U.S. troops try to beat back disturbing myths that surround their presence in Iraq

The American strategy in Iraq requires the population’s trust. And few things underscore the work left to be done in that arena like a persistent rumor that, say, Americans peek through women’s clothing with X-ray sunglasses or that U.S. troops eat children.

“When you hear these you can’t do anything but laugh. They are so far away from the truth,” said 2-82nd Capt. Matthew Kuhn. “You laugh but then you think about it and after the initial shock the soldier has to worry about countering and overcoming these stories.”

Of course, not all Iraqis believe such fanciful tales, U.S. soldiers said. The outrageous stories find the most fertile ground among the uneducated and poor, they said. But with the mass exodus of the Iraqi middle class, an increased percentage of the remaining population is likely to be unschooled and susceptible to the distortions.

Among the stories:

n U.S. troops eat children
n U.S. servicemembers use  poison-tainted bullets
n Americans peek through women’s  clothing with X-ray sunglasses
n Americans’ berets are dyed with blood
n Americans have a “cold pill” that they  take so they do not get too hot in their gear

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Electronic Fly Catcher

The fly catcher is an electronic fly-swatting device based on the idea of the Venus fly trap. The Fly Catcher is not just a talking point, it actually catches flies.

Each unit comes with a packet of non-toxic bait (more can be purchased as required) which is hidden inside the mouth of the trap. The bait attracts the fly, which crosses two sensors as it walks down the surface of the jaws. These sensors activate the jaws which then snap shut, killing the fly humanely. Once swatted the mouth re-opens with a burp, indicating it is ready for the next fly.

The bait varieties are all non-toxic and the jaws will not hurt humans or animals.

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