U.S. to rethink Baghdad peace efforts

[techs]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061020/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The U.S. military acknowledged Thursday that its two-month drive to crush insurgent and militia violence in the Iraqi capital had fallen short, calling the raging bloodshed disheartening and saying it was rethinking its strategy to rein in gunmen, torturers and bombers.

The admission by military spokesman Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell came as car bombs, mortar fire and shootings around the country killed at least 66 people and wounded 175. The dead included the Anbar province police commander, slain by gunmen who burst into his home in Ramadi.

The U.S. military also announced the deaths of three U.S. troops in fighting, raising the toll for American troops in October to 74. The month is on course to be the deadliest for U.S. forces in nearly two years.


So the attempt to "pacify" the whole country at one time was failing. So the military decided to focus on Baghdad, withdrawing troops into the city.
And now that plan has failed.
In truth, at this point the Iraqis hate us, and each other, so badly they will fight for years and years.

 

[maluckey]

The truth is that the Iraqis haven't liked each other in centuries. Why does everyone think that a wand can be waived and everyone will like each other? It takes time and effort on EVERYONE'S behalf, not just on the side of the coalition.

So long as the Iraqis show little forward progress, they show a lack of caring about improving their situation.