First, how many al-Qaeda were there when Saddam was in power? You know and I know. None. Some people say it hasn't become a haven for al-Qaeda. Sure, there are sweeps, the hounds move through. And then they are gone.

Second, how many times is this village going to have to be "cleared"?

Third, this doesn't seem to be a way to win a guerilla war. No "hearts and minds" here. If they were to "clear" the area and hold it, if there was an HQ unit coming up, and then battalion HQ coming up with the entire US Army behind them, to stay, it would work. That isn't the case. These guys will leave for their safe bases.

Fighting this war with Vietnam tactics is having Vietnam results. They just leave behind more death, destruction, hatred and terrorists to lick their wounds and plan on killing invaders.

And I noticed not one mention of Iraqi forces. Not a single one. Not even Kurdish, who are as "Iraqi" as Protestants are Irish. Nor anyone elses. Just American.

No way to win this war.

Arf