A respected New York Post columnist agrees that Al Qaeda's bombings in Iraq the other day show their desperation. Quote: "TWO days ago, al Qaeda det onated four massive truck bombs in three Iraqi vil lages, killing at least 250 civilians (perhaps as many as 500) and wounding many more. The bombings were a sign of al Qaeda's frustration, desperation and fear." Read the whole thing--contains a good analysis of Petraeus' strategy.
Yesterday, Iraqi forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, launched a successful anti-terrorist raid in northern Iraq. And Armed Liberal examines the claim that, due to the war in Iraq, suicide rates among American military personnel are rising--and finds it wanting. Quote: "So the suicide rate among all active-duty troops is lower than the 2004 norm - even at the current high point - and the rate among combat troops is slightly above the norm. Does this mean it isn't serious and that we shouldn't put resources into PTSD treatment or that each suicide isn't itself a tragedy? What do you think I believe...come on, of course. But is this a symptom of a military so brutalized by the horrors of service that they are killing themselves at an incredible rate? What do you believe I think? Why can't people do some freaking homework before the leap to the Isle of Conclusion - that's what I think."
Read the whole thing.
In northern Iraq, U.S. forces are aiding Iraqis in developing Iraq's water resources.
