston's archbishop AM sexy W Ontario. Welcome back this is Tom there aren't you listening to parents -- on AM 680 WR KO. -- it's 6 O'Clock this morning about two hours ago I studied you would not want to miss some minutes. Not amended it today show and now you know why have -- major Bryan -- on by the way during the break I employed by considerable jobs. And convince Brian that to stay for another segment so we're going to carry this after the top of the hour that carried beyond the hour right up to one week break for Steve Bailey right around eight -- So where inviting our calls -- major Brian golden served in Iraq was the author of.

Six journals all of which opposed to be reading pleasure an insight. On the WR KO website just click out of that Finneran forums link and voila. You'll be in business 6172666868 is the number Jeff this -- from Brighton Jeff. You army air with the Brian golden.

Albright and it's just he -- what -- that next week's vote on the connect on American long night

we sure did how we address.

Pretty good -- listen -- I know which uses what you say about them on the ability to comment on the eight the successful failure of the commander in chief of staff but. When we were there in the Pentagon that was great faith that the IP or one end at 2003 supporter and 250000 and that number came from journals and sexy look there. Then the chief the staff via web experience in both Vietnam and Bosnia with insurgencies. And at that time in the panic on only one opinion counted and the -- Monday in -- a late in the why -- this dispute the error of four weeks and forced basically to go and do what the with the secretary wants the bill and that's really where. The truck on the road what that's world went on which would require.

Jeff can I not been for a second on the severely and of the civilian in this case. And I I just want to kind of posed the question did it would notwithstanding whatever decision -- pooled the decision may have been. Is -- dead in the end what I system insists upon civilian control of military affairs and military decisions as opposed to. Other systems which were readily apparent than available to us as we sort of started this. Experiment known as the United States of America where you could you could always defer to the military tribunals and in some of those consequences as well.

These you're absolutely right in that is exactly what happened in a very successful we've been hit a lot of -- constitution or it. In the world. However I think if you if you hire people to do what job will be spent the take their advice counsel now whether an -- ultimately. Take the position to do what they want to do. You know but time there was very -- a great -- lack of confidence. One reason he willingness to accept the vice consul on the military leaders. So let me all of our doctor and I think this -- where the turning point actually happened -- at the time wellstone want to despite. Special operations war in battles very successful in the very beginning but then again should we didn't have the old -- of stakeholder.

On the ground Bryant for the final word as I mentioned Tommy and suggest that the -- that is the consensus opinion it's increasingly the consensus opinion and and a lot of circles. Within them what was in the US army and in the military services generally stated -- Jeff and I worked directly four general should -- For the first several months the war we were both stationed in the war room at the Pentagon. Generals since that he was the chief of staff of the army at the time just a terrific guy we were there are intact today he left the army and he he announced his retirement and came through the room shook our hands and said goodbye. It was is fascinating time to be that'd be he he was so gifted and ultimately many people believe are repression. About what was going to be required to ask that -- combat was over. He said in front of the congress probably about 450000. Was the number he was looking at far stabilizing Iraq after initial combat. And again history is going to -- to -- judged that decisions were made. But but to get back to an article I referenced earlier this. John burns is that the chief for the New York Times in Baghdad. Says we're -- so much time to discuss and debate these things will be going on for decades. The question today is. What is the next best what's -- doesn't what's the but it always connect if -- put aside the question of of blame or fault are aware of the flaws aren't as responsible back -- three that that would -- be wise for the nation right now so that we can focus on what the next best she can always.

A lot of sense in my mind to look forward -- supposed to look back you can be get instruction from the past but you have to deal with what's really happening 6172666868 is that -- talking to major Brian golden who served in Iraq and is bringing us up to date on what's going on over there with the troops that scholar from an -- ya next time for parents from a major Brian golden

I reached out -- thank you very very jerker there is different doesn't doubt that to react complex district mr. the other -- metric keep this short Margaret geopolitical questions GE flat this -- just bought but it Saudi firms and my question you raised -- that the perception the world in up this year. That we support the Sunnis so much it exacerbating the fact that the aircraft so many more -- Say that we are supporting this Sunni actress and other -- Sunni Arab regimes much more that we it's yet they were having that big about -- attraction of the G come over from -- coming over from Syria to really really you know trying to knock our troops down. It's a large question -- if you don't -- what soldier do you think that that perception that we are this Sunnis although we -- Shiites. -- because of our troops on the ground.

