Iraqi interpreters fear being unmasked

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A masked interpreter translates some documents for an American patrol in Baghdad.


Iraqi interpreters fear being unmasked
By James Warden, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, October 9, 2008

BAGHDAD — Iraqis who interpret for Baghdad-based units fear that a new policy that prohibits them from hiding their faces behind masks could cost them their lives.

Multi-National Division–Baghdad rules instituted at the end of September have barred all employees from concealing their identities. The decision reflects the increasing security gains in the city and a growing sense of normalcy in the area, said Maj. Mark Cheadle, an MND-B spokesman.

"We don’t want to present an unprofessional image when Baghdad forces are operating," Cheadle said. "It lends a sense of the old, the sectarian, the wall."

The military uses both American and Iraqi citizens as interpreters. Many of the Iraqi interpreters take great pains to hide their identity to prevent reprisals when they return home on their off days.

Iraqi interpreters use aliases and are encouraged not to disclose their real names. Most ask photographers not to take pictures of them. Others lie about having a job outside the city where they live.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=57985