Iraqis Hail Falluja 'Victory' as U.S. Changes Tack

Reuters ^ | 5-1-04 | By Fadel Badran

[Oldeconomybuyer]

FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - Soldiers of the old Iraqi army led by one of Saddam Hussein's generals patrolled the city of Falluja on Saturday, a year after George W. Bush declared the U.S. "mission accomplished" in ousting the Iraqi regime.

Cries of "victory over the Americans" echoed from minarets and guerrilla gunmen celebrated in the streets under the green banner of Islam and Saddam-era Iraqi flags. Thousands who had fled a month of heavy fighting streamed back to their homes after U.S. Marines pulled back from their siege positions.

Mired in a confrontation that spilled blood on both sides and outraged Iraqi and Arab opinion, U.S. commanders withdrew to more distant positions on Friday. Security was entrusted to local police and a new force of ex-soldiers under General Jasim Mohamed Saleh, formerly of Saddam's feared Republican Guard.

U.S. commanders call it an experiment that may be reversed.

But some Iraqis, impatient with an occupation that brought them pictures this week of U.S. and British troops abusing detainees, may well believe they are seeing a military debacle, albeit of an enemy with still massive firepower in reserve.

Americans, deciding whether to re-elect President Bush in November, may also wonder where the Iraq venture is taking them after the bloodiest month for U.S. troops since the war began.

"The city's defenders are celebrating," yelled one man as a group of gunmen in civilian clothes raised green banners and rifles aloft on a street to acclaim the "defeat" of the Marines.

A uniformed member of General Saleh's 1,000-strong force, dubbed the Falluja Brigade by Marines, looked on. He smiled.

On foot and in civilian four-wheel-drive vehicles, this force began patrolling the streets of the Sunni Muslim city, which was among those most loyal to Saddam.

"God has given this town victory over the Americans," wailed a message from one mosque. "This victory came by the acts of the brave Mujahideen of Falluja who vanquished the American troops."

[dts32041]

Wimp II?

Did we just get back on the boat?

[Piquaboy]

When are we going to put the lid on this can of worms?

[billorites]

Read Wretchard's take on Falluja stategy over at Belmont Club.

Very interesting and clarifying.

[BurgessLau]

Once again the U. S. government is sending mixed messages. Superb work by the U. S. military -- followed by negotiations with terrorists (through local proxies) and then retreat.

Our troops need our support -- and that means a ruthless (compassion-free) policy of exterminating terrorists and their supporters, wherever they may be, using all weapons available.

[Last Dakotan]

You have to wonder if they gave any thought how this predictable scene would play at home. The picture of Bush sitting at the fireplace and saying he will use whatever means necessary to rid Fallujah of terrorists will be what wagging his finger at us and telling use he did not have sex with that women was to Bill Clinton....

[M Kehoe]

"God has given this town victory over the Americans," wailed a message from one mosque. "This victory came by the acts of the brave Mujahideen of Falluja who vanquished the American troops." - Reuters

In a B-2 bomber somewhere over Fallujah:

"Hey, Deek, where did you stash that 10 kilo ton nuke, you know, the one with the red paint." "I stuck it near the bomb bay doors for safe keeping." "Why do you ask?" "Well Deek, it's not there now..."

5.56mm

[beebuster2000]

I think we are doing the right thing. At some point the Iraqi's have to start running the place. If this is the point, then good. The fact that they are showing a little pride is also a good thing.
sounds like they have had enough of the US running the place and maybe they are ready to step up and start doing the job.

K\Let's hope so.

[bert]

You misunderstand the operations underway.

One of our weapons available is an Iraqi brigade under the command of an Iraqi officer reporting to the US Marine commander.

This officer did not just appear on a street corner. I suspect he has been involved for more than a year. That is, he was involved before the war began and we still don't know how or with whom he supported our forces during the invasion.

This clever mix of a political/military weapon can accomplish the twin goals of pacifying the general population while exterminating the bad guys.

[cynicom]

I had one die-hard republican tell me last night that we were "repositioning" our troops. OK, whatever.

[OkiMusashi]

[i]"God has given this town victory over the Americans," wailed a message from one mosque. "This victory came by the acts of the brave Mujahideen of Falluja who vanquished the American troops."[/i]

Those who the Gods would destroy, they first make proud. (or something like that..)

Fear not, my fellow Feepers. The Thugs are going down .... one way or the another.

http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/2004/tr20040430-1401.html

[JustAnAmerican]

Guess you read something different in the story then I did. What I read was the Insurgents celebrating the defeat of the Marines/Americans while the supposed 1000+ strong Iraqi forces just looked on and smiled. Yep, sounds like we won that one.

[mikegi]

The Belmont Club is straining to put makeup on this pig.

[Piquaboy]

The only time you can negotiate with a terrorist is when they are dead.

[Last Dakotan]

I've always found that if you have to go to great lengths to prove that something is true - the less likely it is. Hence, the mental gymnastics required to make this withdrawal anything aside from what it is are just mind games.

If the Fallujah Protection Force is anything serious why are the members smiling at an open display of arms?

[billorites]

What do you expect the return of autonomy to Iraqis to look like?

If not now, then when?

[BurgessLau]

"This clever mix of a political/military weapon can accomplish the twin goals of pacifying the general population while exterminating the bad guys."

The way to pacify a hostile population is to kill them or imprison them for life (in Nevada).

If this Iraqi general exterminates thousands of mujihadeen fighters in Fallujah in the next few days, then I will be proven wrong. If not, then the mujihadeen will have won a victory -- as they now already believe they have.

I will be watching the news closely in the next few days. Compassionate war-lite is on trial. The results will be in shortly.

[cake_crumb]

WHAT Marines?! There are no Marines!

[cake_crumb]

We DID reposition our troops.

[mylife]

rueters.

nuff said.