Wrap Iraq in 'Bob-Wire'

[reprehensor]

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/07/international/middleeast/07TACT.html

As the guerrilla war against Iraqi insurgents intensifies, American soldiers have begun wrapping entire villages in barbed wire.

In selective cases, American soldiers are demolishing buildings thought to be used by Iraqi attackers. They have begun imprisoning the relatives of suspected guerrillas, in hopes of pressing the insurgents to turn themselves in.

The Americans embarked on their get-tough strategy in early November, goaded by what proved to be the deadliest month yet for American forces in Iraq, with 81 soldiers killed by hostile fire. The response they chose is beginning to echo the Israeli counterinsurgency campaign in the occupied territories.

So far, the new approach appears to be succeeding in diminishing the threat to American soldiers. But it appears to be coming at the cost of alienating many of the people the Americans are trying to win over. Abu Hishma is quiet now, but it is angry, too.

[wtmusic]

1. Imprisoning the relatives?

Aren't there some Geneva issues here?

[salinen]

2. Here' how faux will report it

As the guerrilla war against Iraqi insurgents intensifies, American soldiers have begun taking appropreate measures, wrapping entire villages in barbed wire.

In selective cases, American soldiers are carefully removing buildings known to be used by Iraqi attackers. They have begun detaining suspect guerrillas, in hopes of pressing the insurgents to turn themselves in.

The Americans embarked on their god-i'm right strategy in early November, forced by what proved to be the deadliest month yet for American forces in Iraq, with 81 soldiers killed by hostile fire. The response they chose mimics the brave Israeli counterinsurgency campaign in the occupied territories.

So far, the new approach appears to be succeeding in diminishing the threat to American soldiers. And it appears having a win-them-over effect. Abu Hishma is quiet now, but it is happy, too.

[TolstoyAndy]

3. Nope, no "Geneva issues here"

International law only applies to the little countries.

Also, remember Richard Perle was kind enough to let us know that international law stands in the way of us doing the right thing (like blowing up little kids).

Isn't it funny how that works: Osama would tell us the same thing.

"The fence is here for your protection".

Yeah right. This just in: Freedom is now officially slavery.

:puke:

"With a heavy dose of fear and violence, and a lot of money for projects, I think we can convince these people that we are here to help them," Colonel Sassaman said.

:nuke:

[arcane1]

4. they do it in Israel

and seem to so far have been getting away with it

:grr:

[groovedaddy]

5. I'm sure there are a few suicide bombers

who would say that they haven't completely gotten away with it!