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December 2, 2008 11:39:00 AM CST

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US Hatred Fuels Iraq's Teen Fighters

Posted Dec 21, 07 2:55 PM CST in US,  World 

(Newser) – US and Iraqi forces trying to regain control of the country face a particularly troublesome category of insurgents—teenagers fueled with hatred against America, Der Spiegel reports. The German newspaper interviewed one such teen whose botched plot to kill US soldiers resulted instead in his arrest. He not only led police to accomplices but provided insight into the anti-occupation passion shared by his peers.

"We still hate the Americans," said the 16-year-old, who had been recruited and indoctrinated by older fighters, the usual path. "Iraq isn't free, that's why we have to keep on fighting." Asked, however, if he would accept a free ticket to the US, he replied with a quick yes. Meanwhile, his jailed accomplices aren't happy. "They blame me for being caught. They say I'm just a stupid teenager, not a fighter."

Source Der Spiegel

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An Iraqi youth reacts as a US military's Bradley fighting vehicle is on flames in Obeidi, in south east Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, July 2, 2007, after it was struck by a roadside bomb, according to eyewitnesses....   (Associated Press)
A youth waves an Iraqi flag during a demonstration in Firdos square central Baghdad, Iraq, on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)   (Associated Press)
A youth plays soccer with a U.S. army soldier at the al-Zawraa soccer club in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Nov. 26, 2007. Soccer is popular in Iraq, where the national team's successes in the past three years...   (Associated Press)
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Iraq war • terrorism • US Marine Corps • youth • Iraq police


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