US veteran “cowardly” in conscientiously objecting or brave

Even if the Iraq war had a just cause, will humanity condemn a man for refusing to kill again?

If Obama were an ordinary Iraqi citizen, would he mind if an American refused to kill his daughter?

Asylum dilemma for US deserter

BBC 190309

American Iraq veteran Andre Shepherd is applying for the right of asylum in Germany. “I could no longer support this illegal war in Iraq with a clear conscience,” explained the 31-year-old.

According to anti-war campaigners, more than 25,000 US soldiers have deserted since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Although only 30 of them now live in Germany, they can count on substantial support here.

The accusation of “coward” is one of the least offensive things Mr Shepherd is being called online.

“Your home country will always think you are a traitor, whether you were justified or not,” Mr Shepherd explained.

“Although my family is supporting me, they wish I’d taken a different step, because the potential for me not returning [home] causes a lot of emotional stress. I have to apologize to my parents for that.”