Word: flagging
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...calligraphy was based on Saddam Hussein's own handwriting, and for many who suffered most under his iron fist - especially the Kurds - the flag came to symbolize his repressive rule. As I look at the Iraqi flag hanging on the wall in my office in New York, I can understand their resentment. Even holy words can seem profane when they are uttered (or, in this case, written) by the embodiment of evil...
...remember how I came into possession of the flag: it had a great deal to do with Kurdish resentment, and it nearly got a young American soldier in deep trouble...
...wasn't being literal, of course, but the soldier didn't know that. He took the flag out to the main entrance of the palace, where a group of Iraqis had gathered. He held the flag up high with one hand, and reached into his pocket with his other hand and pulled out a Zippo lighter. He had a triumphant look in his face as he announced, "This is what we'll do to Saddam...
...crowd was aghast - none of them understood English, so all they could see was an American soldier about to set alight their national flag. Some of them shouted at the soldier, but he seemed to mistake their anger for enthusiasm. He held the flag up higher, and fired up the Zippo...
...reached out and grabbed the soldier's hand, and pulled the lighter away from the flag. "What are you doing?" I asked...