Unilingualism
… The FBI has acknowledged since the attacks that it needs more and better translators of all languages, especially Middle Eastern languages. Similarly, the armed forces need Arabic speakers who also understand military jargon and are in good enough shape to keep up with troops.
Instead, American troops on patrol in Iraq or rushing to secure bombing sites often speak little if any Arabic and so must shout in English or try to gesture their way through dangerous confrontations. …
A recent Army report on intelligence-gathering in Iraq found the military relying on translators who had been “convenience store workers and cab drivers” in the United States, most over age 40. …
Meanwhile, the State Department, the agency primarily tasked [!] with America’s diplomatic relations worldwide, has fewer than 60 employees fluent in Arabic, out of 279 total Arabic speakers. A scant five have the polish and skills to go toe-to-toe with commentators on Middle Eastern television programs, according to an advisory commission…
U.S. soldiers sent to Iraq also take a cultural awareness class and receive a “green book” that describes cultures, customs and phrases, including Arabic greetings, according to Army public affairs.
In contrast, several members of each British military regiment sent to Iraq receive 10 weeks of schooling in Arabic language and culture.
I can’t help but get this image of young soldiers flipping madly through their Berlitz phrase books as the bombs whiz overhead and debris is flying… “Um, okay, hang on… How… no, no… Where… is… post office… no, sorry… How, no, where… nucle… What? What’s so goddamn funny?”
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