translator at Brave New Films

Working in Iraq - 20 Mar 08

2008-06-11T15:33:20Z

Life for many in Iraq has been a daily struggle to survive.

Some jobs have opened up and local Iraqis have found a platform to perform.

However, not every one has an exactly hassle-free job.

A journalist and a translator with the American army describe their experiences of working in Iraq.

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An Iraqi translator - in first person - 20 Mar 08

2008-06-11T09:31:23Z

Although the war has left many Iraqis homeless and jobless, it's also opened up some opportunities.

Iraqi interpreters, for example, have become instrumental in helping foreign troops win the trust of local people.

Here are the views of one translator, in his own words.

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John Aravosis and Bleu Copas on ending "Don't Ask Don't Tell"

2008-10-08T04:46:55Z

On a panel about LiftTheBan.org at the Take Back America conference John Aravosis of America Blog and Bleu Copas, a fired linguist, discuss the fact that now is the time to lift the ban on gays in the military. Times have changed since the policy began in 1993.

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Ian Finkenbinder, another Arabic translator fired for being gay

2008-07-09T17:21:34Z

From Raw Story:

In Iraq, soldiers with Arabic translation skills are in great demand. There are less than 2,000 translators to serve an American force of over 130,000 troops.
Ian Finkenbinder is an Army soldier with the uncommon ability to translate Arabic. Because of his top secret status, Finkenbinder could translate high security information such as weapons cache locations, insurgent headquarters, and other sensitive intelligence. Yet he was discharged from the Army when his commander learned that he was gay.

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Arabic translator fired from the Navy for being gay

2008-10-08T04:46:55Z

Since ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ became law, over 11,000 servicemembers have been discharged because of their sexuality. The number of servicemembers who have left on their own volition, or have decided not to re-enlist because of this law is not documented. The government has spent over $363 million dollars in taxpayer money to implement this unfair legislation. Dozens of other countries, many of whom have fought side-by-side with our soldiers, allow lesbians, gays and bisexuals to serve openly. Those are the facts and they have nothing to do with a servicemembers passion and skill to perform his duty.