U.S. survivor describes "disciplined" Iraq rebels

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/MAC162838.htm

BAGHDAD, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Many U.S. troops in Iraq think of the insurgents they are fighting as a thuggish rabble engaged in hit-and-run raids or religious fanatics eager for martyrdom.

But a senior American officer wounded in a five-hour battle with guerrillas during this month's insurgent offensive in the northern city of Mosul, spoke of a numerous, highly organised and determined foe that exhibited many military qualities.

"This was a disciplined enemy," Colonel James Coffman said in a statement issued by the U.S. military command on Sunday to hail his bravery under fire when caught in an ambush a week ago.

"Sometimes we think of the anti-Iraqi forces as a rag-tag bunch, but these guys were very disciplined.

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[Spinzonner]

1. Practice makes Perfect

except for suicide bombers, I guess.

[leftchick]

2. Duh! Where the hell did you think saddam's army went?

oh that is rght, no one thought about that.Why do they always underestimate nationalism anyway?

~snip~

Only when U.S. aircraft were called up to fire rockets at the attackers and then when American troops from the Stryker Brigade came to the rescue after about four hours did the tide of battle turn and the insurgents were eventually beaten off.

"They had RPG teams with coordinated fire. They were going to stay and fight," Coffman said. "Even when the Strykers came up they did not break and run; they kept fighting.

"We know there were 23 dead and the locals told us there were at least 100 wounded, but I did not see that many."

The identities of those fighting U.S. troops and their newly formed Iraqi allied forces are often unclear. Some may be former loyalists of Saddam Hussein, others Islamist militants, some of whom appear to be attracted to Iraq from other Arab countries.

[leesa]

7. No kidding. Our military "leadership" is about as dumb as they come!

Also, they actually think they can train people who have had their friends and neighbors murdered by our military?? Why would any of them fight for the US? They are smart people, they will take the training and war toys and fight their trainers.

[Career Prole]

3. I remember Rummy and Crashcart used to call them "dead-enders"

One might legitimately question which side that term should apply to now.

[DELUSIONAL]

4. I'll bet the Red-Coats British said that about the Colonists defending

their homes.

Damned Colonists -- won't stand up like men and fight like real soldiers.

[leftchick]

5. different century same loser ideals....

God will the imperialists ever learn?

[Massacure]

6. Yup. Humanity's history is an endless waltz.