My Operation Iron Hammer Theory

[durutti]

Operation Iron Hammer obviously isn't going to hurt the Iraqi resistance. Indeed, it's likely to make it stronger. And the Bus administration can't possibly think otherwise.

So I've been thinking: maybe they're trying to provoke the resistance, to give them an excuse to abandon their promises of democracy and install a pro-American strongman.

Thoughts?

[cosmicaug]

1. Keeping up appearances

Maybe it's just about keeping up appearances. There's been a pretty drastic change in strategy over there coinciding with Operation Hammer (give or take several days). One in the resistance could get the impression that their efforts are actually having their desired effect (IOW, we're leaving --because Bush wants to see soldiers coming home for the elections). Iron Hammer is just a lot of noise to counteract that sort of perception in the Iraqui resistance. Whether it'll be fooling anybody open to debate.

[brainshrub]

2. I have my own theory.

What "OIH" was all about was the resumption of the ground war. But if you say: "We are resuming the bombing & ground war." The American Sheeple might ask...

"Baaah...uh Mr. President...didn't you say Mission Accomplished when you landed on the aircraft carrier?"

So instead, they are naming it an "Operation" implying it is a temporary action...nothing to see here folks...move along.

Next month they will have Operation Go Get Um!' Then Operation Pound Sand Up My Ass!' Then maybe: Operation We Gotta Look Like We Are Doing Something.'