"Offensive"... Are We Reading the Same Dictionary?

[Dem Agog]

Reported in MSM:

"US launches new offensive in Iraq".... they go on to say that in response to the bloody past week, the deaths of a dozen+ Marines in one attack, etc. etc. that we're boldly launching a new offensive.

Am I wrong here, or shouldn't this be "defensive". Isn't launching an "Offensive" effort done when you've say, got the upper hand, are in control, or in otherwise aren't being beaten on like a narc at a biker rally?

Love the spin. Really I do. We need to get our guys out of there...

[evermind]

1. I dunno - you could read the word as implying they are not in control

so they have to launch an offensive into enemy territory, as it were. If they were in control, then "defensive actions" would be the right terminology.

I note in one recent report they are now blowing up bridges - this is not the sort of action usually taken by a force in control of a territory!