[xkaydet65]

If these tactics were as successful as often as is claimed we would be losing 70 to 80 troops a week. Nothing is mentioned about counter tactics. I becoming convinced the most reliable source of info on the War in Iraq comes from Soldier of Fortune Mag.

[Eagle Eye]

Success doesn't need to be a dead body.

Interrupting supplies, altering schedules, realocting manpower are all forms of success.

Forcing additional armor (at great expense) that wears out the vehicles faster is also a success.

It is the same way with incoming artillery fire on the bases. They don't have to damage anything to be disruptive.

[don'tbedenied]

"...If these tactics were as successful as often as is claimed we would be losing 70 to 80 troops a week..."

Tactically the insurgency has been lousy but the Western media keeps ascribing a sort of brilliance to the tactics they deploy. Our success has forced them to kill "soft targets" (i.e. innocent civilians) instead of our soldiers. This "adaptation" by the insurgents has turned the civilians against them.

This is not to say that we shouldn't be improving everyday as the "insurgents" change tactics, my point is that this article like so many others implies a tactical brilliance on the losing side, while being overly critical of the tactics of the winners.

[Blood of Tyrants]

I agree. The fact that we know about them means that our troops are alert for them and that takes away a great deal of the effectiveness. As for the crowds gathering to shield the gunman and then part on command, hell, shoot the whole damned bunch because they are obviously part of the insurgents. You get to kill a bunch at one time. After just a couple of those incidents, "crowds of rubberneckers" will suddenly decide that a car wreck isn't that interesting after all.

[beebuster2000]

key point is the insurgents are in a dead end. just setting off bombs doesnt lead anywhere. the more iraqis they kill, the more pointless their strategy becomes. the point where they could win is past.
glad to hear our guys ae dong what they do best- adapt, and then kill the bad guys.