By host Tom Ashbrook
The country’s been in an uproar over Walter Reed and the treatment of wounded US soldiers coming home from Iraq. Meanwhile, 140,000 soldiers are still out there, still on the firing line, still on patrol.
They are fighting it out more than ever right now in Baghdad, where President Bush’s surge is focused — and lately in Baghdad’s Sadr City, the Iraqi capitol’s vast and roiling Shiite slum.
ABC News reporter Matha Raddatz has put together the gripping story of when Sadr City first exploded in the face of US troops. The New York Times Damian Cave is still there, on the streets today, as the surge unfolds.
This hour On Point: The troops-eye view of Baghdad’s Sadr City, then and now.
Quotes from the Show:
“Baghdad is extremely segregated. There are mixed signals in every category here and both Iraqis and Americans are trying to figure out what’s going on.” Damien Cave
“The First Cavalry Division that was in Sadr City in April 2004 is back there now.” Martha Raddatz
“[My book] is about the US soldiers and their families.” Martha Raddatz
“There is a legacy of pain and frustration on both sides in Sadr City.” Damien Cave
“I compare our situation in Iraq to someone caught in quicksand.” Dave, a listener
“People have to hear all sides when they think about the US troops pulling out of Iraq.” Martha Raddatz
“Among Iraqis there seems to be agreement that when Americans leave there will be a spike in violence.” Damien Cave
Guests:
Martha Raddatz, chief White House correspondent for ABC News and author of the book, “The Long Road Home: A Story of War and Family”
Damien Cave, Baghdad correspondent for The New York Times
