[BushMeister]

And 70 men armed with AKs/RPGs is still a major problem. By what standards? We are talking about a whole country armed to the teeth where the major religion breeds lunatics. It's a wonder that 700 don't charge us every day.

By the standard of a few dozen Marines in a compound that have the duty of protecting their turf while engaging and defeating 70 attackers. 20-30 enemies going prone to provide covering fire while 50 attackers make their move is nothing to sneeze at, especially when the enemy probably knows every weakness of the place they're assailing. These Marines weren't holed up in a substantial fortress, just a walled compound. But again, we don't know the details yet. Still confused by the "wave after wave" reports.

[kinghorse]

By the standard of a few dozen Marines in a compound that "have the duty of protecting their turf while engaging and defeating 70 attackers. 20-30 enemies going prone to provide covering fire while 50 attackers make their move is nothing to sneeze at, especially when the enemy probably knows every weakness of the place they're assailing. These Marines weren't holed up in a substantial fortress, just a walled compound. But again, we don't know the details yet. Still confused by the "wave after wave" reports."


We are arrayed like this to avoid presenting high value targets like barracks or dorms would present. Remember Beirut and Khobar. To do this right, our guys need pin point and fast tactical support or they are dead in short order. You can't fire when you can't lift your head.

[TexasCowboy]

We have to get real here, BushMeister.
We should know what is happening.

If the Marines were turned loose with everything they have we wouldn't have twelve dead Marines - we'd have a thousand dead Iraqis.
Politics is running the show.
Shades of VietNam...........