Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Iraq is on every mind

Friday, March 28, 2003 | 9:08 a.m.

RAMLA, Israel -- "HOW ARE THINGS GOING IN IRAQ?" was the first question I was asked by a fellow American. It was at a nearby military camp where a group of Sar-El volunteers, most from the United States, are working as replacements for reservists.

Americans, all over the world, are thinking about those young people representing them in uniform. The volunteers in Israel have a television to watch after they finish their work. You can bet it's zeroed in on what's happening in Iraq. Most of the volunteers are well past the age for military service and large numbers of them have already served in uniform during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They know that combat isn't for people our age.

One of the old-timers asked about Sun cartoonist Mike Smith and my son Michael. He had a room next to them when serving in another camp 16 years ago. I told him he can keep up on Mike Smith by seeing his cartoons all over the world.

Another volunteer and I became acquainted in 1991 during Gulf War I. He and a third volunteer recalled the differences in the attitude of the public and the added confidence displayed today. I'm not so sure there won't be an attitude change if the sirens sound again.

Several Las Vegans have served as Sar-El volunteers during the past 25 years. Those who are serving today can testify the Israeli military food is better than it was 15 and 20 years ago. One thing that hasn't changed is the spirit of volunteerism and the refreshing views of the volunteers.

We visited for almost two hours after lunch and discussed terrorism and the radical Islamists who are spreading it over the world. But no matter where our conversations took us, we eventually returned to the battle and weather conditions being faced by our fellow Americans not too far away. If winds of today are any indication, the weather in Iraq won't improve much until this weekend. As one experienced volunteer said, "It's a place where you can be up to your neck in mud and the dust and sand will blind you."

Earlier in the day I visited with Minister Uzi Landau in the Knesset building. Jerusalem was covered with fog and the early-morning traffic was bumper-to-bumper. The Israeli legislators, like the U.S. Congress, are struggling with money and defense issues. Even this country, on alert status, found it necessary to cut military pay. As serious as these issues sound, the Israelis, who have experienced combat, are thinking about the Americans in Iraq. Immediately after offering me tea, the minister told of his concerns about our troops.

The same concern about Americans isn't shown by Israeli Arabs or Palestinians. The Jaffa Arab community has rejected an invitation to visit with the U.S. Patriot missile battery soldiers in their town. The Haaretz newspaper quotes Gabi Abed, chairman of the Association of Jaffa's Arabs, saying, "Meeting the U.S. soldiers is tantamount to identifying with what they are doing in Iraq." Meanwhile, the Palestinians on the West Bank are proudly naming new babies after Saddam Hussein.

Few people are openly discussing President George W. Bush's proposed "road-map to peace," it is lingering in the back of many minds. Although the proposal hasn't been published, there have been enough statements and leaks to cause concern. Probably the most serious problems are caused by what Israelis fear it doesn't say. I've been told that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has insisted the proposal be put on the back burner until after Gulf War II has ended.

Returning to my room last night I learned about the death in Iraq of Tonopah's Marine Lt. Frederick E. Pokorney Jr. Like other Americans scattered over the globe, I feel his death as a personal loss. It's a shame that the demands of war take the lives of those who have given so much and should have so many more years of life left to enjoy.

Semper Fi, lieutenant.