Think about how the US Cavalry looked to the children of beleagued settlers on wagon trains.

Now think about how the US Cavalry looked to the children of raided Sioux and Apache encampments.

Same blue coats. Very different perception.

Now apply the lesson and see through the eyes of an Iraqi child when large soldiers force their way into the house. Father is shouting, mother is crying. Things get broken. Strangers look in private places. Maybe someone is hurt in a struggle, or someone is taken away. Extrapolate that into their nightmares and into their attitudes toward the nation to whom those soldiers belonged when they grow to be teenagers and adults.

Consider how difficult it will be for them to look at America with objectivity as adults when Americans invaded their homes while they were children.

Look past the partisan point you cling to, to the effect on the people who "ought to be grateful". Perhaps they will appear more three-dimesional to you then.

Regards--
Mary Anne