The Surge is Working

[Bronco Bob]

Thought I'd start a new thread for discussion with a link to an article each day
to show how the troop surge in Iraq is working. Here is today's offering.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070328/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

[TheDave]

anyone who though this would work had some serious deficiencies in math....

20,000 Troops

Each patrols in 6 hour shifts so this number needs to be divided by 4

This means at any given time there were 5,000 additional troops on the ground.

5,000 additional troops to fight a war in a city with 7.4 (http://lexicorient.com/e.o/baghdad.htm) million inhabitants

-or-

1 soldier per 1,480 people... any one of which could be the "enemy"

[Stuck In Texas]

Thought I'd start a new thread for discussion with a link to an article each day
to show how the troop surge in Iraq is working. Here is today's offering.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070328/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq
I'm going to take a leap of faith and believe that since you're going to post updated info about the surge, you will post any articles that reflect positive aspects about it too.

The article you posted was about the tragedy in Tal Afar - the surge is currently underway in Baghdad (they're not very close, geographically) and so far, only two of five brigades is in place so the full effects haven't been felt yet in the capital.

Personally, the biggest problem I have with the surge is that it's too small. I'm a believer in overwhelming force. It's sad to say, but the thing that would have the biggest effect, IMHO, is to take the gloves off and actually use our firepower to its fullest when it's necessary.

[baja]

So are the roses in the same place as the WMD?

[Bronco Bob]

I'm going to take a leap of faith and believe that since you're going to post updated info about the surge, you will post any articles that reflect positive aspects about it too.

People are free to add what ever links that relate to the subject they want.
If you have a surge link you like, feel free to add it too.


The article you posted was about the tragedy in Tal Afar - the surge is currently underway in Baghdad (they're not very close, geographically) and so far, only two of five brigades is in place so the full effects haven't been felt yet in the capital.
So what happens to Baghdad after the surge is done. Or do we keep our soldiers there forever.
Tal Afar was supposed to be an example that worked.
"Last March, President Bush cited the operation as an example that gave him 'confidence in our strategy.' "



Personally, the biggest problem I have with the surge is that it's too small. I'm a believer in overwhelming force. It's sad to say, but the thing that would have the biggest effect, IMHO, is to take the gloves off and actually use our firepower to its fullest when it's necessary.

Or maybe we should have gone in with enough force in the first place
like the general said we should, generals who got fired for saying so?
Or even better, just stayed the hell out, like the rest of the world
said we ought to.

[Stuck In Texas]

People are free to add what ever links that relate to the subject they want.
If you have a surge link you like, feel free to add it too. Does this mean that you will not be linking any articles that might support the surge?


So what happens to Baghdad after the surge is done. Or do we keep our soldiers there forever.
Tal Afar was supposed to be an example that worked.
"Last March, President Bush cited the operation as an example that gave him 'confidence in our strategy.' " At the time he said that Tal Afar was a success, but our lack of troops don't let us stay in certain areas. It was successful until we pulled our troops out. I think that gives pretty good insight into what the world can expect if the U.S. withdraws before the Iraqi military is ready.

Or maybe we should have gone in with enough force in the first place
like the general said we should, generals who got fired for saying so?
Or even better, just stayed the hell out, like the rest of the world
said we ought to. I agree with you on the force issue. I am a big believer in the Weinberger/Powell doctrine of overwhelming force. Obviously the force was big enough to win the conventional war, but not nearly enough to maintain the peace. IMO, it's STILL not big enough. Where I disagree with you though, is that I still think removing Hussein was the right decision. I just wish the post-war strategy had been a little better planned.

[Bronco Bob]

Today's update.

Multiple suicide bombers struck in predominantly Shiite markets in Baghdad
and in a town north of the capital, killing at least 104 people and wounding
scores on Thursday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070329/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

Sorry Stuck, didn't notice anything today saying the surge was working.
Maybe you know of an article you could post for us?

[Garcia Bronco]

There has been a 25 percent reduction in violence in bagdad. These question becomes....can it be sustained?

[ant1999e]

http://tinyurl.com/2or8qd

[Spider]

what no soccer ball stories ?

[ant1999e]

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/73fb9f06-cda4-11db-839d-000b5df10621.html

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1718307&Language=en

[ant1999e]

what no soccer ball stories ?

Here you go. Found this just for you.

http://www.washtimes.com/world/20031126-113634-5291r.htm

[Spider]

Here you go. Found this just for you.

http://www.washtimes.com/world/20031126-113634-5291r.htm

whew................I was worried

[elsid13]

While the numbers help, there has also been a fundamental shift in tactics that the new commend general has put into place.