Trouble on the Home Front
America's Growing Discontent With the Iraq War
Dissent is growing in the military towns across America. Soldiers' families have broken rank to demand that troops be sent home from Iraq.
Fort Stewart, Georgia, is an unlikely place for a military rebellion to emerge. Love of the army runs deep and the whole town supported the war against Saddam Hussein. But after the return-home date for the troops in Iraq kept getting postponed, a group of wives did the unthinkable. They went on local TV to demand that their husbands be sent home immediately. When news of their wives campaign reached the troops, they were elated. "Basically, the wives spoke out for the soldiers," explains Sergeant Carlos Hernandez. Another group of soldiers decided to speak out for themselves and went on prime-time television to criticise those responsible for the war. The military has been quick to condemn its critics, arguing that complaints encourage more attacks by proving that the guerrilla campaign is working. As Sergeant White states: "These people are aiding the terrorists." However, this hasn't stopped more and more military people from speaking out. The 'Bring Them Home Now' campaign has been overwhelmed with support. And as more and more soldiers are killed in Iraq, belief in the movement can only grow.
Produced by SBS Australia.
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