Translators: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Translators who have aided the U.S. Military in Afghanistan and Iraq are in great danger in their home countries, but red tape is making it impossible for many of them to leave. John Oliver interviews Mohammad, one translator who made it out.
For more info on efforts to assist U.S.-affiliated refugees in Iraq and Afghanistan see thelistproject.org , and refugeerights.org .
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[@jackbauer4762]

Update: Srosh is now safely living in Houston

[@moon993]

The Taliban killed his brother though

[@entertain7us148]

7 years later huh

[@_Davepocalypse]

That's so fucked up 😭

[@kenetabansi5016]

@@moon993 really? The little brother they kidnapped?

[@KaladinVegapunk]

What a fucking joke. Their xenophobia, paranoia & demonization of these people is already messed up, but to apply it to these brave heroic fucking allies is insane

[@tengkuizdihar]

Dear, United States of America. What in the actual fuck.

[@davidlrogers]

+Tengku Izdihar I say the same thing, and I'm American.

[@SophiaAstatine]

Glad I'm not fucking American.

[@jonathansandiego3233]

Please don't over-generalize all of us. There are a lot of good people here, who are trying to overturn a lot of this BS bureaucratic nonsense. However, the process is slow moving because there are a handful of bad apples - in key positions - who are making the turnover process much more difficult, just like in many other countries. I am proud to be an American and I love my country, but our Government is a different story; and although a lot needs to change here, that's definitely not exclusive to just America.

[@tigera6]

when you keep claiming yourself the best nation in the world and its not EVEN close, then its a fucking big problem when you are not taking care of people who risking their life for your meaning war. Dont blame just the people , look at the damn system

[@talosheeg]

+Jonathan Sandiego you sir, are awesome!!

[@D_skeptic]

The worst part about this is that Mohammed blames himself for his father's death. You can tell he really believes that too. I wish I could give him a hug and say thank you- not that it would fix anything but it seems like the least I can do.

[@HotStrange]

Exactly. There’s so much pain behind his eyes. It’s so fucking heartbreaking.

[@Gloomdrake]

sheldon pereira We’d love to get our troops out of all the countries they’re in, but unfortunately our leaders don’t listen to us. They make so much money from committing war crimes that they can just ignore our protests.

[@alexandrezani]

It's not solely his fault, but if you get involved in a war helping one side kill people on the other side, you are taking the risk that the side you are helping kill will shoot back.

[@mattsamoto4451]

@@HotStrange Pain the American regime, did to him and his father. And i can bet the polotition that made the choice lost no sleep and went home to their wife and children, whie he is left to bury his father. FUCK AMERICA, YOUR GOVERNMENT YOUR COUNTRY AND EVERYTHING YOU STAND FOR! I HOPE N'Korea burns your country to ash. If you assholes dont do it yourself first.

[@waengwang5313]

@sheldon pereira you dont even know where the commenter is from

[@mraccountoo]

Watching this piece back when it was published was enraging. Watching it now is devastating.

[@alexisjuillard4816]

man i cried and i've been away from the state and any american for half my 26 years now. i've never felt as american or as shitty for someones else actions

[@fatguy9]

Something is wrong when we have to watch comedians for news and information that matters while the actual news is full shit that dosnt matter

[@nope-hx4xm]

atleast we still have a means to get proper news. So yeah let the official news get corrupt 'they already are' and just watch comedies like this. We laugh and are informed.

[@FAT8893]

I know right.

[@RBermuda1]

Well you remember a lot more information when humor is in it

[@fossilfighters101]

+

[@outlawJosieFox]

Sad but true mate. Thank fook for the Internet. We gotta make sure it stays free.

[@bigbengamer]

I'm not surprised that we would treat the translators like this. Look how we treat our own troops.

[@thomashenry4588]

Benjamin Filbert That's a good point. I hadn't thought of that. It's just beyond screwed up.

[@cathyharris4968]

Benjamin Filbert In a way, this mistreatment of translators is mistreatment of our troops too. We know we're going to have to go back there with ISIS and all, so we're kind of guaranteeing no one will help us. We're so shortsighted it's idiotic.

[@kylec.9092]

Benjamin Filbert Yeah, but here's the thing: When those guys become translators, they're not just translators, they _are_ our troops. Appreciation is key, and the Bureaucrats threw it away.

[@BronyTimereactions]

Benjamin Filbert yes this man might die because we pulled our forces out and getting a visa is nearly impossible

[@bigbengamer]

Brony Time Pulling our forces out was the responsible thing to do, second only to never going in in the first place. The fact that our bureaucracy says one thing, and _does_ another, is a major embarrassment to ourselves as a country. Fuck us.

[@HotStrange]

I legitimately cried seeing Fnu walk out onstage and give his interview. That man is a hero and the way he was treated is abysmal and absolutely disgusting and heartbreaking.

[@dcamron46]

Xenophobia FTW

[@samueleveleigh2767]

Dont forget hes one of the stinking, job stealing, criminals that politicians like to bring up during election time, its almost like horrible sterotypes dont actually hold up...

[@ranjanbiswas3233]

Your all govt. were bad all the fucking time, since your Country was born. Either Slave owners or Racists or Native haters or Meddling with other countries.

[@HotStrange]

@@ranjanbiswas3233 don’t think anyone in their right mind will disagree with you on that.

