Expert Says Latest U.S. Military Operation in Iraq Will Roust Insurgents
by Bill Fancher and Jody Brown
April 6, 2004
(AgapePress) - Operation Vigilant Response is under way in the troubled Iraqi city of Fallujah, Iraq. Hundreds of American troops have surrounded the city in response to last week's killing and mutilation of four American contractors. More than 1,200 American troops will be working with thousands of Iraqi police to cordon the city and slowly seek out the killers of the Americans.Heritage Foundation military strategist Jack Spencer says the increased military presence will eventually find the violent insurgents.
"In recent weeks a lot of the military resources have been moved out of Fallujah, and I think that that's going to change," Spencer says, "so I don't look for broad bombing or anything of that nature, because it doesn't achieve the objectives to level a city. But I think what you will see is a lot of resources going there to find out who these people are, and where they are."
Amid terrorist attacks on U.S. forces and the murders of American civilians, the Heritage Foundation's expert says Vigilant Response is a necessary operation. He believes the action will garner the U.S. troops respect because it involves military force, one of the things Iraqis understand best.
"I think it's important in order to assure the positive outcome of the Iraq operation. We cannot ensure that we are going to bring stability to Iraq when things like this are happening," he says. According to Spencer, the operation will be deliberate, methodical, and slow. Commanders are expecting cooperation from the vast majority of Iraqis who oppose the insurgents' violence.
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Gary Bauer |
Conservative spokesman Gary Bauer agrees with Spencer, saying that America's response to these most recent attacks "will say more to the enemy about U.S. toughness than any press release filled with stern words."Bauer believes America's resolve in Iraq is being tested and that the Administration's vision for the country's future is at risk. That is why he says the U.S. must respond militarily.
"The U.S. has overwhelming power at our disposal, but one year after the beginning of the war, many of the worst thugs in Iraq are convinced we are not prepared to use it," he says. "If they are correct, not only will Iraq backslide into despotism, but we and our children will be less safe -- and our jihadist enemies will be emboldened."
