U.S. re-evaluates 'iron fisted' strategy in Iraq...Sweeps counterproductiv

[Rose Siding]

U.S. re-evaluates 'iron fisted' strategy in Iraq
Military says large sweeps may be counterproductive

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The U.S. military, in a major revision of strategy, has decided to limit the scope of its raids after receiving warnings from Iraqi leaders that they were alienating the public, the top allied commander said yesterday.

In its search for Baath Party operatives and other foes, the U.S. military has carried out large sweeps, some of which have rounded up hundreds of Iraqis.

But Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, the chief commander of allied forces in Iraq, said in an interview that the military had virtually exhausted the gains from this approach and that continuing it could be counterproductive.

"It was a fact that I started to get multiple indicators that maybe our iron-fisted approach to the conduct of ops was beginning to alienate Iraqis," Sanchez said. "I started to get those indications from a variety of sources, all the way from the Governing Council on down to average people."

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/133984_iraq07.html

[lazarus]

1. well, now

I'll take Blindingly Obvious for 800, Alex.

[NickB79]

4. It's your lucky day!

It's one of the Daily Doubles! How many US soldier's lives do you wish to risk?

[laconicsax]

2. It's sad that this is LBN

It's exactly what everyone outside of the Pentagon (and right-wing circles) was saying would happen when they started the sweeps.

[JackSwift]

3. Bush to try "nuanced" raids

ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUSTIN, TEXAS

By Jack Swift

While working his way through state dinner that was inappropriately held at his Crawford ranch Wednesday night, Bush stated that because we were trying to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people to fight the many terrorists of Al Queada that had been captured there, "we will no longer send our troops to perform raids with a full traditional backup. Our troops are ready to 'bring 'em on' in a more challenging format." The President then excused himself for passing wind and continued: "I'm all for dictatorship, as long as I'm the dictator. I've been to war and raised twins, I'd rather go to war. This bigacy must be stopped. Bring 'em on! Who cares what you think?"

<snip>

[Melinda]

5. "G.W. Burns"

"As punishment for your desertion, it is company policy to give you the plague."
"That's plaque, sir."

[ex_jew]

6. Bravo !

nt

[Beetwasher]

7. Too bad it's too late already, the damage is done

And I'll bet you anything, this is for domestic consumption only. IOW, the raids will continue, but they'll just claim they're more "nuanced"...