[Marxism] Two counterposed points of view on Iraq today

["Walter Lippmann" <walterlx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

(Two counterposed points of view on Washington's
invasion and occupation of Iraq as the US Bush
administration proclaims victory. One Comment: 
"Hail, Hail, Rock & Roll!" as patriotic these
Socialist Workers hail Washington's boasting of
its efforts to conquer the people of Iraq. This
is dedicated to Stevie G.)  
================================================

THE MILITANT 
Vol. 68/No. 41 November 9, 2004

U.S. forces, Iraqi gov?t make progress in push to take
control of Fallujah, as U.S. planes keep pounding militias
(front page)

BY SAM MANUEL

U.S. troops and the Iraqi interim government headed by
Prime Minister Iyad Allawi are making progress in their
campaign to bring Fallujah under the control of the Allawi
administration. The military action there, which has
included sustained pounding of militia positions by U.S.
warplanes and tanks since October 15, is expected to be the
toughest in the campaign to bring about 30 Iraqi
cities?where militias opposed to the U.S.-backed regime
have been operating openly?under Baghdad?s authority before
elections scheduled for early next year. UK defense
secretary Geoffrey Hoon announced October 21 that 850
British troops would be sent to Baghdad to take up
positions previously held by U.S. troops being redeployed
to Fallujah. London took this step at Washington?s request.
---------------------------------------------------------

Some 2,000 Iraqi soldiers fought alongside 3,000 U.S. troops in
sweeping anti-government militias from Samarra the first
week in October. The U.S. commander in charge of the attack
on Samarra praised the performance of Iraqi troops,
crediting them for driving a militia force from an
important mosque in the city.

That success, said USA Today, has left some Iraqi soldiers
itching to get to Fallujah. ?The insurgents there will run
like the rats did at Samarra,? said Maj. Walid Shaker, a
member of a new U.S.-trained Iraqi police commando unit,
the paper said.

SOURCE OF THIS WISDOM:
http://www.themilitant.com/2004/6841/684104.html
========================================================

Combats in Ramadi Cause 10 Iraqi Deaths and Wounds to 15

Baghdad, Oct 31 (Prensa Latina) The Iraqi city of Ramadi
was the scene of fierce combats Sunday between the
insurgents and occupation forces, causing 10 Iraqi deaths
and wounds to 15 soldiers, including 3 from the US troops.

All the Iraqi casualties were sent to Ramadi´s general
hospital, about 62 miles west of Baghdad.

The three US soldiers were wounded during a simple mine
explosion and a mortar attack by the rebels. Ramadi and
Falluja have been insuperable strongholds for US soldiers,
which command is preparing a large offensive to destroy the
resistance.

According to www.icasualties.org, about 4,361 soldiers from
the invading forces, mainly the US, have died since Iraq
was invaded in March 2003. On Saturday, 9 marines died and
an equal number was wounded in the same region.

The foreign troops´ offensive aims to control the region
and the whole country to create a proper atmosphere heading
for the January general elections, which will intend to
legitimize the situation in Iraq.

ef/dig/lms



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