I don't know -- I I I think that again looking at a macro level. Did do some merit to the argument clearly it is the Arab and Islamic world generally believes that we are more beholden it to Israel in that region and what van -- we are concerned with anyone else and then when you break it parent. And two Shiite versus -- no question we've had historically better relationships more supporter of relationships. With the Sunni governments and it in the region. We're doing the very best we can I think two. It to encourage a any rule of law. In a democratic environment in Baghdad one that frankly lends itself two Shiite. Interest in security -- 65% of the population. We have assisted in establishing a constitution that allows them to exercise. There ability to dominate the government through majority whip some constitutional protections. Far from minority interest as well the Sunnis and the Kurds I think would be would be hard pressed to say that. In in Iraq today we're doing anything but supporting Shiite interest rose supporting off three redoing the best we can to build. Three way rules that looks out for the security and economic interest of all that's why there is currently so much a discussion going on in Baghdad about the hydrocarbons on making sure that everybody. Benefits it's from does the largess that flows from from the fuel produced in Iraq.

We're coming up well on the news and we'll be back in a moment with -- major Brian golden and with your calls here -- veterans for a may have 680 WR KO.

we want to talk radio window of personality. Flagship station for Boston Red Sox grateful it is right here on Boston's talks vision. May have 6 AB WR KO Boston.

We -- joined in he's going to stay with us for the next segment major Brian -- who served in Iraq I continue to -- make. Refer people to the WR KO website -- down a Finneran forum. The link they will give you access to the six journals that Brian authorized. While he was in service you heard him say the earliest segment has been activated three times since 911. And most recently 2005 in Iraq and that's what we -- speaking of we got taking your calls Brian I've got to ask your question US sense of the return. Of men and women who served in the theater what they see and read in the mainstream media and how old. Well from maybe not so welcome they feel what's what should we the civilians of the United States no -- understand.

It's interesting when you come back home and I think -- from Hyde park the marine who was in Haditha. And you know god bless him he called from the southeast expressway so he doesn't -- Riyadh he's going to probably Colin does say can -- so -- I'd rather be a sniper in Haditha -- trying to -- the Arab and I had a 10 AM that's right -- we love you for you your bravery the expressway but -- it was a Marines.

doing the heavy lifting -- like Haditha just as the Marines -- obviously some very miserable assignments and miserable places but he was -- herculean work and I thank. Him for that but he made reference this fact that all the them around Merrill's -- and I found that to be the case. And it's not always happy that's not the word. Ari are you feeling satisfied is as good work do you feel a sense that you belong here and you can accomplish something -- significance and I think most people do. It's when you get home it yet you don't see it you don't feel it all it is it's not constant political division. Then name calling that there's vilification people in political power I mean on both sides. It's brutal but the thing that really is disappointing and I think people like me and and in -- and all these wonderful men and women hundreds of thousands who have been over and back now see you see these bumper stickers and things just like them the mission accomplished bumper sticker that has mission crossed out. And nothing written over it such -- nothing accomplished. And I think the average person driving in or around in his vehicle without sticker would be humiliated. As they attempted to -- to argue that nothing was being accomplished by this effort to the average soldier. Who's coming home because nothing's further from the truth you may disagree that this is worth it totally fair discussion show fit their disagreement. Hey I know things are now lives in national treasure a national reputation and all that -- absolutely correct attitudes of and that's different you know that that's different centers are worried that I know that big things are being accomplished but still don't think it's worth it. That that is completely unacceptable and it really is pretty disappointing so I think it it it's terrific when people like Danny. Tell their story that's I try to tell my story with the journal's the journals of are more positive than not Joe and I acknowledged there are realistic are generally the horror I think but. I mean it was a direct response to what I was saying when I looked at. Hometown media. Our media back in the United States and wanted to say -- his the other half in make a decision once you've inform yourself about both sides. It that there are good things listings -- book.

