I originally posted this story on Thursday, while I don't sympathize with the man's arrest for leaving his unit after serving two tours in the Middle East, I understand and agree with his family's claims that he became disillusioned with the false pretenses of the war as well as his troubles with fellow soldiers brought about by his surname and his race and religion, though he is an American citizen born and raised here.
I also questioned the need for a heavily armed SWAT team to make the arrest. There have been more developments I wish to share...
Sgt. Iraq was released from the county jail on Friday without bail, based on a request from his company commander that he be allowed to travel, as he had agreed, back to his base in Georgia for diposition of his case and probable prosecution for desertion. The sergeant then made arrangements to fly unaccompanied to Fort Stewart.
On Friday he arrived at the airport only to learn that Delta Airlines was refusing to allow him to board the plane. Delta would not discuss its reasoning, claiming it was a security issue that they could not comment on. The commander has agreed to send a military escort to accompany Sgt. Iraq back to base.
http://tinyurl.com/7vzcc
here is my original diary entry:
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/5/5/123444/5985