the whole LAtimes story is well worth the read

short, yet full of descriptions that defy what the rest of MSM portray.

 

that iraq is suffering because of bad management in washington is an understatement.

 

Although politicians in Baghdad aim to coax Sunnis into the political fold, here in Iraq's "wild, wild West," as the region is known, the military option is still paramount. The assault on Ramana is clearly a case in which U.S. forces are going it alone.

Iraqi forces, though growing in capability, are still not ready to mount offensives like the complex operation being launched here. U.S. forces often must transfer troops from one trouble spot to another, movements that insurgents monitor closely. Insurgents often leave areas as U.S. forces move in and filter back once troops withdraw.

The vastness of the region here means U.S. forces cannot maintain a presence in every village, town and city where the insurgents operate.

Residents who might sympathize with the new Iraqi government often choose not to turn in insurgents because they know the U.S. presence in these villages is temporary.

LATimes