U.S. military airstrikes significantly increased in Iraq

[AGENDA21]

BAGHDAD, Iraq - American forces have dramatically increased airstrikes in Iraq during the past five months, a change of tactics that may foreshadow how the United States plans to battle a still-strong insurgency while reducing the number of U.S. ground troops serving here.

A review of military data shows that daily bombing runs and jet-missile launches have increased by more than 50 percent in the past five months, compared with the same period last year. Knight Ridder's statistical findings were reviewed and confirmed by American Air Force officials in the region.

The numbers also show that U.S. forces dropped bombs on more cities during the last five months than they did during the same period a year ago. Air strikes a year ago struck at least nine cities, but were mostly concentrated in and around the western city of Fallujah. This year, U.S. warplanes have struck at least 18 cities.

The spike in bombings comes at a crucial time for American diplomatic efforts in Iraq. Officials in Washington have said that the situation in Iraq is improving, creating expectations that at least some American troops might be able to withdraw over the next year.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/special_packages/iraq/14098141.htm

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

1. "Winning Hearts and MInds" with high explosives.

It worked so well in that other adventure in imperialism.

[400Years]

2. dropping bombs on poor people

[leveymg]

3. This is exactly what they said they were going to do months ago

Nobody expects that increased airstrikes are going to change the outcome, other than creating more civilian casualties. It's not militarily effective without close-in ground direction, but the Marines don't trust the Iraqi military to call in their own airstrikes, except to hit sectarian enemies.

The real question is, is this buildup of airpower a cover for preparation of a strike against Iran? I don't think so, for reasons already much discussed elsewhere here.