[@prinnyhayate5517]

War heroes normally dont get treated well sadly

[@t.m.8564]

Rewatching this a few days after NATO moved out of Afghanistan just makes me real angry and ashamed for my country and, above all, of my government.

[@dandylion7028]

Thought of this episode immediately as soon as I saw what was happening. Sadly none of them are getting out and we arent moving heaven or earth to get them out.

[@HowToChangeName]

Its even more insulting when you know that donkey got sponsored and admitted faster than any translator from same country ever

[@michaeldonoghue9015]

Breaks my heart

[@gaberobison680]

Why? I’m glad we are no longer bombing innocents overseas just because they have a different religion and are rightfully totally kissed we demolished their culture and institutions

[@shakeupchristmas]

thank you, mohammad

[@wii3willRule]

Yes, thank you!

[@GaijinNomad787]

Fnu

[@TheRealGarg]

That man is a true hero

[@fleetingdreams5733]

extremely off topic but he's got the cutest smile

[@ramitouhami4912]

He did it to himself he shouldent have been in danger if he didn't help invaders attack his country and think they were actually going to help him

[@sandramorgan5074]

All translators should be treated equally as veterans and all deserve asylum in the US with they're families.

[@xxXthekevXxx]

Their*

[@ricochet4674]

Most definitely. They gave up their lives in their home country to help us and the least we could do is give them all a new country to call home.

[@sjs9698]

@@xxXthekevXxx i'm assuming part of making this correction is that the rest of what was said is utterly, unarguably correct.

[@erica8096]

YES!!!

[@Zman44444]

Honestly. It’d be amazing if America cared for veterans and translators alike.

[@mauktenbrink9211]

Watching this, just as the Taliban takes over Kabul and desperate Afghans are holding on to the underside of military airplanes to get out, is absolutely surreal and disheartening.

[@lubnamansour]

I'm here now because I'm scared for the lives of Afghan translators and all of Afghanistan. It's all so heartbreaking

[@Acidpunk101]

When you watch this, remember that Johns wife is a war veteran... this shit is personal for him and thats why he does such a great job reporting on veterans issues

[@sadier2740]

good lord i cannot even... John is so amazing at bringing comedy to horrible situations without making light of them. He gets people to care while making them laugh, and that is a truly incredible power.

[@AlwaysANemesis]

@I. Wynn Wynn A war doctor is still generally, you know, at the front line of a war, to, you know...be a war doctor.

[@trulucy]

Hoopdy that’s right...and btw I finally gave up my 17-year-old hooptie.

[@deepdish2034]

@I. Wynn Wynn and?

[@theroadtwitch7928]

@I. Wynn Wynn if you are just reiterating that his wife was a war doctor..ok--although its already pointed out by the previous commentor, which negates any logical reason the purpose of you restating it. This leads me to conclude that you are implying she is not a war VETRAN. If that is your intent, you are an incredibly obtuse, ignorant moron. These ladies were selfless, putting their life on the line, and many lost their lives. The causality, had they not been there, would have have resulted in a much greater loss of life.

[@airborne486]

He is absolutely correct, out of the 4 translators that helped my unit in Iraq, 3 of them, last I heard have been killed, this and soooooo many thing that John brings up is appalling. Im beginning to wonder if this country can even fix all the serious issues that we have...

[@user-ix4nq9yz8k]

It never will fix them. Be sure of that.

[@delbomb3131]

Damn that seriously sucks.

[@Synicizm]

This is crazy. No one is expendable. These guys are incredibly brave, and they pay such a horrible price for it, for us.

[@neharawat8641]

airborne486

[@SarafinaSummers]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. It was not forgotten, nor in vain.

[@MrJLake84]

How is this not making the rounds again?

[@vaevictus4637]

As a combat veteran and a Pashto translator myself, I find this particularly heartbreaking.

[@quantumleap7964]

Thank you for your service. I hope you were treated better.

[@bunnyluver2176]

Thanks for ur service. This is sickening.

[@KineticGTR]

Anyone else want to give these guys, like FNU a big fucking hug? :(

[@Oddi0]

Fnucking*

[@platypuss619]

This makes me so sad. This is why I often crave group hugs...

[@mugginish]

+KineticGTR I'm indian and my student visa had me down as FNU as well. It isn't a clerical error as much as something they do when they aren't too sure which is your first name. (not all cultures have first and last names)

[@leperkhansulli2075]

+KineticGTR How bout we screw the hugs and give him money?

[@cobraglatiator]

FNU is fnot a fnucking fname....

[@nia.j.h]

it's so heartbreaking that the 'success story', Mohammad's successful move to the US, was only approved after his father was murdered, his baby brother kidnapped, $35,000 being spent to get him back, and his family weren't even allowed to come with him. disgusting treatment, I'm so sorry Mohammed. saying thank you for your sacrifice almost feels wrong, as if we in any way deserved your help, your sacrifice was just too much and I am so sorry for that.

[@dark_messiah8183]

And all of it for such a shitty series of wars that should never have happened

[@ciarakenny1317]

This guy needs a book. Who else agrees with me?

