iPod being used by Army as Arabic translator in Iraq

Ironic, since the iPods can't even display Arabic!

I am loath to do this here, but there is little evidence that Al Qaeda is in Iraq (to the extent that a loose coalition of like minded people with some centralized VC can be "in" anywhere).

Apple should just sell the phrases in the iTunes Store. They could make iTunes Essentials albums out of them (e.g. "Checkpoint Duty," "EOD," "Air Assault," etc.)

> Finally the iraqis will be able to hear the
> translation of "Get the fuck down or
> I'll shoot you".

Actually I think that one is already for sale in the Hip-Hop/Rap section of the iTunes Store.

This will work until they find some Culture Club songs on it and then the Army will fire the iPod for being gay, just like they did to all the other Arabic translators.

@mentalsticks: I hate to tell you this, but Al Qaeda is getting their ass handed to them in Iraq by a combination of coalition forces and the Iraqi people themselves. Don't feel bad, lots of people don't know what's going on over there.

im getting one so i can order at taco bell!!!

"it is a sign that things are not going so well US soldiers can't even pronounce basic arabic after all this time. "

Please look into the concept of troop rotations.

I mostly agree with James F that these are a step back from flash cards, but I can see how the flash cards are probably annoying. Imagine you're at a road block, freaking out because some guy in armor with an assault rifle is about to search your car. Now imagine the same guy is now sticking some bit of paper in your face and wanting you to read it. Much simpler to have a stock phrase all cued up.

As for iPods being fun and this not being fun. I'm going to suggest that anything that makes communication clearer and (hopefully) creates a situation where no one gets killed is pretty much the definition of fun.

Actually, these days the Iraqis are much more likely to hear the translation of "Isn't is great to be working together to kick Al Qaeda's ass?" (You do know that many areas of Iraq have turned against Al Qaeda, right?)

Maybe the iPods are helping our soldiers bridge the communication gap, and maybe that's one reason were winning. I'm happy we're winning -- are you?

I need one of these for shopping at my local convenience store. Seriously.

How about a button to say "those people over there are over-paid private contractors, do not even look as though you want to disagree with them because they will shoot you!"