Also we can't Brian don't hesitate to inform us if there's an organization Nokia that you think can -- provide some type of comfort solace to the men and women who have given you know made such sacrifice on behalf of all of us let's college -- to -- David north preach -- next. On veterans for a may am 6 AW RKO.

Right major -- thank you for his service major themes I have a question about the cellphone issue he said. Or probably certain that you read -- so close. System over the here.

Not not that I did or not even necessary that the US military did that that is that is up primarily a function of private industry. Being allowed to take advantage as as the system that permits it.

Okay in the standings as the patron. -- to form a detonation of these roadside bombs it is so -- system why would we want to operate functioning. So four ounces from which illegal -- those roadside bombs to be detonated but it also gave enemies. Days before work it'll be able to communicate you know movement being it was set up Williams you know be able to -- for instance you know discuss the movement of vehicles and so forth I don't understand this.

Day that argues that. The functioning of civil society and the development of civil society in Iraq is dependent on communications.

You know what I'm Dee -- I don't war oral or are we. Politically correct you know today there's no way.

There's going to be progress made of people can't talk on the phone to each other there's no way they're going to learn there's no weather's going to be coordination as necessary activity. It it's an absolute necessity and by logical extrapolation. Yeah you're right cellphones are problem and and -- used to trigger our CD's but so are nine volt batteries. So our copper wires it is it. Day is that the IED's. Are constructed and triggered. Whereas with but it was seemingly benign household goods. And we can't around the mall -- we can't paralyze society the economy people's ability to lead lead live their daily lives because we're grab and all the batteries cell phones and nine volt batteries and wires that we can get our hands on that's not going to work. Appreciate -- call Dave let's direct atomic Quincy hate -- with major Brian golden. And -- forum.

Good morning tournament the -- going to call on -- thank you you know I'd look a little bit back to bomb. Northern Ireland I don't want to -- the 30 year old -- The ministry of political or certainly not against the men and Serbs but. You speak to the idea of justice you know until late in the accord that will balance. Provided justice. You know they have even incorporated ought to quote walk the original -- caught oil -- equity sharing of oil you know and and in the constitution -- written guarantees in all the different parties but. Is that separation of church and state in the -- guarantees of their religion. If you could speak to those positions could they you know we need to get this politically lot better than we have I think what looked at imperial that probably. Actually all out that my call I appreciate it.

Thanks so it's an excellent question gets at the heart of what is it is so frustrating over there. What when president 2005 especially after the adoption of the constitution late in the year was a doctor right after a last stand in December. And it is our hope was does that by building an effective government -- in at the national level from Shiites Kurds and Sunnis the is that once there was a government agreed to does violence and civil society begin to diminish that insurgent groups would see the -- and at the national level and began to see our interest. Our -- the success of this that hasn't worked the way it was envisioned. And now what we're hoping through the surge that's been underway for just a few weeks now and appears to be bearing fruit. Is that I set attacking the violence primarily as opposed to building the government. Primarily by attacking the violence -- we can give the government some breathing room it will see potential for success and and began to settle down and reach agreement on some of these very basic issues implementation of constitutional protect protections for the freedom of religion among the different groups stated that the constitution does speak to islam. As the state religion but also does permit to free exercise of the different forms of she -- wells as wells christianity -- about 4% of the population. Is Christian but again this process is going much slower there is the hope. And and some evidence to bear out that the there's some success and it it it and the fact that the surge can get some breathing. Room for the government.

