Comments on: Violence Breaks Out All Over Baghdad

By: Rick DeMent

Rick DeMent — Mon, 22 Nov 2004 13:54:11 +0000

This is a good trick, insurgency increasing means that that sucess is just around the corner, insurgency decreasing means that that sucess is just around the corner.

What, pray tell, would be a sign that things are not working?

By: small dead animals

small dead animals — Sun, 21 Nov 2004 22:57:09 +0000

"To hell they will go." Iraq link roundup: Greyhawk: It's a good thing we're communicating by written words now rather than spoken, because there's a helicopter parked about 50 yards from me, still running, an ambulance next to it with a guy on a stretcher...

By: small dead animals

small dead animals — Sun, 21 Nov 2004 20:45:51 +0000

"To hell they will go." Some must reads. Greyhawk: It's a good thing we're communicating by written words now rather than spoken, because there's a helicopter parked about 50 yards from me, still running, an ambulance next to it with a guy on a stretcher...

By: ken

ken — Sun, 21 Nov 2004 04:17:16 +0000

Let's just declare it a victory and get out. After all we've broken the back of the insurgency.

By: DC Loser

DC Loser — Sun, 21 Nov 2004 03:45:51 +0000

It's desperation if the attacks increase, even if they're quite organized and effective against the Iraqi security apparatus. I suppose if the attacks were decreasing it'd be held up as an example of success too.

By: Attila Girl

Attila Girl — Sun, 21 Nov 2004 01:43:30 +0000

I'd love to think that the insurgency is starting its death throes. I'm not positive that this is the case, but I think it will be within a year or two.

By: Bithead

Bithead — Sat, 20 Nov 2004 23:30:31 +0000

Look,I think you guys are missing one basic point;
Ever see a cornered racoon? They fight like the world was ending.

I suggest the same thing is true here.
A certain level of desperation has ented their style of fighting. So, really, the level of fighting going up is completely in line with having broken their back.

By: Anjin-San

Anjin-San — Sat, 20 Nov 2004 21:36:22 +0000

How many times has the administration told us we have turned the corner in Iraq so far? And around every corner, why there are more corners. The insurgency seems to be self-sustaining, and the administraion does not seem to get that.

By: Todd

Todd — Sat, 20 Nov 2004 21:29:01 +0000

Remember Tet? That broke the Viet Cong as a fighting force. After that, the war was run by North Vietnamese Regulars. (and Walter Cronkite)

The terrorists in Iraq don't have a regular army backup. (and Cronkite is too old)

By: McGehee

McGehee — Sat, 20 Nov 2004 20:26:41 +0000

Even assuming the ABC discussion was accurate (and it being ABC, well...), desperation doesn't necessarily express itself in disorganization. It can also express itself in the injudicious commitment of resources to an effort that, viewed objectively, cannot succeed.

And that is what the insurgents are doing.

By: DC Loser

DC Loser — Sat, 20 Nov 2004 19:11:48 +0000

I'm not seeing much sign of desperation in the organized attacks against the Iraqi Police and the asssassinations of senior Iraqi military and security personnel, which was discussed last night on ABC News by Martha Radditz. Their goal is to decimate the Iraqi security forces and render them totally ineffective, and then the US would have no choice but to assume all security duties, therefore playing into the insurgents' claims this is an occupation.

By: SFC Ski

SFC Ski — Sat, 20 Nov 2004 18:59:30 +0000

THis may be wishful thinking, but it could be that the insurgents are starting to step up attacks as an act of desparation; knowing that the noose is tightening , they choose to act now with less effectiveness, knowing that there is no 'later' in which to coordinate a larger planned attack.