Latest Baghdad Security Strategy Acknowledged As A Failure

Remember the security sweep, which began Aug. 7 with the introduction of an additional 12,000 U.S. and Iraqi troops into Baghdad?  That has failed.

IGÇÖve put up some pictures below the jump from action in Iraq for October 19.  DonGÇÖt look if youGÇÖre squeamish.  Eight died and 70 were injured in the car bombing scenes.  The old woman died moments after the picture was taken.  No word on the young girl GÇô she was being treated for shrapnel wounds.

George Bush and George Allen --  have no idea how to stop this war.  George Bush, because his vanity wonGÇÖt let him think.  George Allen, because he sees no need to think about how his actions affect people.

U.S. to rethink Baghdad peace efforts
By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN, Associated Press Writer

The U.S. military acknowledged Thursday that its two-month drive to crush insurgent and militia violence in the Iraqi capital had fallen short, calling the raging bloodshed disheartening and saying it was rethinking its strategy to rein in gunmen, torturers and bombers.

The admission by military spokesman Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell came as car bombs, mortar fire and shootings around the country killed at least 66 people and wounded 175. The dead included the Anbar province police commander, slain by gunmen who burst into his home in Ramadi.

The U.S. military also announced the deaths of three U.S. troops in fighting, raising the toll for American troops in October to 74. The month is on course to be the deadliest for U.S. forces in nearly two years.

Caldwell told reporters the U.S.-Iraqi bid to crush violence in the capital had not delivered the desired results, with attacks in Baghdad rising by 22 percent in the first three weeks of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan when compared to the three previous weeks.

"In Baghdad, Operation Together Forward has made a difference in the focus areas but has not met our overall expectations in sustaining a reduction in the level of violence," Caldwell said at a news briefing. He was referring to the security sweep, which began Aug. 7 with the introduction of an additional 12,000 U.S. and Iraqi troops into Baghdad.

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