And then the thought would be Brian I assume during that breathing room additional agreement secured on oil revenue and cannot other economic challenges. Absolutely -- that the constitution speaks to our equitable distribution oil revenues you know the devil's in the details when you get down -- the statutory level senator how we going to accomplish that -- doesn't call for John in -- Steve I think that the surges not working John Dion next on -- forum with major Bryan Golan and Tom Finneran.

aborted -- to go to great sure a lot that's what major rock yogurt into right Chris Matthews producer up belt era. Knowledgeable presentations are they -- question I'm not -- just the secretary Ron spoke because secret shook the front of salt. The problem I have with the idea reporting out some additional troops into place like Iraq is a if it if it's any reflection of Vietnam makes dot. Well occupied large bases you don't have that many ground units or out of mobile becomes a set piece strike -- It is spent more more independent basis because they're going to be a light abroad for insurgency. I got a problem with other Olympic park comedy act took in from humans arsenal are brought units did you connect we would have a place like that. For --

Well it did -- I know that especially from the pieces in the times over the past several days news that the bulk of the 30000 surge troops -- on the streets and and the estimates I've seen is that those who were actually working the streets of Baghdad the numbers has doubled in your right talk about a terrible strain there are only so many infantry soldiers. It to go around in in an active duty army of 500000. Individuals there is that there is about sides support personnel for every person -- a foreign lying trigger Paula. The logistics trail the American military is enormous it it it it is what allows ultimately the combat arms units to be so sacked as. But it's a great cost and it in both economically in in terms of personnel being tense and -- and support functions but this surge appears to have dedicated. Are almost the entirety it's soldiers to on the street. Our presence patrols in and clean sweep -- hold missions that the Clara neighborhoods as insurgents.

Appreciate your call John we're going to take a call from Holland college scholar from Brighton -- next with major Brian -- and Tom Finneran unfit parents forum.

Good morning a major Golden's that a long time since right when then that Newton you remember my name. Parked out like they're bringing the point when you served overseas in the car several incursion under the Clinton administration. It's so interesting not immediately that weren't -- yet clear when you're running for opposite that time you were I had these almost that depressed right. Where folks and Dick Foley everything -- overseas we're really bad mouth if you recall that Brian. Do you recall that --

I certainly recall those incidents -- and I took great comfort in the fact while that was that while I was dismayed by some of the detractors who who had a real problem with me during a wall from the neighborhood because I was I was in Bosnia. The vast majority didn't see it that way and that ultimately was what was rather comforting.

But my point is it's it's interesting how he -- playing a democratic incursion. As opposed to Republican incursion sort of speak and that's that's -- and befuddled -- it's just so much of now not a president met in Iraq. I think you should there salute to old guard her consort the time which -- very very could have gotten worse -- so there was probably radio a compromise in the in Ohio so. I can be judged a Jew crossovers is Iraq because it.

That it is that it's a totally fair point Howard it it at it as you know that it did I was actually in Bosnia has -- it briefly and cost of over most of my time was in Bosnia. Country's three million people very small country but -- heart of Europe hosted the olympics in 1984. And the Olympic Stadium is now filled with tombstones the entirety of it. Still the -- 300000 people murdered out of a population of 3000010% of the population wiped out and in a war as ethnic cleansing. So we all feel a great deal of of moral outrage and it did was a consensus that something should be done because the European countries. We're not doing anything to settle it down so the United States shows up. Literally overnight the military conflict ends it. I understand the argument put forward by a lot of people that we didn't go into Iraq it was never billed as a humanitarian intervention. But but that really is that is is -- sides dispute to me I felt a certain degree. A comfort and satisfaction that we were doing something hopefully setting a process in motion that would yield. Less ethnic cleansing and genocide that more than what was occurring Saddam Hussein on his watch was responsible for the death of one point five million people 300000 died in basra one point five million died in Iraq I care about Iraqi civilians. And as much as I do Bosnian civilians and and and that the civilians. Here at home the humanitarian aspects what's going on in Iraq are are fairly clear to me just as they learn.

