Iraq interpreters face threats, alienation

"MOSUL, Iraq - The hundreds of Iraqi interpreters who work for the U.S. military conceal their identities in distinctive ways. One wears a bulletproof Kevlar helmet and a black mask. Another wears sunglasses and a balaclava that covers his entire head.
What they share is the extraordinary danger of their job. Targeted for death by insurgents, they also face suspicion from their own employers and often lie to relatives for fear that word of their job will get out.
Yet the "terps," as they are known among U.S. troops, play a crucial and largely unheralded role in Iraq. As the United States shifts to trying to win the loyalty of Iraqis rather than simply waging war, their job goes well beyond translation to include passing on intelligence and educating troops on Iraq's religious and tribal tapestry.
"For doing what they're doing and all the risks they take, they give us a lot of information on a lot of bad people," said Sgt. Adam Smith, 29, of Ocala, Fla., of the 172nd Stryker Brigade's 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment.
Interpreters in this city have given the Americans tips that led to the arrest of suspected terrorists. They even have been allowed to slip into dangerous neighborhoods and collect intelligence about insurgent operations. When American soldiers interview Iraqis, they may ask questions in a particular way or even suggest that a different question might be more effective."
Mercury News