NYT: Missteps by Iraqi Forces in Battle Raise Questions

[grytpype]

Remember how the Iraqi Army was so brave in wiping out those nasty fanatics who were going to attack Najaf?

As usual, the truth comes tricking out.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/30/world/middleeast/30iraq.html?ex=1327813200

Missteps by Iraqi Forces in Battle Raise Questions
By MARC SANTORA

BAGHDAD, Jan. 29 —Iraqi forces were surprised and nearly overwhelmed by the ferocity of an obscure renegade militia in a weekend battle near the holy city of Najaf and needed far more help from American forces than previously disclosed, American and Iraqi officials said Monday.

They said American ground troops — and not just air support as reported Sunday — were mobilized to help the Iraqi soldiers, who appeared to have dangerously underestimated the strength of the militia, which calls itself the Soldiers of Heaven and had amassed hundreds of heavily armed fighters.

Iraqi government officials said the group apparently was preparing to storm Najaf, a holy city dear to Shiite Islam, occupy the sacred Imam Ali mosque and assassinate the religious hierarchy there, including the revered leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, during a Shiite holiday when many pilgrims visit.

“This group had more capabilities than the government,” said Abdul Hussein Abtan, the deputy governor of Najaf Province, at a news conference.

...

[msongs]

1. our brave commander in chief should LEAD them into battle, no? nt

[daleo]

2. I suppose the reportedly huge body count

Was overreaction by U.S. forces, throwing everything they could into that place - air power, tanks, etc. And I bet many of the dead had nothing to do with the fighting.

[EFerrari]

6. What do we care, it's just life. n /t

[maddezmom]

3. Bush: I like what I see

Iraqi and U.S. forces faced off against more than 200 gunmen with small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and hand grenades, the U.S. military said. The American military said U.S. air power was called in after the Iraqis faced fierce resistance.

U.S. and British jets played a major role in the fighting, dropping 500-pound bombs on the militants' positions, but President Bush said the battle was an indication that Iraqis were beginning to take control.


Havoc potential remains
''My first reaction on this report from the battlefield is that the Iraqis are beginning to show me something,'' Bush said.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/world/234920,CST-NWS-iraq30.article

from your article:

They said American ground troops — and not just air support as reported Sunday — were mobilized to help the Iraqi soldiers, who appeared to have dangerously underestimated the strength of the militia, which calls itself the Soldiers of Heaven and had amassed hundreds of heavily armed fighters.

So did * not know he had troops on the ground, or was he just pushing the propaganda that the Iraqi Army is starting to stand up. :eyes:

[gratuitous]

7. What did the Iraqis show you, George?

Because I'd really like to know what it was that impressed you so favorably on your first impression. And now that you've had a little time and probably a hell of a lot more information to inform your opinion, has it changed at all?

[Warren Stupidity]

4. How many inconsistent and contradictory stories does this make?

The bullshit meter on the Najaf Atrocity broke yesterday.

[Barrett808]

5. k & r