Tom,

Your remarks sound strangely similar to what folks were saying about Vietnam, where official accounts underestimated the strength of the enemy and overestimated their losses. In Iraq, I sincerely hope its not just wishful thnking on your part.

However, I think by and large, the scale of the active Iraqi resistance is probably pretty darn close to what has been represented. And, it also makes sense that these are principally Baathists - afterall it doesn't appear that Saddam had much of a relationship with Al Qaeda to begin with. The problem, however, is that you don't need very many people to conduct an effective and ongoing terrorists campaign, particularly if you've got recruits willing to commit suicide.

Eventually, the resistance will be worn down and what will remain is an occasional terrorist act to punctuate the peace - not unlike other parts of the middle east. Unfortunately, we will likely lose more American lives along the way.

Donald