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2004-04-05 Iraq-Jordan

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Posted by tipper 2004-04-05 7:58:10 PM|| || Front Page|| [11126 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I was trying to post this, but screwed up because I wasn't [details deleted], and had the following commentary: It almost sounds like a textbook repeat of the Tet Offensive. Remember that the Tet Offensive was a tactical disaster but a strategic success: the average TV viewer at home seemed to be oblivious to the fact that large numbers of the "guerillas" were NVA regulars, who were committing massacres of civilians (for instance at Hue). I'm beginning to think that it's a big mistake to underestimate the power of the useful idiots.

Posted by Phil Fraering 2004-04-05 8:16:19 PM|| [http://newsfromthefridge.typepad.com] 2004-04-05 8:16:19 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 Tens of thousands?

Recheck your number.

Its probably less than 5000 or so are the core Sadr. THe rest might be looters and criminals, palin and simple, taking advanatage of the chaose and lawlessness brought on by Sadr's thugs.

Posted by OldSpook 2004-04-05 8:17:33 PM|| 2004-04-05 8:17:33 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 Strategypage is a good site for some perspective and is generally accurate. Their view of the Sadr power play is more measured, but still sobering.

It sounds like we forced Sadr's hand somewhat in our recent crackdown. He may have sensed opportunity after Fallujah and our anticipated response. No doubt he's considered the troop rotation/drawdown and turnover to the IP, in which he had infiltrated some of his people. Plus he's not too bright.

The key questions regard the degree to which Iran is involved and whether we have enough troops to maintain order. If Iran is putting all of its eggs in the Sadr basket, Sadr may have more resources and we probably do not have enough troops. Still, I sense he moved too soon and it is hard for me to see how they can do much more than take over a few buildings until a tank or AC-130 appears.

But I'm just an armchair guy so hopefully the the Rantburgers who've actually been there and done that can assess the situation on the ground. If we need more troops Bush better do the right thing regardless of the political cost.

Posted by JAB 2004-04-05 8:17:49 PM|| 2004-04-05 8:17:49 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 Belmont Club has an excellent commentary on zeyad's post

Posted by tipper 2004-04-05 8:25:21 PM|| 2004-04-05 8:25:21 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 They have done the right thing - apparently (not sayign where I heard this) the US had snipers ready and in position in key locations in the areas where the violence died out quickly.

Sadr's boys came out tootin and shootin, and were left alone, until the leaders showed themselves. Those guys got dropped, quick fast and in a hurry. One Shot One Kill.

50BMG does nasty things to a human body, especially if its center mass (blows the heart out the back) or the head (No head left from the ears back).

After that, the US moved the troops and helicopters in.

Thats why things got quiet in a hurry - the essentially decapitated the leadership, excepting the very top. And he will likely die while resisting arrest.

Notice that they were apparently trying to get children into the fight - tells you a lot about Sadr, doesn't it?

Tet this is not. No outside support of any magnitude, no jungle, no Ho Chi Minh Trail, the populace is not supportive (Sadr is fringe and hated by Sunnis and moderate Shiites) and Sadr and his leash holders in Iraq are no Nguyen Giap, nor are we Westmoreland & Johnson.

Posted by OldSpook 2004-04-05 8:26:04 PM|| 2004-04-05 8:26:04 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 I meant "Tet" in the sense of a tactical defeat that turns into a strategic victory thanks to propaganda and misunderstandings, OldSpook; personally, I hope you're right. I do have questions about how much material and support is coming from Iran, and can cross over from there. HOPEFULLY they're limited by their domestic situation, but I don't like saying "Hopefully..."

Posted by Phil Fraering 2004-04-05 8:36:58 PM|| [http://newsfromthefridge.typepad.com] 2004-04-05 8:36:58 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 ...the US had snipers ready and in position in key locations...

From the sound of it, this is something that had been brewing for a long time, and I find it hard to believe the Coalition had no wind of it whatsoever. Surely we've laid plans of our own.

Posted by Angie Schultz 2004-04-05 9:01:44 PM|| [http://darkblogules.blogspot.com] 2004-04-05 9:01:44 PM|| Front Page Top

#8 I heard a thought today on cable regarding the Iraqis from a guy who knew is stuff. "Iraq is a culture of snitchs" is what he basicly said. Lends support to knowing shit was about to go off.

Posted by Lucky 2004-04-05 10:06:30 PM|| 2004-04-05 10:06:30 PM|| Front Page Top

#9 Sadly, reminds one of Monty Python's "Life of Brian", regarding the Romans...

"...let's face it, the only one's who could keep order in a place like this..."

Posted by Hyper 2004-04-05 10:19:52 PM|| 2004-04-05 10:19:52 PM|| Front Page Top

#10 On the other hand, it required a Civil War in America to end slavery here... perhaps that's what it will take in Iraq, too...

Posted by Hyper 2004-04-05 10:44:53 PM|| 2004-04-05 10:44:53 PM|| Front Page Top

#11 This looks to me like it is Iranian inspired.

Posted by phil_b 2004-04-05 11:49:51 PM|| 2004-04-05 11:49:51 PM|| Front Page Top

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