Does Gen. McKiernan really and truly believe there are some diehard loyalists running around and blowing things up without the support of the people? Everyone is armed and his soldiers are now expected to hunt for guns? This isn't working. Iraqis didn't have this happen under Saddam and to have American soldiers burst into their homes while their women are around has alredy been sighted as an issue.

There is a raging disconnect between American actions and Iraqi perceptions and these sweeps, while essential for basic security, enrages Iraqis.

What the American military and civilian command seems to think is that they've landed in occupied France and the population was filled with only victims. Well, Iraqis may have hated Saddam, but the Americans have no support. The exiles are screaming at them to hand over power in a meaningful way and they are being ignored. The Americans are being told that the sweeps are enraging Iraqis and violating their dignity

The exiles may or may not be naive about their role in Iraq, but they know their people and they're screaming that this is just making more guerrillas.

Imagine running around Fayettville, NC with these tactics. How long would it take before the locals would start sniping at your patrols.
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