With the current state of Iraq, how did you expect American Sniper would be received there?

Capt Brandon Charters — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 19:56:55 -0500

Something to consider here. The feedback from the release of American Sniper in Baghdad is very mixed. Some locations in the city actually pulled the movie from screens after a week of play. Here are some interesting quotes from local Iraqis in this USA Today report.

"I love watching war movies because especially now they give me the strength to face ISIS"

"The sniper, he has a chance to hit the child and his mother in their foot or anywhere without killing them, but he didn't because he's bloodthirsty like all the American troops."

When asked if he thought the movie was racist or anti-Arab — a charge made by some critics in the West — he replied, "No, why? The sniper was killing terrorists, the only thing that bothered me was when he said he didn't know anything about the Quran!"

With the current threat of ISIS in the region, I could expect it to be in some ways a source of inspiration and pride in fighting for those who stand with you in combat. Protecting your family and country in arms. This all depends on how pro American your views are. I can also see why there would be much hostility over the movie.

Curious to hear how everyone expected this movie to be received.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 29 at 2015 10:25 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:25:27 -0500

Following the interview, was he dragged into the street and beheaded for his comments? Sounds like BS, made up news to me that someone is trying to spoon feed me so I can support round 3. No way this was really said in Baghdad. If I was right there standing next to the kid saying it, I still don't believe it. Did this kid have an east coast accent? Say, from the vicinity of Langley, VA??? In early 2003, we were forced to read INTSUM after INTSUM (Intelligence Summary debriefs) of stories of what happened to American supporters and the stories were almost the same 5 years later. Now that these jack holes are running around practically unchecked and heads are literally rolling someone is going to try and push this on me? I THINK NOT!

Response by SPC Charles Griffith made Jan 30 at 2015 3:00 PM

SPC Charles Griffith — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:00:28 -0500

I just don't care what they think. Sorry if that sounds rude or off putting but why should I care what people who won't even try and learn to defend them selves care of a movie about a great patriot who stood in their stead and defended them? I have mad respect for Chris Kyle and that is all that matters to me. And I don't care if it was those who he protected or those he represented speak ill of him in my presents at your own peril.