Insurgents Storm Iraqi Jail, 28 Killed

It really amazes me how organized these insurgents are, it's like another Iraqi army. An Iraqi militia, maybe? 100 insurgents, somebody had to organize and led that. That is quite the command structure.

The Other Iraqi Army

Originally posted by curme
It really amazes me how organized these insurgents are, it's like another Iraqi army. An Iraqi militia, maybe? 100 insurgents, somebody had to organize and led that. That is quite the command structure.

Many of the insurgents are veterans of the former Iraqi military under Saddam.

Also, Al Qaeda claims to be providing support to the insurgency, and is probably helping to funnel money and supplies from donors in other countries.

And various officials in the U.S. have suggested with various degrees of stridency that some of Iraq's neighbors, including Syria and Iran, are also providing support to the insurgency.

So really, it's more of a proxy war than just a bunch of disgruntled partisans running around.

Just another reason why US is fighting a second Nam, and why it should not attack Iran.

Originally posted by curme
It really amazes me how organized these insurgents are, it's like another Iraqi army. An Iraqi militia, maybe? 100 insurgents, somebody had to organize and led that. That is quite the command structure.

Agreed. And something else that amazes me is the funding that these guys have. I was reading the other day that al Qaeda gave $600K to some group or another. They have the generosity of a lot of deep pockets, it seems.

We should have such support for our cause!

It doesnt surprise me that they are organized. The insurgents are by no means stupid. As majic pointed out, some are former members of the Iraqi Army under Saddaam. I'm sure some of the insurgents are even active in the Iraqi security forces now, as I am sure its been infiltrated. Its not too far fetched to believe is it? The problem with controlling an insurgency, especially with the risk of sectarian violence and civil war, is that using the domestic security forces can tip that off, especially if you get Shias raiding Sunni areas. And with a majority of Iraq's population being Shia, and the Sunnis, who were in control before Saddaam was taken out of power feeling bitter about losing it, the country is easily riled into a frenzy. I'm not saying there will or wont be civil war, but I am saying that even if we put Iraqi security forces in the lead, we risk of more sectarian violence being created. Its a volitile situation. I'm no expert, and I'm sure those that are can figure a solution to this, theres always someone who is thinking of solutions to these problems.

The only similiarity I see with Vietnam is that the military has its hands tied, though in this kind of war, thats what you want, as most of the fighting is taking place in urban environments. Caution must be taken and more strict rules of engagement are necessary to hurt the insurgency where it counts, in recruiting. I believe that this is one war where we can win the "hearts and minds" as it was said in Nam.