Winning: Lessons Of Iraq

Once again, the US is the best! If you doubt it, go to Afghanistan or Iraq and ask the locals. They can tell you who they fear more than the terrorists, or is it respect? They know that as long as they do not threaten the American forces, they are safe and will probably get some kind of benefit from the visit. However, IF they are stupid enough to threaten the US forces, they know they will most likely die. Not too many fools get a second chance to fight against the Americans. Not that anyone misses these poor souls.

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htwin/articles/20081030.aspx

Lessons Of Iraq

October 30, 2008: Nearly 4,200 U.S. troops have died in Iraq during over 5.5 years of fighting. It's no longer news because Iraq is at peace, at least by regional standards. Since the Surge Offensive officially ended three months ago, only 62 Americans have died in Iraq, and most of them to non-combat causes. So far this month, twelve have died. Accidents are more of a danger to U.S. troops in Iraq than terrorists these days. The troops also know that Afghanistan is a more dangerous place to be, and most of the young combat troops, who have not yet earned their Combat Infantry Badge (a big deal, requiring 30 days in combat), look forward to a tour of duty in Afghanistan. The war has moved from the sandbox to the mountains.

The 17 month Surge Offensive left over a thousand (1040) Americans dead, most of them from combat. That was about two dead per day. Since then, the rate has declined over 70 percent. Iraqi losses (uniformed and civilian) have also plummeted, from a high of 3,000 in February 2007, to about 300 a month now. The Iraqis are handling security in over two-thirds of the country. U.S. troops are on call, but are not brought in nearly as much as a year ago. The Iraqis are determined to do it all themselves.

While the U.S. has lost nearly 4,200 troops in Iraq, their opponents (al Qaeda and local Sunni Arab terrorists) lost ten times as many people. Compared to Vietnam, the death rate (losses per 100,000 troops per year) of troops in Iraq was two-thirds less. Around the world, military professionals are studying the American campaign in Iraq for useful tips on how to win against such a massive terrorist effort, with such low losses.