Israeli soldiers in Iraq?

[Zachary Fizz]

One of the more convivial aspects of my work, is that I occasionally get to fly to a distant city, drink coffee and make small talk, then fly home, picking up a few bottles of duty free tequila on the way.

Anyhow, an interesting thing is that sometimes the surface conversation rambles, and goes off into a genuine idle chat. These are always fun, and often illuminating.

Not so long ago, I was doing this up in Kuwait City when my interlocutor (an Arab civilian, though not a Kuwaiti) leaned towards me in that way that people often do when about to pass on a UL, and said "Of course, there are Israeli commandos in US uniform in Iraq right now". He went on to explain that they were there because of their counter-insurgency expertise.

Personally, I find this highly unlikely. But it occurred to me that this is a classic UL - even if I had a complete US orbat tucked into my jacket pocket, I couldn't disprove it.

Any thoughts as to how to counter this kind of thing? Or, for those of a more suspicious mindset than me, any speculation as to how likely it is?

[UEL]

My initial feeling is that you cannot disprove it to the people who believe it. It is like trying to convince someone who believes the Iraq/Sept 11 link that it does not exist. All the proof you can offer will not convince.

That being said, one of the most pragmatic axioms that I go by is "pick your battlefields". In other words, I try not to engage on a losing endeavour. So, if this might have any effect on your job, health or welfare, I'd drop it. If it is something you can engage in casual debate without regret, then go for it.

But I don't think you can convince them.

[Ali Infree]

Who knows for certain? I doubt that there would be a contingent of Israelis going around as military units in Iraq. Besides, what the Israelis know about counter-terrorism might be hard to implement in Iraq. Aside from beginning with an "I" there is nothing much comparable between the two.

Israeli intelligence was unable to deal with the original intifada and doesn't seem to be much better now. It seems their policies are helping to create new committed jihadists.

Still, I am sure you can not convince a True Believer otherwise. No matter what they believe.

Ali "whatever it is, I'm against it" Infree SING ALONG !!