Whatever happened to, we'll sort it out in 30 to 60 days?

[khaosworks]

Iraqi Conflict a 'Guerrilla' War
New commander says troops will face year-long deployments
By Craig Gordon
WASHINGTON BUREAU
July 17, 2003

Washington - The new commander of U.S. forces in Iraq labeled the conflict there a guerrilla war for the first time yesterday, and said replacement troops to be sent there should expect year-long deployments of the type used during the Vietnam War.

Gen. John Abizaid went further than U.S. officials had before in describing the daily attacks on U.S. forces, and the mounting death toll, as the result of "guerrilla tactics" that are growing in regional coordination, skill and the ability to exploit weak spots in U.S. activities.

Abizaid also pledged to start bringing home the longest-serving troops in Iraq by September but said the replacements for the 3rd Infantry Division should plan to be in Iraq for up to a year - a rotation common in the Vietnam era but rarely used now.

The combination of Abizaid's main points - the notion of U.S. troops digging in in Iraq for extended stays to fight against a shadowy yet sophisticated foe - signaled the growing seriousness with which top military commanders are viewing the situation in Iraq.

Two weeks ago, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld pointedly refused to label Iraq a guerrilla war, saying it didn't exhibit the kind of coordination that fits that term. But Abizaid said U.S. troops are facing a "classical guerrilla- type campaign."

To paraphrase the Shrub's father, "Whatever happened to my nice, clean victory?!?"

Next thing you know we'll be claiming that Iraqi insurgents are operating across the border from Syria and we'll start carpet-bombing it, and the Iraqis will mount a massive offensive despite the traditional Ramadan ceasefire... hey, wait a sec...

Comments

[wcg.livejournal.com]

Abizaid is a no BS kind of guy. It's going to be interesting with him in command of CentCom. Very interesting.

I'm really pleased with what he had to say yesterday. His straightforward "this is a war" reply is a breath of fresh air, even though it also makes the Rumsfeld/Wolfowitz/Pearle gang uncomfortable.