Posted on 04/11/2008 1:06:30 AM PDT by Dawnsblood
It is said that generals always fight the last war. But when David Petraeus came to town it was senators – on both sides of the aisle – who battled over the Iraq war of 2004-2006. That war has little in common with the war we are fighting today.
I may well have spent more time embedded with combat units in Iraq than any other journalist alive. I have seen this war – and our part in it – at its brutal worst. And I say the transformation over the last 14 months is little short of miraculous.
The change goes far beyond the statistical decline in casualties or incidents of violence. A young Iraqi translator, wounded in battle and fearing death, asked an American commander to bury his heart in America. Iraqi special forces units took to the streets to track down terrorists who killed American soldiers. The U.S. military is the most respected institution in Iraq, and many Iraqi boys dream of becoming American soldiers. Yes, young Iraqi boys know about "GoArmy.com."
As the outrages of Abu Ghraib faded in memory – and paled in comparison to al Qaeda's brutalities – and our soldiers under the Petraeus strategy got off their big bases and out of their tanks and deeper into the neighborhoods, American values began to win the war.
Iraqis came to respect American soldiers as warriors who would protect them from terror gangs. But Iraqis also discovered that these great warriors are even happier helping rebuild a clinic, school or a neighborhood. They learned that the American soldier is not only the most dangerous enemy in the world, but one of the best friends a neighborhood can have.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
In a better world, Michael Yon would be awarded Pulitzers... and a Freedom Medal from the President.
Yon... Roggio know firsthand. I strongly urge FReepers to send this link to any 'waffling' friends, relatives or coworkers. Don't bother with the socialists... for THEY are the greatest allies of al Qaeda/Islamism... and our extinction.
Great piece.
“Over the past 15 months, we have proved that we can win this war. We stand now at the moment of truth. Victory – and a democracy in the Arab world – is within our grasp. But it could yet slip away if our leaders remain transfixed by the war we almost lost, rather than focusing on the war we are winning today.”
But of course the Libtards would delight at causing defeat just as victory can be seen.
This one deserves to be shared.
Moment of Truth in Iraq: How a New 'Greatest Generation' of American Soldiers is Turning Defeat and Disaster into Victory and Hope by Michael Yon
Buy the book directly from Michael Yon’s web site. You will get a signed copy AND more money will go to fund his work in Iraq.
This is one book I didn’t want to search for the cheapest discount!
Mike
"They learned that the American soldier is not only the most dangerous enemy in the world, but one of the best friends a neighborhood can have."
BTTT!
Sigh, only 14 replies for such a crucial piece of reporting / commentary. Perhaps posted too early to catch the eyes of the day browsers.
Sandrat, can you ping your list please?
Now this is an intriguing thought.
2nd that.
I think I ordered mine Sunday or Monday, and it showed up in the mailbox yesterday.
bump
If you liked that you’re probably gonna like this one too....plus I get to bump this thread.
http://www.blackfive.net/main/2008/04/4th-id-soldiers.html
BTTT
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