Iraqi Deserter Tells of Desperation "The soldier - part of a front-line unit - was among at least 18 Iraqi deserters who staggered into the Kurdish town of Kalak as U.S. warplanes stepped up airstrikes on Iraqi positions near the Kurds' autonomous region. He agreed to share his story, but with conditions: no details about him or his military service could be revealed. Call him Ali. He feared Saddam loyalists could retaliate against his family. They may have already, he said." - Salon.com