[concentric circles]

"The outcome of the first reported battle since the end of major combat operations in Iraq suggests victory may be closer than most Americans dare to hope."

"...the Fedayeen Saddam ambushed two convoys... in Samarra... The attacks were well planned and coordinated. The attackers were brave. The attackers died like flies."

"...Martin Sieff of UPI thinks it was a premature escalation based on rising confidence."

"...But because seeking a standup fight with the U.S. military is a stupid thing to do... the attacks more likely were motivated by desperation...."

[DeuceTraveler]

This article is based on another from Stratfor. I used to subscribe to Stratfor a few years ago, but stopped after I felt they were becoming more hit and miss. I'm still concerned about the Syrians and Iranians coming over the border but I hope this article reads correctly.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thanks for the heads up. Previously published as:

8 Casualty balance sheet  ~ Washington Times  | 12/04/03 | Jack Kelly

Very glad to be able to post it again with a new, improved title. (^:
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Jack Kelly, worthy (re-)ping!