This is something you dont get to say often esp for a NYT article.
THIS THREAD IS NOT GAY !!!!
From paragraph 9:
"The Americans said the dam had to be taken to prevent Saddam Hussein from destroying it as part of a scorched-earth policy, though there is no indication that Mr. Hussein ever had such a plan. It was a firefight at the dam, in fact, that initially put it at risk."
Can't let any article be published without taking a potshot at our intentions and/or values. Need I even add? The NYT is an enemy!