Article

2007-12-17 Iraq

American "Surge" to success, British "Slump" to failure - Times of London

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Posted by GolfBravoUSMC 2007-12-17 18:14|| || Front Page|| [3 views ] Top

#1 They get some of it, but are still way off base in other ways.

To start off with, from the very beginning, the British assumed that the Americans were "arrogant", but that they, the British "understood Arabs".

In truth, the Americans were "objective" about Arabs, had few assumptions about them, so treated them at face value. If they behaved well, they were treated well. If they behaved poorly, then they would be treated with firmness. Americans had no illusions or self-deceptions about who they were dealing with, so believed that "actions speak louder than words." And if you treat everyone with cautious respect, as if they are equal, they will notice that. A well-dressed, charming liar who puts on airs is less appreciated than an honest beggar.

However, the British "arrogantly" assumed that they knew "the Arab way", so didn't seek to change the status quo, accepting too much bad behavior and with a willingness to allow might to make right.

The British did one thing right, however, in "holding down the fort" in the more peaceful part of the country while the US tended to business elsewhere. Just doing that, with few numbers, was good enough for the time being. Now, with the rest of the country coming under control, the US can move South in great numbers, and "try things the American way".

And having seen what the US can do in the rest of the country, the Shiites will be far less inclined to cut up rough. The US and IA will bust up any small efforts down South to create little "Talibanates", and the majority will support that.

So the British accomplished what was needed. No real honor or glory, but there never were enough of them to have any of that anyway.

Posted by Anonymoose 2007-12-17 19:12|| 2007-12-17 19:12|| Front Page Top

#2 Compare wid REDDIT > woman says she'll never get laid = have sex in Britain ever again.

Okay, I'll bite, what the ???????.

Posted by JosephMendiola 2007-12-17 19:16|| 2007-12-17 19:16|| Front Page Top

#3 I agree 'moose. The British did what needed to be done. They never would have the numbers of troops for a "surge", but couldn't pull out. So, they maintained the status quo. Not a great mission, but it was the only one they could do. And considering, they did the best with what they had.

Posted by DarthVader">DarthVader 2007-12-17 19:20|| 2007-12-17 19:20|| Front Page Top

#4 Joe, will you please speak honest to goodness English for a change?

Posted by mom">mom 2007-12-17 19:41|| http://idontknowbut.blogspot.com]">[http://idontknowbut.blogspot.com] 2007-12-17 19:41|| Front Page Top

#5 Joe is speaking English, it's just a more fun, and highly filtered version.

What better way to protests ones country than to never grant it the honor of a child.

Posted by Mike N. 2007-12-17 20:03|| 2007-12-17 20:03|| Front Page Top

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