08745
October 10, 2008

Learning and forgiving

by Peter Dietz
Presbyterian Marine Chaplain

AL ASAD, Iraq — This is my first letter from the wonderful oasis of Al Asad. I am not really at the oasis, just in my office at the base. Jokingly, I do refer to Al Asad as “the land of milk and honey” since it is such a big base with many amenities compared to the rest of the bases and outposts where we have Marines and Sailors. 

I am describing the base relative to the other places. It really isn’t the same as being at Camp Lejeune (NC), but relative to the other bases it is nice. It does have its limitations. For example, yesterday the PX (store) was closed because the temperature inside the store was over 112. Since my legal residence is New Hampshire, I am sure that I will never retire to Arizona or New Mexico. The heat is too much for me.

Earlier this week I woke up and the sun was behind a cloud. I thought that was so amazing. I haven’t seen a cloud for months.  I thought that might mean that cooler weather was coming, but, alas, no. It is as hot as ever, but now it is humid! How can it be humid in the desert? I guess I’m not so happy about the arrival of clouds after all.

We had some really interesting dust storms this past week. They weren’t the kind where a wall of dust comes rolling in. These were more like a tornado … without the wind speed and damage. You could see a huge funnel of dust about a quarter-mile wide at the base and extending up into the sky. It would move around a little, but it stayed pretty much in one spot. 

It was really cool to watch, especially as it started to kick up different colored dust: red, white and brown. Then I saw other smaller storms kicking up in other areas. I spent a good thirty minutes just watching them. It was mesmerizing. Eventually the whole sky filled with dust, and then it wasn’t as enjoyable.

Some of you have asked if I have met with the Imam yet. I have ... kind of. Unfortunately the regular Imam was not feeling well and a younger, brand new Imam came to town to give the Friday service at the mosque. I later learned that it was his first service to lead in the mosque.

The meeting took place around a dinner that had been set up by the director of the port, a Brigadier General in the Iraqi Police, who wanted to meet with the Marine Major who runs the Port of Entry Transition Team (POETT). The POETT is the group of Marines who train the Iraqi Port Police and Customs Police to do their job using the best and most appropriate techniques and technologies. They also keep an eye on the corruption (bribes and extra “taxes”) and will often step in when it is no longer “within reason.”

The Major is amazing at interacting with the Iraqi leaders — both boosting their ego and importance while positioning himself as the one who has power and control of the situation. It has been a real treat to watch them interact in this dance of power, control and transition.

In addition to the General, there were also a couple of Colonels and Lt. Colonels. Each was the head of a particular department or organization — like the Port Police, Customs and Border Patrol. One of the most important businessmen in the town was also present. 

They were all very kind and friendly. Then the Imam came in.  He was VERY nervous.  I don't know if it was a result of being in a room full of Marines, being asked to meet with a Marine Chaplain, being in a room with the most important men in the town or preparing to give his first sermon. 

Regardless, the Iraqi General and the Marine Major apologized after he left.  I actually didn’t think it was that bad.

In the past when I have attended these gatherings, my presence was more as an observer who came along for the ride. So when we were all gathered in the room, and the Major turned to me and said, “Okay ‘Chaps,’ the floor is all yours,” I was a little taken aback. 

After a brief pause, I began my discussion with the Imam on Ramadan, which began on Sept. 1 this year. I let him know that I was going to talk to all of our Marines and Sailors about Ramadan and I was interested in learning about special customs or traditions that take place in this part of Iraq during Ramadan. 

His response was a basic introduction to Islam. I tried to push him a bit more on the break-fast foods and customs that would be different in this part of Iraq compared to other Islamic countries. My assumption was he would know about the practices of Islamic societies outside of Iraq. 

I threw out questions that both showed some of my knowledge of Islam and allowed him to give some straightforward answers on Islam. I wanted more than just what a person can read in a textbook. 

There were plenty of follow-up questions and it was pretty informative for the Marines and me. One thing that was a little odd was that the general kept interrupting the Imam to answer many of the questions. The general, who struck me as more secular than religious, seemed to have more knowledge, or at least the kind of knowledge that is necessary to explain certain things to non-Muslims.

As the conversation wound down, we all stood and thanked the Imam for his time and wished him well with his prayers and blessings upon the Imam who was not feeling well. The Iraqi General then resumed his conversation with us, adding additional information about Ramadan.  

He was very emphatic about how much he and his fellow Iraqi Muslims appreciated the efforts of the Marines to respect Ramadan. He said that during the fast last year, Marines would never eat, drink, or smoke in front them. That action of ‘joining’ them as they fasted meant more to them than they could express. 

He said that during Ramadan, when we visit Iraqis, we will still be offered tea. Hospitality is always paramount, even during Ramadan, especially during Ramadan. However, he added, even though the tea would be offered, it would be appreciated if we declined the offer out of respect for the fast.

In the cross-cultural exchanges between Iraqis and the U.S. military here, I have enjoyed seeing the willingness of people to both respect each other and also the process of teaching and learning — making mistakes and forgiving. 

For example, if you put your foot on your leg, revealing the sole of your foot, you have made a cultural error. Most likely a fight will not start, but someone will gently motion to you to put your foot back on to the floor. 

We are not tourists on a visit, but a military force who conquered and occupied this county. And yet, we are here to give the country and culture back to the Iraqi people as we attempt to help them reduce the violence from insurgents and reduce the abuses of power and corruption. 

It is a much more intricate task than dropping a bunch of “smart bombs” on a capital city. I am proud to be part of a country and a military that, despite its mistakes, continues to learn, cooperate, challenge and do the right thing.

It seems like this war is coming to an end. Maybe I am just getting tired, but I really don't see us being here for much longer and it seems that the Iraqis and Americans are both playing their “let’s get the U.S. out of Iraq”  cards. I wouldn’t be surprised if we are back here in another 10 years, but for now it will be nice to take a break.

Chaplain Peter Dietz
UNIT 73365 TFMP HQ (3/10)
FPO AE 09509-3365

Editor’s note: Presbyterian News Service is grateful to the Rev. Edward T. Brogan, a retired Air Force Chaplain (Col.) and director of the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel for his assistance in getting this story. — Jerry L. Van Marter