[@8day1989]

True, but there's one caveat: most people in "3rd world countries" do not have such money, esp. considering that he had money to possibly buy off his dad as well. There's no doubt that he experienced a great tragedy and that he helped US citizens and should be rewarded for that, but lets not forget that most likely he knew the risks (essentially he was at war), also I suspect that he wasn't working "for food", i.e. was paid to do the job. It's like betting lots of money to go into bear's lair and then when he ripped of your arm demand that the other party must take care of you for the rest of your life :/ Moving him and his family into another region/neighboring country would've sufficed, esp. considering that it would've taken much less time (i.e. among other things would've saved his father's life and earned money). More over, they took yet another smart person from the country which he himself should rebuild.

[@LuiisLabra]

+8thDay you have no fucking empathy and sound like a sociopath, he risked his life to help people and your answer is "well he wasnt forced lol", he had to leave his country because the taliban was after him and your answer is "he should be there rebuilding his country lol" Just fuck off and get off the internet, you need some common sense to be here.

[@8day1989]

+ChromN7 I realise that, but do you really think I said something wrong? Lots of smart people, people who could've changed their own countries, move to a "places with greener grass". Yet, if such strong willed people remained, there's a chance that organizations like ISIS would have never came to existence. It's like giving a fish instead of teching how to catch it (though I'm sure they have been "teaching" for quite some time...). Also, my answer to which you refer was not "well he wasn't forced", but "he chose to help and was payed for the job, why does he need to have anything else, apart from saving his own life by moving to another region, etc.". Also, as for "rebuilding his own country": if you really think so, then it proves that he gives shit about his country, hence he essentially was nothing more than a mercenary, thus only payment for the job would have sufficed. A great example in support of my claims is witness protection program: US citizens are moved to other regions of country and are given new names, yet in the aforementioned case people are moved to another country. P.S. These are more like rhetoric questions/speech, answering to them will be more like cross-trolling.

[@caseyhamm8822]

“deep gratitude for someone’s service but also deep shame for how they’ve been treated” is an emotion that is on the rise these days, and i do not care for it

[@insertfunnynamehere1719]

My Father worked as a translator for the American military for the first 4 years of my life. I only knew him from phone and video calls, because he stayed overseas so often. He was shot multiple times, and somedays I am still surprised he ever made it back.

[@TakeThisification]

In the same way that John ended the interview, I must admit that I have no words, or means, to convey how ashamed I am for not knowing this problem existed until just now.

[@537monster]

How is it your fault? It's the job of the media to bring problems like this to our attention. But they've been too busy with non-issues like missing planes and Ebola. If anyone should be ashamed it should be CNN,MSNBC, and Fox News for failing miserably on producing any ounce of useful, or worthwhile journalism that could help prevent these horrible instances.

[@jonlesliehaynes]

Why would you feel shame? What did you do or fail to do?

[@TakeThisification]

bluhousworker As a citizen of the United States of America, I feel personally responsible for the bureaucratic nonsense that my nation puts these people through. I am beside myself with guilt that I live in a place where people think it is okay to turn a blind eye to these issues when the information is clearly available and has been for several years. I hate the idea that I had to discover this news from a comedian before someone like my local federal representative. And, honestly, I question the ethics of any person who feels nothing after hearing Mohammad's story of having his father die, his brother kidnapped for the ransom of his life's savings, and his remaining family forced to go into hiding because he was left waiting.

[@ravszee]

bluhousworker As a human being I feel obligated to help out my fellow man in a time of distress. The fact that a person is getting completely fucked over by a government that I standby makes me feel ashamed. Wouldn't it make you feel ashamed when the country you call home is committing this horrendous humanitarian atrocity? I feel ashamed and I'm not even american.

[@jonlesliehaynes]

Ravi Oli If I felt shame every time a government treated people poorly I would be in a constant state of shame and distress, so no I'm done feeling ashamed for the actions of governments. People in power, people who want power and people who use power poorly are dangerously rampant.

[@WolfWalrus]

"What else are we gonna do with Guam? _It's Guam!_ It's two hundred square miles of palm trees and storage space! *It's Guam!*" This message is paid for by the tourist commission of Guam.

[@firstlast-cs6eg]

@Nic DeGrave What does kidnap buddies mean?

[@firstlast-cs6eg]

I understand There are plenty of people who live on Guam, a whole population where the majority serve in the military but they get it rough, that's a whole nother exposay

[@andromidius]

I'd probably say "Leave it be, let the inhabitants decide what to do with their own island." If they want to continue being a US Military base, that's cool. If not, then the US Government should listen to them. Like that'll ever actually happen. Sigh.

[@tilleye3774]

When you watch this, remember that Johns wife is a war veteran... this shit is personal for him and thats why he does such a great job reporting on veterans issues

[@LadySnowfaerie]

@@tilleye3774 Why are you posting word for word the same comment another person posted on this video four years ago from a similarly empty-looking account? Interesting.

[@thesparduck117]

Well this certainly now has a darker meaning than it did half a decade ago

[@HazyTown01]

And America wonders why we don't have any friends.

[@christianalmli9085]

Haze Haberdasher In fairness, some of us do TRY to like you.

[@HazyTown01]

And we love you for it. Most of us. Some of us. Well, I do... Man, we're bad at friendship.

[@miyamotomusashi7612]

Haze Haberdasher Says stoned twilight.

[@HazyTown01]

Stoned Twilight used friendship. Yay.*Cough*

[@CoolioXXX52]

Haze Haberdasher citizens do our government is bullcrap

[@Spacesnakes474]

"I wish I could've bought my dad too" Just hit me so hard....

