[international american]

"The US could have sent many tanks, along with air support, to disperse the mob, kill those who didn't disperse, intimidate onlookers and recover the bodies of the dead Americans. And the US could immediately have put a price on the head of the killers and those who desecrated the bodies."

Correct on all counts.

[El Gato]

U.S. Iraqi Troops Seal Off Fallujah

By BASSEM MROUE (AP) Iraqi police officers patrol downtown Fallujah, Iraq, Friday April 2, 2004. A top U.S. military... Full Image FALLUJAH, Iraq (AP) - Hundreds of U.S. and Iraqi troops in tanks, trucks and other vehicles surrounded the turbulent city of Fallujah on Monday ahead of a major operation against insurgents following the grisly slayings of four American security contractors last week.

Explosions and gunfire could be heard coming from the center of the city. Streets on the outskirts were largely deserted.

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I do believe the nut cutting has already begun.