[pragmatic_asian]

Glad they're on our side. I'm think Rummy owes the Brits a little apology. I shudder to think about how things would've turned out if the US had gone it alone.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Rummy was just being Rummy. He was making the point that America never NEEDS allied forces to wage a war against Iraq. He said this to a snarky reporter, btw. He quickly apologized, so that the Brits knew that we WANTED them to join us. Never for one minute doubt that Rummy is fully operating from the page that Bush wants him to.

[Windcatcher]

Obligatory quote (sorry, but it has to be done):

"Gun control is hitting your target."

[MEG33]

He did not say we didn't want them..He was asked if we could go without them if they were not allowed to join us. It was one of those press briefings.Would you have preferred he said No,it's impossible without the Brits?

[Ymani Cricket]

What a shot!

[kstewskis]

that's impressive!

[Myrddin]

For those linguistically challenged by the name of Matt's town, the translation of "Betws-y-Coed" means a "prayer house in the wood". I had to pull out my book of Welsh Placenames. Damn good shot!

[Randy Larsen]

I'm stunned....what more can I say...

[LiteKeeper]

bump

[Centurion2000]

Wow .... an English Carlos Hathcock. Nice job to the Brits all around.

[Fred Mertz]

Hey logos,

Is this story for real?

[Ruth A.]

Just staggering to the imagination.

[gcruse]

Yet it flew straight to the target, hitting the Iraqi in the chest.

Hah!  Well, no it didn't, and that's the point.  The wind
and the elevation bent the trajectory.  The bullet
flew precisely to its target, not straight.

[bonesmccoy]

darn glad that guy wasn't at Bunker Hill!

[Myrddin]

Does this seem like a reasonable shot to take? You have a little "hands on" experience in this department.

[Lancey Howard]

I remember the rifle range at Parris Island like it was yesterday. (It was 23 years ago.) The 200 yard, then the 300 yard, then the 500 yard shots. Standing, sitting, prone. Taking a few shots so we could adjust our "dope". Those 500 yard shots with the M-16 from the prone position were hard enough in relatively calm weather, but I can't imagine shooting nearly 900 yards on a windy day with no practice shots to set the dope.

I know these snipers are good, but sheesh.

[Jimmy Valentine]

Reminds me of the old telephone company advertisement..."Reach out and touch someone."

Regards,

[Happygal]

Ivan, you see this? Nice job. Wonder did the Welshman target sheep like that growing up! ;-)

[fightinJAG]

The Brits truly have been magnificent. I want them always by our side in future conflicts.

This Royal Marine's hometown is Betws-y-Coed, Wales. I visited there once and it is a beautiful, quaint, idyllic town. Like many snipers, Matt probably is a farm boy who grew up handling a gun.

[Quick Shot]

That's playing the wind. Curious if it was a fade or a draw. Probably a "Controlled Fade"

[KneelBeforeZod]