[@brown_and_curly_ne_girly4551]

I deployed twice and both times had a translator named “Steve” two different men. They were our life line and we trusted that what they were saying was what we asked them to. in my opinion they are American soldiers and I have so much respect for them.

[@KysonChannell]

That polygamy question popped up when I was trying to get my fiance's visa and I thought it was ridiculous

[@somaliyeyhormar4632]

how long does that process? i am in a process for applying one

[@KysonChannell]

@@somaliyeyhormar4632 it can take a few months. I would imagine right now is worse because there's a massive backlog due to the pandemic. It also might depend on where you or your fiancee are from.

[@GirlPantsProductions]

John Oliver summoning the name of Franz Kafka and comparing saving translator's lives to Zach Braff's crowdfunding campaign are just some of the reasons why this program needs to be on a major network 4 nights a week.

[@demianhaki7598]

I was just about to say that this was probably the first mention of Kafka on a US television show ever :-D

[@beastman333]

While I agree that this show is amazing, 4 nights a week would be awful for it. Being able to hone in on a single topic over 7 days and really really research it and nail it is what makes this show amazing and eye-opening. They're doing it the right way with this.

[@hdaviator9181]

Perhaps it wouldn't be as good if it where on all week.

[@TheGuyisHigh]

One of the reasons the show is so well-researched and thought through is that they only broadcast it once a week and use the rest of the week preparing it. So 4-times a week would probably lead to a lower quality program.

[@GirlPantsProductions]

Stewart and Colbert get along just fine at 4 nights a week. It's all about expanding your writing team and maintaining a healthy "week on, week off"schedule like they do.

[@julienteychene6022]

Their research team really does an awesome, complete, thorough job. Slow clap for all of them.

[@chipskylark5500]

Truly

[@DY-tj9wu]

I am grateful to you John for taking the initiative and fortitude to discuss these types of hard hitting, in your face, wtf, and wow topics. You are a journalistic hero. To FNU, Mohammed, you're an inspiration to all of mankind. To risk your life and endure the tragedies of your family's dangers and the death of your father, my condolences by the way, you have secured your eternal place with the afterlife head and shoulders above the bureaucrats that processed your place in America. Welcome, my friend, to the United States of America. If you should need anything, please allow me to be of assistance sir. It is the very least that I can do to be of assistance to such an honorable man.

[@utkarshtripathi221]

His wife Kate Norley, is an Iraq War veteran who served as a United States Army medic.

[@HexIsme]

"Fnu is not a fnucking fname" Is utterly true and also utterly hilarious.

[@equalssign44]

No it’s fnucking hilarious

[@hannestorstensson8845]

@Yürüyen Ansiklopedi Fnucking Fnuckalicious Fnucktables

[@tajicbladeofthelegion5474]

Fnuck Fnegetables

[@rafa_leo_siempre]

fnot*

[@moakley]

this is great investigative journalism

[@anirudhk217]

lets not forget the good work "VICE" is doing.

[@BanimatorLive]

anirudhk217 I liked what VICE used to do. now all i get in my subscriber feeds is the interview of people after sex....

[@anirudhk217]

Blinksumk then you must be looking at the wrong channel because i have videos about ebola and an interesting piece called "the real true detective".

[@brittanycarner8074]

And here we are.

[@andygtmo]

The ghost of Franz Kafka bit killed me

[@intronaut8582]

Mohammad, you're a fucking hero.

[@halehortler147]

Fnucking*

[@rocky66]

My unit in Iraq had 10 interpreters and these people were paid alot but sacrificed so much like as we did as soldiers fighting in a war zone. I spent much of my down time helping out and working with our interpreters that regardless of sunni or shia islamic religious divide, the interpreters worked together to keep us soldiers and themselves safe. One brave interpreter actually died to help save a soldier sfter a complex ied attack. We treated our interpreters like family and made the extra effort to take care of them. I have youtube videos of these iraqi interpreters in their off time, just hanging out with them and being able to treat them as men not as expendable like other units have in the past. We would eat together at our chow hall or when we were at the many iraqi police stations eating native food with them and with the iraqi police that learned to trust us through the interpreters. I would have gave my life to save any of those interpreters like i would have for my fellow soldiers.

[@bablumenthal9703]

+rocky66 Thanks so much for serving and for sharing this... it is such a sad situation.

[@KamrynB]

+rocky66 Thank you for your service.

[@catherinepatrick9724]

What is your suggestion on how we can help? Thank you for your service.

[@RalucaAriadna]

+rocky66 I'm happy people like you exist. Thank you for your service.

[@rocky66]

its too bad more didn't survive

[@rend3ring]

And look at what's happening now... I can't imagine what they've been going thru and what they're going thru rn and they deserve all the help in the world to be able to stay safe and continue to live their lives.

[@phoenixjackson7411]

You can really tell that John’s extra pissed about this and I love it.

[@Silverbleedy]

Ok 15:16 made me upset. He really believes he is responsible for what happened to his family. Which isn't right, because he did many good things and actually tried to provide a better life for his family. This made me really sad.

[@DursunX]

+Silverbleedy i shed the tear that he bravely held back...

[@2Stonefly]

+Silverbleedy You can see the tears in his eyes.

[@gia257]

+Silverbleedy he is responsible, he took the risky job with the shady assholes and paid for it when they failed him, thats the whole reason of the segment ,john putting the spotlight on the assholes high up wanting to wash their hands upon these people they used for their benefit and trying to create change

[@Kiba0Shino0Hinata]

+gia no, the shady assholes are responsible. the taliban is responsible. not him.

