Most US combat troops redeployed outside Iraqi cities today as scheduled:
Iraq declared a public holiday Tuesday to celebrate the official withdrawal of American troops from the country’s cities and towns, emptying the streets as many people stayed home because they feared violence.
As Iraqi officials’ celebrations went on, the American military announced the death of four soldiers on Monday from combat operations in Baghdad, a reminder of the continuing vulnerability of soldiers as they wrap up operations in the field.
In the past few weeks, nationalist sentiments have spread within the Iraqi government and military, with officials all but boasting that Iraq is ready to handle the security situation on its own.
I certainly hope so.
Sadly, UK media has tired of Iraq and those 4 deaths went unreported. If only that pop singer person hadn’t croaked out, they may have found the space to report it. My thoughts are with them and their nearest and dearest. As for your final sentence, all I can say is “Res Ipsa loquitur” Let the facts speak for themselves.
The picture certainly shows a well disciplined bunch, ready for the responsibility . . . .
Good point. But check the trigger fingers–that’s a HUGE improvement in discipline.
A better point!
About a year or so ago at the USO I met a soldier home on leave. He said he refused to walk on patrol in front of the Iraqi soldiers his unit mentored, for fear of being shot due to their haphazard way of handling their weapons. Ever since then, I always look at how Iraqi military/police hold their weapons in pics/videos.
How’d they get our new Navy uniform?
“One, two! One, two! and through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
He chortled in his joy.”
Yep, they’ve slain the Jabberwock, Lets just hope the beast doesn’t have to return to pull their sorry asses from the flames of oblivion. The slide into anarchy always begins with a rousing street party don-cha-no