And and for those highly appreciate the call for those who might not be familiar with Bryant's career and how would -- reference Bryant served in the state legislature and while he was in active service and abroad and not. Kosovo Serbia situation over the up. There was some political criticism of the fact that he was MIA I believe the political criticism was driven directly by Democrats in the democratic state committee I speak as a lifelong Democrat of former democratic speaker of the house. There were Democrats who have never never forgave him will never forgive. Brian -- for the fact that in a presidential election in US judge George Bush. Over Al Gore because he thought George Bush actually had superior educational proposals an experienced and was going to do more about that and I think that was really the decisive factor in a decision I don't need to bring up all political stuff. But -- reference I think for those who were not familiar Bryant is also a former member of the Massachusetts house now you might have some idea or why it's take such pride in these men and women who do serve in the legislature and pushed back -- I -- some of the nonsense that idea in other forms of talk radio David Brookline -- next on veterans for a may have 680 WR KO.

Yes I actually think that would -- up over the whole point or why would anyone in -- Americans listen to the individuals who got -- into this side. The -- inward and -- to listen to it. To supported I mean it is mind boggling how you know the building so -- systems and schools. And it -- much more need problems here in and in America. But the problem is that the winning goal but it it built schools and in. It's a structured and they'll win over the at a find weapons of mass destruction but that's all loss over so again why would anyone listen to this administration in. In the supported Apollo didn't think they have gotten everything wrong to this point everything wrong two point.

They're going to -- our gratitude and I let me give Brian a chance to respond but before it does I want to respond as a civilian we just got a call that -- comparison. About the stitch and -- in a situation in Kosovo Bosnia or Serbia. In Clinton's it stepped into that to save what was literally a genocide that was under way and Brian -- it's December reverence for the fact that five times more people being killed. By Saddam Hussein now the last the last relevant reference I help relevant to -- mind. Barack Obama yesterday in another times and I assume you're going to be supporting a Democrat some Democrat in the presidential. Campaign just by the way you spoke to Iraq about restarting about going into Afghanistan into Pakistan with or without permission. In order to do certain things -- door to intervene in Nigeria adopt for our you know other places. I get on humanitarian missions -- folks like -- Dave who clock had to have it both ways that Iraq and the Democrats and Bill Clinton. They got it right -- had all the right motives and -- the George Bush's motives Iraq Saddam Hussein -- edited brutalized one point five million people including taking children I have children maybe you do to David and running them through shredding machine to take a child alive human being in Iran if bush shredding machine so it looks like confetti that's a human being you might think with WMD I think -- was a lot of reasons and maybe bush did not stipulate well going to throw the ball right -- Bryant. Well David covered a lot of ground it it it doesn't like us being.

periods for any reason and it and and that batters are pervasive argument a lot of people. -- but but to get back to one of the pieces that came -- when he interviews with John burns of the New York Times has been after years but it has lived in Baghdad and has been all over the country. Again what happened in 2003. Is one thing what we're doing today and what the next best its decision as it it is perhaps a different matter it's a nightmare situation over there. And as he is quick to point out outlined our province which has has.

Darkly sense of three band just about the worst place in the country. Is is is ultimately the bastion of support for potential failed state in Al Qaeda network considers yet if you spot allocated brought harm from Afghanistan. To the rest of the world. What do you see what they're capable of doing too reliant -- bar because Leeson Afghans is very primitive. Culture not a lot of scientific know how you take that sort of malignancy in Marion has some of the scientific. Sophistication and material wealth and affluence that is pleasant an arrest in the senseless and Middle East yes -- an ala Anbar province especially. You're going to have a nightmare that's going to be visited on the rest of the world I think most people objectively no matter what your politics are. Realize that's a big problem has to be addressed.

Let's try to take one more call before we get to the break Paulus -- from the best. Place in a Boston a town known as -- hapoel good morning I ITT's -- he's from all the bright -- from Dorchester and you know the Twain meet occasionally. Go ahead plug our next with a question from major Bryan gulf.