[@Tamaki742]

Sorry, but that's some grade A victim blaming there. He took the job because he truly believes that the US troops is there to save his country, he took his job knowing the risk, he took his job because his family supported him to do so. What he did was saving the lives of countless shoulders and actually, actively trying to create change in his conflict - ridden country, something I couldn't even begin to imagine to even do in the first place. That alone showed how brave this man is. So it's fucking unfair that a person like him had to go through such suffering and denied the chance of getting his family to safety. He did more than any of us had done, he didn't deserve to be used and thrown away like some broken toy.

[@tombarrows1265]

I love the new sound it makes when you thumbs up a comment...

[@TheLostZero]

you gonna also love the sound when you thumb downing a comment.

[@tombarrows1265]

Arduka Corvus I agree it is a very cool sound

[@IceStarStorm]

Haven't i seen this comment somewhere before..?

[@jorgelopesforitunes]

IceStarStorm I also love the sound it makes when you dislike a comment.

[@bradenwells520]

Canadian Coyote tp://petitions.moveon.org/sign/extend-the-visa-program?source=c.em&r_by=10634871 Sign my petition to get them back, ASAP.

[@Makoto1687]

This, and other guests John Oliver has interviewed...makes him my favorite late night show host. His Edward Snowden interview still makes me love this show...So Good.

[@KarelAija]

Please follow up on this story given the state of current affairs in Afghanistan.

[@yaiyasmin]

Did anyone else cry a little at the end?

[@sorarivers8667]

+Yaiyasmin I resisted, to be honest. I wanted to be strong for whatever reason. I guess maybe I thought that it's easier to cry; harder to look directly at the problem going on and think about it and confront it and rise above crying useless tears. That was just the thought process, doesn't mean i'm correct. There's nothing wrong with crying.

[@bsphil]

+Yaiyasmin Not since Stephen Colbert's interview of Alan Rabinowitz, a zoologist with a severe stutter as a child who promised to defend the voiceless animals like the pets he poured his heart out to.

[@sarah3796]

I did. What a brave and strong man.

[@WouldUfuckMeForBlow]

+Yaiyasmin Yeah, almost..

[@trungdlebio]

I did cry a little.

[@georgemitchel23]

this is an American hero who lost part of his family for the safety of our people there... and yet we didn't thank him or saved his family.

[@morganmememachine466]

+georgemitchel23 And he isn't even American.

[@chrisjordan4677]

@@saeedvazirian so we should just hand out Visa's to whoever? Makes sense. Tell the EU and the UN to do the same for Europe and Asia You do know Islamics are banned in China & Korea?

[@chrisjordan4677]

@@saeedvazirian you sound colossally stupid yourself idiot

[@chrisjordan4677]

@@morganmememachine466 he isn't American very good point. Just because he translated doesnt give him rights to get a visa. Middle East vs Vietnam is a whole different set of people vs Middle East.

[@morganmememachine466]

chris jordan I think you replied to the wrong guy?

[@medusagorgo5146]

On my third tour in Afghanistan one of my jobs was supervising the interpreters on our FOB. I made sure that they were paid on time, that were treated well by the soldiers and that in general everything was going well. Another one of my jobs was to make sure that humanitarian assistance to villages was handed out by our squads out on patrol, I would always order more than what was “normal” so that I could give to our terps and to the civilian guards on our compound extra food for their families. I wrote letters of support for several of our interpreters for relocation to the States, although I don’t know if any of them made it here. I did the best I could do and I know that it wasn’t enough. Afghanistan is a beautiful country with hardworking people and I have been forever changed by being there.

[@rook777]

Some good news: the Iraqi translator I worked with in Syria has just recieved a PHD from the University of Montana. A kind and brilliant man who saved lives in a terrible environment. Thank you John for covering this issue!

[@C0ct0pusPrime]

instead of being ashamed to be an american, i'll just do my best to make sure that this shit doesn't go unnoticed, nor these stories go untold, any longer.

[@1991Nodoubt]

+C0ct0pusPrime I would take you so much more serious if your username wasn't "C0ctopusPrime".....

[@danpt2000]

+C0ct0pusPrime many Muslim fearing Americans don't give a shit about what Muslims have done for Americans.

[@knickie1982]

+C0ct0pusPrime I dunno why people are attacking your username, but you see how people are from behind a computer screen. That being said, you're doing what an ally should do; speak out for those who are unheard, especially when you're from a demographic of privilege.

[@1991Nodoubt]

knickie1982 ***** C0ct0pusPrime is saying Cock and octopus prime from transformers. It's a username used as a joke. Smh some folks, I tell ya.

[@motherintoronto]

+C0ct0pusPrime I would hate to see Americans become ashamed of being Americans. I would love to see the majority of *Americans being politically engaged*. Pay attention. Put pressure on your politicians.

[@Aj808s]

God bless you FNU

[@Ragetothefullest]

Aj A. Don't you mean 'God bless FNU'?

[@TylerAnselmo11]

They should do an update on this a part 2 if you will. Now that we've left Afghanistan

[@sowkanthika342]

6 years later ...it is still relevant. Nightmares coming true

[@bonniegrrl]

I love how John Oliver angrily walks through how horribly difficult it is to fill out those annoying forms and their pointless questions... and how much needless red tape there is on something that needs to be simplified.

