Swayze says US ignores Iraqi culture, fears trip could be fatal

Actor Patrick Swayze, visiting Warsaw on 21 October 2004 to promote the film "One Last Dance," criticized American forces for failing to respect Iraqi customs and traditions. He argued that entering another culture requires understanding its values rather than imposing outside rules.

Swayze said he had long wanted to visit troops in Iraq quietly, without media attention, but feared the danger was now too great. His wife, Lisa Niemi, directed the film he was there to promote. He cited more than 20 years of raising Arabian horses as the basis for his familiarity with the region.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in October 2004, in its own words.