You Can't Make This Stuff Up!!!

"That is our motto here in Numaniyah and not just the 1016th team, but for all the Coalition forces here. Why you ask? Well there a lot of reasons. But the biggest is just because of the cultural differences between us.

I will give you an example. Back home men greet each other with hand shakes or maybe if you are close you will get a half handshake, half hug. Here the men shake hands first then kiss each other on the cheek. Depending on how close you are will determine how many kisses you get on each cheek. For instance, if you barley know someone you will get a handshake and maybe a kiss on the cheek. If you have known them for a little while you will get one kiss on the left cheek. If you have known them for a long time and are close you will get two kisses on the left cheek. Then let the kissing games begin. I have seen an Iraqi get two kisses on each cheek before. But that is pretty rare. The Americans here are uncomfortable with it, but as time goes by, you will see more and more of us doing it. Oh and yes, I have had my fare share of man kisses (That s what we call it). Here it is something to be proud of. If an American can get a kiss in front of other Iraqis, it is an honor. And for an American to get one in front of other Americans, it is huge. It shows respect and friendship with each other. At first I was skittish, but I have grown to appreciate it and respect it."
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