Outgoing Marine General Faults Fallouja Strategy

[papau]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-fallouja13sep13.story
THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ
Outgoing Marine General Faults Fallouja Strategy
James Conway says the decision to attack in April was hasty, as was the move to withdraw.
By Patrick J. McDonnell
Times Staff Writer

September 13, 2004

CAMP FALLOUJA, Iraq — The outgoing Marine commander of turbulent western Iraq, reflecting Sunday on the fall of Fallouja to insurgent forces, said officers on the ground had disagreed with two key decisions: storming the city in April after the slayings of four U.S. contractors and then pulling back after three days of fierce fighting.

Lt. Gen. James T. Conway, who stepped down Sunday to become deputy director of operations at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided insight into the controversial U.S. moves in the spring that solidified Fallouja's position as a haven for insurgents and a "no-go" zone for U.S. troops.

What to do about Fallouja is one of the thorniest questions the interim Iraqi government and its U.S.-led allies face.

The order to attack Fallouja and the subsequent command to halt came down the chain of command from Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, the top officer on the ground at the time, Conway said. The Marines expressed objections but proceeded.<snip>

[Eloriel]

1. Wiow. More than a little unusual for an active duty officer

to spill his guts about a decision he disagreed with, isn't it? I guess that means Sanchez is REALLY persona non grata.

[papau]

2. I agree - but broadcast media continues to ignore

:-)

[Moderator]

3. Duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=822560