[@LexiLSify]

Right ? I could feel his anger radiating from him through my screen. It's beyond ridiculous that translators who are VITAL to US military and who risk their lives and family have to go to such length to try and get a visa. Also what the fuck is this embassy appointment in a country where it's closed ? and the employer thing ? like seriously that's just pretending there's a program to be able to sleep at night while not really giving a shit about the people.

[@megabigblur]

There's probably also a component of personal annoyance for him, US immigration paperwork is a MASSIVE pain in the ass even if you're applying for something routine like a student, family, or working professional visa which I assume he must have had to do at some point.

[@chrischeng2922]

Any updates on Srosh, anyone? I hope he is okay

[@okonh0wp]

Chris Cheng Who is Srosh?

[@darreth0104]

okonh0wp Watch the VIDEO!!! (Go to 2:30)

[@unnown39061]

Chris Cheng I know australia last year took in 280 translators and their families so hopefully srosh was one of them.

[@chrischeng2922]

Oh good! I hope he is to, but would be nice if John Oliver could invite him for an interview or some special segment to confirm that. I mean, he referred back to the Space sex geckos, so Srosh should definitely be in the picture :)

[@owenfitzgerald3219]

Chris Cheng Space Sex Geckos? WOW I missed that story.

[@nataliarodriguez3740]

"No friend left behind"

[@imfine_ithink]

2021: "who could have guessed that"

[@xylophone897]

It's a rare treat when John Oliver has guests on the show.

[@firesnakearies]

How is it that John Oliver can simultaneously make me laugh so much while also making me so sad and angry about our world?

[@xzst]

He is a great journalist. :)

[@AntiGravityC9]

Our world AND one dumb donkey.

[@kayonesoft]

smok3ybg It's a sad time in this country we live in when it takes comedians to accurately report the important news.

[@briancheng8243]

The writers for this show, and John Oliver are very good at what they do!

[@jameschen229]

Good Taste Aficionado ur answer also made me laugh and sad

[@Angry5704]

Mohammad seems like just a really cool person to be around and hang out with. We need more people like him in this country. Edit: And less people like Ted Cruz.

[@leerutledge9099]

Unbelievably glad about Srosh

[@underwaterlion5453]

John the past week without you has felt like 999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 Years

[@christiawi9]

sexvigintillion years. That's a long time. Better to use the name of the number then writing it all out.

[@underwaterlion5453]

sexvigintillion years has 81 zeros after the first number, better do your research before making idiotic comments trying to be cool.

[@xGimpyx]

That's a lot of fnucking years.

[@christiawi9]

J Lal Ah, I was called out. I'm afraid you are right. I must have miscounted the numbers.

[@epothos1]

I counted four times there are 84 digits of 9 Which if you rounded it be 10 ^ 85 which is a huge number that is still not bigger than a googolplexian or googolplexplex which in turn is not bigger than infinity. So thanks for enlightening me to obscure large numbers and in the immortal words of abridged Piccolo "NERD!!!".

[@Janegamin]

Mohammad, I thank you for providing the great service towards our troops even though you could've just ignored them. You are a true hero, and I'm sorry that helping our military got your father killed. My condolences.

[@saeedvazirian]

I love how insincere and pathetic this is.

[@apurvanataraj5547]

I have lost count of how many times I have seen this video, and I always get chills when Mohammad walks out.

[@ChronoNeko]

I work at a grocery store and some of my duties include performing money transfers. I've actually had customers who come in to send money and their IDs read FNU in the first name slot, I always wondered why.

[@MaxWellenstein]

Bureaucratic clusterfuck is exactly right. It is incredibly shameful that we're not taking anything less than first-rate care of these insanely brave translators.

[@SamBergstro]

Well, that was infuriating.

[@UberFubarius]

What's even more infuriating is that we HAD a working process before, as John Oliver said, with Vietnam! Move them to a safer place. Hell, refit Guantanamo Bay as a temporary refugee camp for them! We already got the land, it's not in US, and give that place at least some positive uses!

[@Brucefulness]

That girl singing the cover of "Let it go" had an incredible voice

[@GJameso]

+Malinda Kathleen Reese Go look her up. She does some good stuff.

[@renroberts1045]

She does a lot of google translate sings

[@anastacia2990]

Matt Crider she has a channel called “ google translate “ it’s so funny

[@sithlordhibiscus9936]

Shes awesome. i love her channel. check out africa by toto's cover

[@nay_naydean]

No one has mentioned her name.

[@NativeLevelEFL]

How can one even applaud or even begin to speak with someone who has experienced that? It’s amazing that he can laugh and smile.

[@xXAavisXx]

This popped up in my Recommended feed today. Although I don't live in US, I'm aware of the situation there. The US is now pulling out of Afghanistan and the translators there are STILL worried about not being brought along with the US Troops. This video is almost 7 years old and almost nothing has changed. Truly heart breaking.

[@pninaruth]

Thank you Mohammed.

[@benjaminlee2493]

This is fucking heartbreaking, jesus christ.

[@TheSaberWolfDuchess]

*Fnucking

[@DhavalShukla]

He featured Malinda Cathleen Reese! She's the one singing let it go parody version of google translate. 😂

[@Mr.Magic4ever]

Deep gratitude and respect.

[@MissFotini]

So frustrated I'm actually crying.

[@cmegma]

I feel you.

