Optimism fades, but war goes on (Generals and Soldiers View)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/06/26/MNG27DF9Q71.DTL

At Saddam Hussein's vast palace complex that is now the U.S. Forward Operating Base Danger in Tikrit, Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto contemplates the war American soldiers under his command are now waging.

"The enemy is intrinsic," said Taluto, who heads the 42nd Infantry Division and the Army units attached to it in Iraq. "They're infiltrating the Iraqi security forces as we speak. I don't know how big (the insurgency) is, but I think their capability is constantly replenished."

<snip>

"I'm tired of going to my buddies' funerals," said Spc. Joshua Forman, from Sammamish, Wash., referring to memorial services the military holds for soldiers killed in Iraq.

<snip>

Sgt. Darrell Foster

In his first tour, during the invasion in 2003, "we didn't have to worry about IEDs (improvised explosive devices) or VBIEDs (vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, or car bombs)," he says. "Now it's more, freaking, everybody's trying to kill us."

[leftchick]

1. This is truly sad if they really believe it...

it makes no sense what so ever....

~snip~

What keeps them going in the 120-degree heat is a conviction that they must fight here to prevent future terrorist attacks on the United States. They also fight to honor the memories of comrades killed, while hoping that they can yet help build a better future for the Iraqis.

on edit...Another one drinking kool-aid

~snip~

Despite the seeming lack of progress against the insurgency -- as evidenced by the rising casualty count of both Americans and civilian Iraqis - - it is those scenes that make Wood, a career officer who has been in the army for 19 years, a firm believer in his mission.

Even with all the setbacks, he adds, the war must continue to be waged in Iraq. Otherwise, it will be waged on American soil, he says.

"I really believe in the idea of a war on terrorism. If we get the terrorists to fight us as an army not on the shores of the U.S. but someplace else, that's exactly why we're here."

:crazy:

[EVDebs]

2. This is loony tunes strategy. They should be doing a Khe Sahn

out in the desert luring the insurgents TO THEM. Instead, they wear bullseyes on themselves and invite skirmishes that give the insurgents a 'home field advantage'.

But the idea was always to do an occupation from Day One. That was always a BAD IDEA. Eventually the troops will learn the truth, the volunteer army will be nearly broken, and the payback from the former believers won't be a pretty sight. Republicans should be waking up to this; unfortunately too many have on their rose-colored glasses.