Experts Urge New Tactics in Najaf Fight

[gatorboy]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&e=2&u=/ap/20040814/ap_on_re_mi_ea/us_iraq_najaf_2

<snip>
WASHINGTON - Although negotiations between Iraqis and aides to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to end the violence in Najaf halted Saturday without agreement, the effort itself highlighted the need for the United States to change its old habits in handling insurgencies.

The United States is trying to do things differently in Najaf, a city considered by Islam's Shiite sect as the third holiest in the world, where nine days of battles have pitted al-Sadr's Mahdi Army against U.S. and coalition forces.


On Friday, the U.S. military suspended operations against al-Sadr's fighters, who are holed up in Najaf's vast cemetery and the ancient Imam Ali mosque. That is a revered Shiite holy site because it sits atop the tomb of Ali bin Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.
<snip>

Gee, sounds like they want to start fighting a more "sensitive" battle :P

And when they use that term, Kerry needs to be all over their ass! Though, I'm sure at this point, Bush staff righters are sending him post it notes saying he can never use the term "sensitive" again...:eyes:

[wtmusic]

1. You mean brutality doesn't always work?

:shrug:

[chuck555]

2. Callng PNAC!

More experts urgently needed!