[@fabio24amarante]

jfc, same.

[@Drace90]

When I clicked on this video, I expected John Oliver to (kinda rightfully) bash the Google Translator. I didn't even see the feelings coming.

[@katiestubbs3767]

I love John Oliver, he is so engaging and charismatic.

[@maytrenzado8651]

Can't stop crying after watching this!!! Breaks my heart

[@koneal2000]

How the system should work... 1) Those who aid in military operations and have received recommendation from at least two U.S soldiers should be given immediate visas. 2) While background checks are necessary, these checks can be and should be significantly smaller. 3) Those who have aided the U.S but are in immediate danger in their home country should have themselves and their families moved to a U.S territory for safety until their visas can be processed. But I guess that's just my two cents on the topic.

[@jmitterii2]

Kevin O'Neal I agree. The rest of the paperwork can be easily processed here in the states.

[@orvil9223]

Kevin O'Neal What background check you going to do on a man from a country you just destroyed and who would you get that information from? Also, shouldn't the background check be performed BEFORE you allow him to risk his life for you, in case there is something that would preclude him from obtaining a visa? How about this, Kevin. He works for the military, risks his life, senior ranking officer of the group he works for fills out a form and boom ! he and his family get to jump the pond. Sound a little more reasonable? Friggin American thinking through and through on your part - "Background checks are necessary" lol. And let me ask you this..........what could possibly be in anyone's background that would preclude them, AFTER RISKING THEIR LIVES FOR AMERICAN SOLDIERS, that should result in denial of a visa? Old shoplifting charge? low SAT scores? unsteady employment history and low credit score? I'll let you in on a little secret before you bring up some kind of "terrorist association" defense and the like - THEY AREN'T GOING TO SAVE HUNDREDS, POSSIBLY THOUSANDS OF AMERICAN SOLDIERS LIVES, so that they can sneak over here and blow up a parking garage while screaming "gotcha!" So, shoot me an example of what you got there, Kevin.

[@brandonbuchner1771]

Kevin O'Neal Hey Kevin...you take your logic and shove it...that's not the way this country works, pal.

[@thegreatkyd]

O

[@XprawlerX]

Brandon Buchner well to be honest your country barely works

[@Selsius96]

I, a Dutch person who's done fuck all for America can get much more easily into that country than Afghani and Iraqi heroes who don't only deserve to get into that country without trouble, but should also be greeted with a Medal of fucking Honor on arrival for what they did for U.S. soldiers. This really makes my blood boil.

[@malcolmhollett8638]

+Sqqr Agreed, except I'm from Canada... We should make this video go viral again because even though John Oliver covers other fairly horrifying stories, this one tops it off for sure.

[@h.ar.2937]

Go Canada

[@squishytaco2405]

Fucking A right.

[@LexiLSify]

Same here. White Western/Northern Europeans can basically go to the US whenever they want and visas are a formality (well permanent ones seem like a bitch but tourist visa is a breeze, and we're sure other temporary visas will be delivered). P.S: I'm French

[@supervegeta566]

Watching this on August 15, 2021. I remember watching when this episode originally aired. When was the last time this country did any good? We're a complete shitshow.

[@MyReviews_karkan]

I came through that SIV program. Man, I had to fill out a ton of papers and had to run after officers and beg them to write letters of recommendation so I can send them to the general who then took forever to approve it. I still have most of those applications just for memories. I'm lucky I'm a very prompt person and never settled without getting papers done the same day. It took a total of 3 months for me from the time I actually submitted the papers to the time I received the Visa. Wasn't bad, but I put in triple the amount of work and begging to get all of my papers done. Some of my other friends didn't even get through and stayed in iraq. A cousin of mine took almost 2 years to get it done. It all depends, if you have officers who are willing to help or not. If you are working with an asshole then forget it.

[@hannandersha]

I'm not an American citizen. But, thank you Mohammed! and all other translators risking your life. It may not help you in life but, still very thankful.

[@CloudyShinobi]

Who in their right mind is disliking this video? Seriously, the only justification i can think of to warrant that type of twisted rationale would either be you're a member of a terrorist group like ISIS or your just an ungrateful, foolish, racist, who judges people by their ethnicity rather than their actions and life choices. Lastly, thank you John Oliver for being the voice (since your show began airing) for those who are so often kept unheard. You're truly achieving tremendous victories for justice and morality by using your HBO television show as a soapbox to plead the cases for the downtrodden and subjugated, whose plights would otherwise go overlooked and ignored. Thank you

[@skyboards]

everyone is saying that the people who disliked this video are probably extremists... but logically speaking, wouldn't it be US govt officials who probably dont like this news to come out?? :P and i seriously doubt an extremist would check on a comedian doing a bit on them regarding a translator :P

[@AddamMiller]

Mahesh Chivukula "but logically speaking, wouldn't it be US govt officials who probably dont like this news to come out?? :P" aka....extremists. have you listened to those people talk?

[@skyboards]

^ i am not american...just an observation ( and i dont get american media on my TV)

[@AddamMiller]

Mahesh Chivukula fair enough.

[@popsavant]

It's people that don't care for Oliver's politics that will judge the video prior to watching it.

[@RinRin_c]

God bless you, Mr.FNU..

[@LillikoiSeed]

Okay. We are pulling out now. What are we going to do about these people who have done so much for us? If we don’t do something it is a death sentence for them

[@riparianlife97701]

Thanks, man. Welcome to America. I hope you get to see your mom and siblings soon.

