Saddam is playing a weak hand
Ralph Peters:
"...We have abundant means to defeat the Ba'athist remnants and the Islamic terrorists entering Iraq. But our lack of a serious, integrated plan that rises above wishful thinking and wasteful ideology continues to cost us credibility, momentum and lives.
"...Despite our gains on the ground and steady enemy losses, it's time to admit that our enemies are playing an extremely weak hand better than we're playing our strong one. We're winning, but they look like they're winning.
"We have the capabilities to turn this media-magnified perception around. Our military forces are doing remarkably well. Peaceful Iraqis are making steady progress.
"...Thanks to our military's dedication and improvisational skills, we've muddled through quite well. But we've never staged a serious occupation of the Sunni Triangle - we haven't had enough troops on the ground to establish a constant, commanding presence. Occupation forces can't just buzz through town every now and then, they have to be visible 24 hours a day.
"...First, our enemies hope to shift the field of decision from Iraq to America. By staging media-genic bombings that draw TV cameras away from dull success stories, the terrorists seek to create a mood of defeat - not along the Tigris, but on the Potomac.
"Credit where it's due - our enemies have studied recent history and our system of government. They're convinced that attacking the will of American politicians can achieve victories impossible on the battlefield. And they are determined to shape the outcome of next year's presidential election to their advantage.
"Second, by avoiding direct combat confrontations, while shifting to fleeting missile and mortar attacks, the terrorists continue to garner press coverage on the cheap.
"...The terrorists push a potent drug, and journalists are the addicts. Those who control no cannon win by commanding the cameras.
"Third, the attack on the Italians was part of an ongoing effort to peel off members of the coalition whom the terrorists view as less committed to standing their geopolitical ground. This strategy - of which we shall see more - has already paid off hugely for our enemies by driving out the United Nations and a range of fickle aid organizations.
"Each of these offensive lines converge on one clear goal: To convince American politicians and voters that Iraq isn't worth the cost and bother. Saddam's remaining supporters believe they can outlast us, that we lack the patience and grit to defeat them, no matter our wealth and power."
Ralph Peters:
"...We have abundant means to defeat the Ba'athist remnants and the Islamic terrorists entering Iraq. But our lack of a serious, integrated plan that rises above wishful thinking and wasteful ideology continues to cost us credibility, momentum and lives.
"...Despite our gains on the ground and steady enemy losses, it's time to admit that our enemies are playing an extremely weak hand better than we're playing our strong one. We're winning, but they look like they're winning.
"We have the capabilities to turn this media-magnified perception around. Our military forces are doing remarkably well. Peaceful Iraqis are making steady progress.
"...Thanks to our military's dedication and improvisational skills, we've muddled through quite well. But we've never staged a serious occupation of the Sunni Triangle - we haven't had enough troops on the ground to establish a constant, commanding presence. Occupation forces can't just buzz through town every now and then, they have to be visible 24 hours a day.
"...First, our enemies hope to shift the field of decision from Iraq to America. By staging media-genic bombings that draw TV cameras away from dull success stories, the terrorists seek to create a mood of defeat - not along the Tigris, but on the Potomac.
"Credit where it's due - our enemies have studied recent history and our system of government. They're convinced that attacking the will of American politicians can achieve victories impossible on the battlefield. And they are determined to shape the outcome of next year's presidential election to their advantage.
"Second, by avoiding direct combat confrontations, while shifting to fleeting missile and mortar attacks, the terrorists continue to garner press coverage on the cheap.
"...The terrorists push a potent drug, and journalists are the addicts. Those who control no cannon win by commanding the cameras.
"Third, the attack on the Italians was part of an ongoing effort to peel off members of the coalition whom the terrorists view as less committed to standing their geopolitical ground. This strategy - of which we shall see more - has already paid off hugely for our enemies by driving out the United Nations and a range of fickle aid organizations.
"Each of these offensive lines converge on one clear goal: To convince American politicians and voters that Iraq isn't worth the cost and bother. Saddam's remaining supporters believe they can outlast us, that we lack the patience and grit to defeat them, no matter our wealth and power."
Comments
Post a Comment