Guardian Unlimited - The unfolding mess in Iraq: "A rash of attacks on US and British troops has pointed to growing disaffection among Iraqis, while looting and sabotage continue to damage efforts to get the nation back on its feet.

Twenty-one US soldiers, and six from Britain, have been killed in assaults since the war ended.

US military officials have complained that they have received little or no training for peacekeeping. Most US military police are reservists, given just one day of instruction on dealing with civilians. Nato has taken a lead role in peacekeeping in the Balkans, but has been reluctant to get involved in Iraq.

Firms looking to invest in Iraq are reportedly being warned of an "even" chance of its descending into open revolt. "

Well yesterday I wrote that Rumsfeld would be the last to admit the failure in Iraq. Today I see this report; "Mr Rumsfeld told defence industry leaders: "I am interested in the idea of our leading, or contributing to in some way, a cadre of people in the world who would like to participate in peacekeeping or peacemaking."

Sounds like things aren't working the way they were supposed to. And I'm curious if this peacekeeping force would be a private army, provided by the likes of Haliburton?
- posted by geoff @ #

 
Google News: "US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld cast doubt on Friday on the notion that attacks on US-led forces in Iraq were rising to the level of a guerrilla war. "

Rumsfeld's the last person who will admit that his post-invasion strategy failed in either concept and implementation. He'll deny that to his grave most likely.
- posted by geoff @ #