Human Shields, Day One -

Human Shields, Day One - Reports indicate that western "human shields" are starting to dribble into Iraq.

"We will try everything to get peace instead of war and to protect civil societies," said Ingrid Ternert, a Swedish member of the group.

The volunteers planned to spend only one night at the station, but said others would rotate in to protect the infrastructure installation, which wasn't bombed during the 1991 Gulf War.

Nice to know they've picked the right place.

Workers at the station were happy with their unusual visitors.

"We welcomed them. I feel happy and it is nice because they want peace for our country," said Hussein Alwan, a 32-year-old supervisor.

The WaPo didn't mention if Mr. Alwan had a gun to his head or not.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Wednesday that any Iraqi officials who help in the deployment of the human shields could be punished as war criminals.

Asked about Rumsfeld's remarks, Ternert, a high school teacher, said: "He doesn't know that this is protecting the society."

I can't wait - can not wait - to see how the average Iraqi citizen reacts to these people when liberation finally happens.

Some of the human shields weren't exposing themselves to much danger. Cano said the United States would be to blame if anyone is hurt - but conceded that likely wouldn't be him.

"I will be leaving Iraq in two days," he said. "So I personally think I will be all right."

Indeed, all of them - and, regrettably, Sean Penn as well - will probably live to tell the tale of their superhuman courage.

The real thing is almost wierder than Unfossilized's inside scoop.

Posted by Mitch at February 21, 2003 10:46 PM