[aristeides]

The army in Kut became surrounded and besieged; eventually 9,000 (3,000 British and 6,000 Indian troops) surrendered five months later - the greatest defeat and loss in British military history up to that point.

"Up to that point" being the operative words. The fall of Singapore in 1942 was a much greater defeat.

I suspect the Iraqi leaders would like to have decisive fighting take place in Kut. It no doubt has a mythic significance to them, in view of its history.

May not matter to U.S. troops. But it may have an effect on the morale of Iraqi troops.

[Destro]

I suspect the Iraqi leaders would like to have decisive fighting take place in Kut. It no doubt has a mythic significance to them, in view of its history. May not matter to U.S. troops. But it may have an effect on the morale of Iraqi troops.

Yup. I agree.