A Gallup Poll for estimating the number of insurgents in Iraq.

[KlatooBNikto]

Because the NYT, in an article on April 11 claims that the number of isurgents is 20,000 to 30,000 and is "cautiously optimistic" about turning the war around, I wondered how they come up with these numbers.Here is one scenario. Mr.Gallup, in his heavily armored Humvee,rides down Baghdad's mean streets, and blares from his loudpeaker to a resident:

"Excuse me, Hadji, are you an insurgent?

No, Sir. I am a loyal Allawi man.

But do you know any insurgents?

Yes, I do.But they all come from Afghanistan, Iran or Chechnya or Pakistan or Saudi Arabia.

What is your guess about their numbers.
Maybe 10, 20,30.

Thanks.That is what I figured. Between 20,000 to 30,000.I will let the commanders know right away. Now I have to get back to the Green Zone and get myself a cold drink.It is a hot day in Baghdad.

[ragin_acadian]

1. hah, too funny.

they are either doing that, or statistically projecting numbers based on the discarded twinkie wrappers to 7.62x39mm empty shell casing ratios.

[liberal N proud]

2. Can't you tell the difference between insurgents and freedom fighters?

The insurgents are the ones that... No wait they all look alike.

They must have had a phone survey.
Good evening, is this the Rushdie household? This is the New York Times and we are conducting a survey, do you have a couple of moments?
Are you an insurgent fighting in Iraq?

[RC]

3. in·sur·gent ( in-sûr'jent) adj.

in·sur·gent ( in-sûr'jent) adj. 1. Rising in revolt against civil authority or a government in power; rebellious. n. 1. One that revolts against civil authority. 2. A member of a political party who rebels against its leadership.

So tell me again how the US became the civil authority or government in power?
Was it because we invade their country on lies and pretext? Yes.

Then the Iraqis are defending their country from a foreign invader, correct? So why aren't they called patriots?

I hesitate to use the term 'Freedom Fighter' here because the US is the real freedom fighter here. The US is fighting against freedom, both here at home and around the world.

I want my country back.

[KlatooBNikto]

4. There is a funny story buried in William Shirer's classic Rise and Fall

of the Third Reich. Before Hitler's run up to Barbarossa, Stalin sent his dour Foreign Minister Molotov to reason with Hitler.Molotov, with his customary disdain for cant, told Hitler that the Soviet Union will resist any invasion of any country that Moscow considered to be part of their sphere of influence and recited a list of countries that took Hitler's breath away. While they are going back and forth Allied bombers appeared overhead and bombs started falling. So, the Germans took everyone to a bomb shelter.While there Hitler resumed his boasting and stated: We will win this life and death struggle.

Molotov said: " I can see that it is a life and death struggle.You are fighting for your life and they are fighting for your death!".