Maxture, you state:

I am more than happy to consider the possibility that what you"re saying could well be true. However, not five minutes ago, I read this in the news: Read the article.

Then you went on to say:

Yes, these incidents are relatively few- at the moment. But folks- even soldiers- talk, and I think it's just a matter of time, and not a very long matter of time at that, before that becomes a general mood among the troops. When that happens the fragging- or something similar that acheives the same ends- can't be far behind.

Gem

__________________
There is no political solution to our troubled evolution.

"Reality, the left-wing liberal conspiracy. "
Credited to Angry American.

Very interesting article!


I agree that there is the beginning of a landslide in that direction, which is why the US troops have to pull out quickly to avoid a total disaster.

The conclusions the ISG have drawn are that the armed Iraqi resistance has worn down the US military and so strained the Army and Marine Corps (to a point where "many units do not have fully functioning equipment for training when they redeploy to the United States") that new attention - and billions of dollars - must be devoted to restoring the capabilities of the military so it is ready for conflicts of the future; and has stretched the US troops on the ground nearly to the breaking point.
Las Vegas SUN: Iraq Report Casts Military As War-Weary

Although the ISG avoids to spell it out, I think it is important to realise that all of this has been accomplished by the armed Iraqi resistance. Of course the US troops on the ground have it clear before their eyes, and this knowledge certainly wears down their moral, and creates frustration and a desire among the weakest souls to take revenge on less dangerous "representatives" of the enemy (civilians). That is why the US troops have to be pulled out as soon as possible.

I absolutely agree, Maxture. Those "on the ground" have to be experiencing the frustration of having to do the same thing over and over again, expecting the results to be different- and day after day they aren't. That will break any psyche after awhile. Which is why I believe we're very close to when the fragging starts- especially if the Sunni's AND the Shiites decide they've had enough and attack our soldiers and bases enmasse as a single force. I can see that happening too.

Gem

__________________
There is no political solution to our troubled evolution.

"Reality, the left-wing liberal conspiracy. "
Credited to Angry American.

Being elected has become the goal, not the means to the goal.

Bush refused requests for more troops because of election fears and that stated, imo, that the Office was more important than the Work.

Impeach him now if it speeds up withdrawal.

...at the least!!!

Gem

__________________
There is no political solution to our troubled evolution.

"Reality, the left-wing liberal conspiracy. "
Credited to Angry American.

This is of course a purely emotional response on my part. but it is also IN A NUT SHELL, why we need to get out of Iraq NOW While It may not make a difference the new battlecry should be Pay attention BUSH we are dying for nothing"