Readie
Chief Master Sergeant
The middle eastern mindset is similiar to the feudal Japanese. Concession, surrender, etc is a sign of weakness and earns nothing but contempt. Even in the market place, the seller waits for you to make an offer, to which he'll immediately reject and then you continue to haggle until a price is agreed on. That earns his respect and if you pay what he's asking, he'll be disgusted. It's a way of life for them.
Good post Dave.
How can this respect be earned in Iraq? Does respect equal peace?
I just don't know
John