U.S. forces caught in crossfire on streets of 'capital of death'

[rodeodance]

U.S. forces caught in crossfire on streets of 'capital of death'
Updated 10/23/2006 9:22 AM ET

By Rick Jervis and Jim Michaels, USA TODAY

BAGHDAD — Before the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, it was one of the nightmare scenarios: a slugfest in Iraq's capital, a sprawl of narrow streets, markets and blind alleys that is home to 6 million people.

More than three years later, the close-quarters fight the United States wanted to avoid is a reality. Rather than fighting Saddam Hussein's army, however, U.S. troops are caught in the crossfire alongside Iraqi forces as both try to take back the city from religion-based militias and death squads, as well as insurgents.

"This is the toughest thing I hope I ever do: fighting a counterinsurgency atop a sectarian conflict," said Col. James Pasquarette, commander of the Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team, positioned northwest of Baghdad.

The raging battle for Baghdad is looking more like a civil war, even if the U.S. and Iraqi governments avoid using the term. And it is prompting tough questions: Is the Iraqi government up to the job of restoring order? Does the U.S. military need to fundamentally change course to prevail?....

and:
IT is a stupid war with an arrogant WH at the wheels!



http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/iraq_diplomat

Envoy sorry for Iraq 'stupidity' comment

Sun Oct 22, 10:27 PM ET

WASHINGTON - A senior U.S. diplomat apologized Sunday night for saying U.S. policy in
Iraq displayed "arrogance" and "stupidity."


A day after his remarks in an interview were broadcast by the pan-Arab satellite channel Al-Jazeera, Alberto Fernandez issued a written apology through the State Department press office.

"Upon reading the transcript of my appearance on Al-Jazeera, I realized that I seriously misspoke by using the phrase 'there has been arrogance and stupidity' by the U.S. in Iraq," said Fernandez, director of public diplomacy in State's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

"This represents neither my views nor those of the State Department," Fernandez added. "I apologize."

U.S. officials had sought to play down Fernandez' assessment of the security situation in Iraq.