The site/linked site is a family--mother and three sons, with dad having no interest. I didn't really spend any time with emails written to the family [I plan to revisit and spend more time]but what they--the Iraqi family, thought and was experiencing. No "arm-chair" warriors--they. Though it is interesting to see what Americans or those outside of Iraq are choosing to write. If anything I think the choice to publish those letters is meant to educate what Americans are trying to express to a family who has no other choice but to be caught in the middle. Some Americans do feel that Iraq was invaded for control over oil alone and are angry that innocent people are dying. Could be their choice of publishing is and act of agreement, did it say so? What I appreciate about the site is that it allows me to "see" human faces. Many, many, many, many times I've tried to put myself/family in their place, living in Iraq with no choice but to live in the midst of conflict and combat. With this site I can identify with the mother because I have a son and teenage daughter who are very outspoken with opinion [no idea where it comes from :)] Lord knows what kind of fire would be coming out of my mouth if our lives were reversed. I greatly respect this family's efforts to connect and perhaps change the world. I did email this family with a link to openDemocracy to check out the articles and debate.

No my friend, thank you for such a wonderful web site! I just received an email from one of the family members that says they read what's on openDemocracy "regularly." I believe this site has been such a gift, a window to look out of or into, to many people. So allow me...a complete and formal bow to you all who work so hard to make this site a working reality for so many of us to learn, listen, shoot our mouths off... :). May we all find a few extra dollars to send your way soon so this site can continue to explore how to connect people and ideas and debate round and round the planet. My sincere thanks to you all.