[@riggenbachi]

i love how into that chicks gets when singing mistranslated "Let It Go"

[@phrophetsamgames]

Ikr

[@AriellaLilien]

+Milky Cowish She put it in google translate and translated it into a bunch of different languages, and then back into english.

[@NightStar787]

+Anyah StPierre If you haven't looked her up by now she actually gets into all of the songs that she sings. It still amazes me that she can memorize and sing a bunch of nonsense with a straight face lol

[@voiceoreason9884]

look up Malinda Kathleen Reese

[@Katerine459]

There are lots of them. :) My personal favorite of Melinda's is actually the Google Sings of "Colors of the Wind." Followed by "One Day More."

[@Nalianna]

12:30 was my favorite part. seeing him alive.

[@ryanbrooks5011]

This was a vary powerful episode. This man has my respect, and his family my prayers.

[@thalandor46]

What I absolutely love about John Oliver is that he does more than just point out "This is bullshit". Anyone can say anything is anything on TV, but John Oliver goes above and beyond to cite point by point the exact reasons why something is bullshit. The value of demonstrating each and every step of the SIV process and all the ridiculous details along the way is incredible. Thank you to everyone at Last Week Tonight who makes all of that research happen, and finds an amazing way to convey that information to your viewers.

[@TheLoyalpain]

I'm not pissed off at a donkey; I'm pissed off at the government.

[@XVeganDaveGodFreeX]

Yeah, not just the donkey, also (and especially) the elephants!!

[@koppaacx6623]

Which comprised of donkeys

[@chrispham8705]

Why is this process so difficult? Two Words: Racist Bureaucrats.

[@conlon4332]

Yeah, it really wasn't the donkeys' fault.

[@fernie6299]

@@conlon4332 the donkey didn't even know what was going on

[@geniusfollower]

When the story is military or war or Iraq related, John is more passionate and worked up than usual. And then I remember, of course, his wife is an Iraq War veteran, and they met when she was protesting with a veterans group at the Republican National Convention and he was trying to sneak in to cover it for the daily show.

[@vincegiangiulio1160]

7 years later this episode is still relevant.

[@swarburton24]

If you have helped to save lives of people from another nation, you should be able to leave and go to that nation with your family if you so wish. For free. Immediately. All needed checks can be done once they have been transported. This is fucking disgusting that we do this in the Western world!

[@sqjpure]

I'm really starting to think watcing the news is actually the worst place to learn the news. Late night Comedy might be the better option lol

[@Rukdug]

Ironically it comedy is the better option. This is because most news channels are owned by media moguls like Rupert Murdoch and are thus only in existence to entertain and make a profit, not to actually inform. Fox, MSNBC, etc are all an act. Late night comedy, because it is comedy, can be completely, perfectly honest. And late night comedy shows are not produced/owned by people like Rupert Mudroch, so they have much more freedom in what they can do and cover. Sad really when you think about it.

[@akhazanovich]

They have actually done studies that show that people who watch things the Daily Show are generally more educated on world events then people who watch normal news programs

[@changerald3699]

but i think mainstream media might not be as bad as it sounds, when half of the time this show cites from news reports and stuff...(not an american, dunno much abt yr mainstream media, but i think credit has to be given for the source-citing)

[@kylehoward4636]

We had an interpreter in Balad Iraq in like 2009 or 2010 that was constantly getting shit from the locals, his brother was one too. After I left we kept in touch. He was waiting for his papers to bring his family over here. A few years after that he was in the USMC with his brother and living in the states after his ets. He’s probably the happiest person I’ve ever seen to come to our country. It’s not all terrible.

[@johnlares1479]

Aged like fine wine.

[@PeterSedesse]

Can we do a 1 for 1 transfer. We get Mohammad, they get Trump

[@StardustLegend]

+Peter Sedesse Yes yes please! That's a win win situation, what have we got to lose!? XD

[@darthvader907]

That’s such a terrible deal for them, why would they ever agree

[@isla8599]

I want this to be the top comment 😂

[@ColoradoK_117]

That's not a 1 for one though, I don't think you can count the Tangering Fuhrer as an actual person, let alone the outstanding example of a human that Mohammed is.

[@russellbrown6888]

@@ColoradoK_117 Indeed, he's more like a hairless Orangutan with some kind of blonde parasite on its head.

[@Kibaoftheleaves]

I don't blame the donkey. It's the people who valued him over people who actually help us during the war enough to bring him stateside that I blame.

[@xamzax]

The sentence, "I don't blame the donkey" is the only reason I started reading through the comments. Thanks Marshmallow Pie!

[@nickanstee8187]

It's more the fact that it's more simple to get a donkey a fucking citizenship than a human. Even if those soldiers were trying to get their translator into the country it would still be near fucking impossible.

[@won1853]

In case you missed, "blame the donkey" is a double entendre. This was during the Obama administration and the donkey is a symbol for the Democrat Party.

[@aurelien5747]

Evenstar I don’t think it was double entendre it was just to joke

[@jeremypatalano3637]

At 4:33 i got in trouble for shouting hell yeah XD i regret nothing

[@dudewiththehacky]

this is journalism at its best

[@Hammsolo77]

Thank you to FNU and all who have served. I pray your family and your fellow translators find safety. God Bless