The decision to extend from one year to fifteen months the American forces tour in Iraq is hard news. Hard on families because the losses are high. Despite the px and gallon containers of ice cream that are enshrined in the memories of those of us who have worked with the US forces, conditions are hard. It is not just the deaths; many are suffering mental stresses and strains that condemn some to a living death.
The other point I take is that this demonstrates the level of fighting in Iraq. One thinks of America as a very strong nation with almost untold reserves. Men, money, equipment and the ability to devise and use high levels of technology. All this expended in a 3rd world country that is, by comparision, small and backward.
I include American personnel in my contention that the whole can of beans that is Iraq is just not worth the life of just one Coalition participant. They had their chance to get on board but blew it. Fine. Time to go home NOT to extend the tour length.
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