Good morning -- like glue that's bad fall could be. Iraqi army so they can -- point in Beatles were -- back in clear the way for us soldiers. So I like this being the US army turned the ball over it took them so that silly point who had been vacant 16 casualties of their own country. And number two with a question that I have. There's a wildly -- and 28 million dollars to build expected it would want simple morning prayers than. And real -- met the sort -- colossal just moved. To be trained on before they they go to Iraq but it didn't oh for the shock and our I got a shock an awfully I got -- I got to the DOD bill wouldn't betray and Nicole Louisiana. -- it go down there and in trained in all the real sewage and basically articulate point eight million dollars and an independent built something down there.

Well let's give Brian a chance to respond go ahead Brian you get the Mike -- and his -- probably knows do we try to simulate the environment as much as possible -- more and more realistic over the past two years for soldiers who declined because I'll tell you. You know one day I wake up here and Alston and and and walking around my neighborhood in a couple of days later on in Baghdad and that's a shock Tia system so we try to acclimate people soldiers deploying down range to the environment they're about and that's why we simulate it is through our training environments and Iraqi city or town or village or street.

While central question about the Iraqi army however the role the responsibility did degree of preparedness key and they will day an excellent points been gone slower than has been involved but when I last. In -- all sides are two dozen battalions that could take the lead in operations now it's up over -- hundred. There -- six or seven divisions that can take the lead in operation that doesn't mean totally self supporting. But that's not a bad deal if they're taking a lead in where part providing logistic support that's better -- US troops taking the lead we are increasingly handing the lead. Box two Iraqi soldiers and now it when you look at the 18 provinces seven. Are now completely managed by Iraqi security forces that was zero when I laughed about 18 months ago.

And out of the how many 18 provinces she said how many Brian would you describe as a relatively functional and how many are relatively are completely. Dysfunction.

Sure for 14 are functional to a significant degree life their civil society works most the infrastructure. Works you can you can live a life that is not characterized by complete and utter fear. Four provinces has traditionally been disasters Baghdad -- bar de Ayala. And solid and all of which are recalled to Baghdad now -- to Baghdad are some of the surrounding area -- show. And but but as has again been pointed out aren't some of the press coming out of the New York Times recently -- some very significant successes in all of those particularly Baghdad. And particularly on our province which has always been sort of seat OK during around.

We've been talking for the last hour and a half with major Bryan Goldin who has served this country and so many ways continues to Serbia goes from here. To his job as the regional administrator of HHS just. A brilliant modern day renaissance guy Boston Latin school kids no surprise and he's gone on to us to do so many things fabulous information -- major -- major with your permission we're going to continue to reach out to you from time to time on this issue of Iraq do you selves the RK audience should -- a huge favor reach out to the WR KO website kicked out of deference forum link. An event itself drink deeply of the six journal articles that Brian wrote again and I don't mean to intimidate you by reference to them. As journals there really sure what pieces but extraordinarily filled with information and insight. And lots and lots of passion Brian final word you -- mentioned to major in one about last breaks that there is. Either there's a website or 51 C three organization that does something for the men and women and their families when they come back. Feel free to share it and we're going to -- at -- post it up to so while the good people in this RKO audience cannot step forward if they so choose.

Thanks -- in this is beyond politics is is beyond what do you think the United States should be active in Iraq are not. There there're a lot of people under who have suffered and lost their lives and their families continue to suffer. And their Arab stance and there's a terrific guy rushing worked up at the state legislature for a few years named Peter provide -- who founded a group called massed soldiers legacy from the Massachusetts soldiers. Legacy fund. Its web addresses and Anis al fund dot org and tests al fund. Dot org that is very simple mission to raise money for scholarship funds for the children Massachusetts soldiers. Who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan it it's a wonderful way I think to salute the work in the sacrifice of these families.

When you made enormous sacrifice and a great service -- nation Brian brought great credit upon your family any community and we thank you for all the time. You've given us here this morning unfit parents forum