[aruanan]

RUSH CALLER: IRAQ - "Rules Have Changed" - Soldiers in Iraq Cannot Respond to Incoming Mortar Fire

He didn't say this. He said that the official rules of engagement haven't changed but that, given TV cameras from new organizations everywhere, not the embedded reporters who really knew what was going on, they were made to feel very reluctant about responding to provocation. He said that he had even been subjected to mortar fire and they didn't respond. He didn't say that they cannot respond to mortar fire because the rules had changed.

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

I understand how you drew that inference. A bit clumsy on my part. But in my defense, I did not say "Rules of Engagement". In fact, I suspect the "official" rules haven't changed. But I drew the inferrence that there is pressure from the top to not respond unless absolutely necessary for fear of media playing up every dead body. Thus the "Rules" have changed in fact if not on paper.