By Ted Weaver

10/27/2003

Now that it’s gotten this far.

It puzzles me and wonder how a homemade and automated rocket launcher system on wheels could go undetected within a 2 block radius of the Al Rashid Hotel which is considered to be a high profiled/high valued target. Then to be able to properly position and set fire coordinates accurately is yet another feat that requires some sort of time and expertise, all the while going undetected so close to an important center.

This type of warfare (terrorism and guerilla) anything and everything goes and is possible. Anything on wheels should be stopped on the street anywhere and re-checked when possible when within say a 2 mile proximity to high valued area. These guys are going to get creative. You have to think creatively to counter the method. Then enact the procedures to counter . Even if it creates a little disruption and tension.

Banks of “hidden security cameras” would help and should be installed on every angle of every street with sufficient lighting systems. These systems should be employed that are anywhere near or close to all high valued targets along with a manned extended security perimeter. Which should include all schools, shopping area’s, hospitals and relief agencies. Sure it takes more manpower and resources. But we can’t afford to let them get away with this type of potentially destabilizing political affect. These types of attacks undeterred, only embolden the terrorist/guerillas.

I have been reading reports that large numbers of ammunition dumps in Iraq go unguarded and are open to looting and stockpiling by the terrorist. I really hope that this is not happening. And if it is, I would really hope that it is realized and these dumps are dealt with in an expeditious and responsible manner. I find it really hard to believe that these sites go unguarded. Especially since there is the potential for chemical or bio weapons that could exist in some of them. Then no one will have to wonder what happened to them anymore.

I don’t particularly like the idea of these relief agencies retreating back across borders into another country to seek safe haven, which in effect gives the terrorist what they want. Security should be provided for these relief agencies including the U.N., whether they like it or not. It is better than having them blown up and run out of the country portraying a poor security condition.

U.N. Secretary Koffi Annan should have held the line. He shouldn’t have given in to them by moving out of the country. This type of reaction only emboldens the terrorist. It give them a sense of purpose, a sense of confidence. We are dealing with the mentality of an animal. Once a ferocious animal detects fear, it assumes an aggressive posture and position.. I understand that in Koffi’s mind, security to U.N. personnel would be his paramount factor, however if you allow the terrorist to chase you around, they will continue to do so. Never to gain a footing.

I hope the Red Cross has enough sense and allows the coalition forces to provide maximum security so their important work continues. With a minimized amount of risk. Whether they like it or not. Because next, they will be employing the kidnapping and execution strategies on the employees of the relief organizations.

Terrorist will employ any method conceivable. Which should include the use of women and children to further their cause. As in the case with any terrorist/guerilla war, methods such as suicide by children and women should never be discounted. Because just when you least likely expect it, here comes this kid with a bomb belt attached around his mid section. All the while just waiting to attract the attention of a relief worker or coalition soldier somewhere. Don’t forget about those teenagers of both sexes either. Most of the terrorist who are highly motivated are just that, young and sometimes even educated. Dressed in business attire or work clothes of some sort.

Transportation of bomb laden vehicle whether they be a car bomb with the trunk or back seat filled with explosives, to the trucks that depict a legitimate business or relief agency or even a unknown stolen coalition military vehicle, all should be watched with a wary eye anywhere. All of this requires a high level of disciplined untiring alertness.

Any worker anywhere who carries with them supplies, tools, anything at all should be checked and rechecked before entering a complex or potentially a high valued target. All trucks that carry supplies, materials. tools, equipment etc. should be run through the same rigid screening process.

My point being that anything that moves carries with it the possibility. Nothing should ever be discounted. Anything is possible.

Rooting out these hold outs and various other groups who are now starting to coalesce together, has been a little more difficult than expected. One would have hoped for a little more creative thinking in rooting out the problems. I‘ll tell you what , if one would put a contingent or two of trusted and trained Shiite Muslim Arabs within the perimeter of the so-called Sunni triangle, we would definitely see some action. It would draw out terrorist and holdouts like icky thymol applied to a boil.

We would definitely see who has the weaponry in stock and who was using them. Though both are predominantly Muslim in religion, they definitely have a history of not getting along. They have all the reasons for maximum motivation.

I don’t think those who live in the Sunni triangle have much say in the matter at this point because of the overall security situation that currently exist within that so-called area is deficient. And until that point in time arrives, that is one of the methods I would employ. But of course to prevent total chaos, all would have to be accomplished under the direction of coalition forces.

This is the type of war in many respects that has similarities to previous conflicts that occurred in other parts of the world. Drawing lessons from previous conflicts can be beneficial.

Creative thinking and implementation of tactics will be paramount in the short term. For if these types of attacks should continue to occur with any rate of success, sooner or later it will destabilize and degrade the coalition and governments and lose all that has been invested both in terms of strategy, blood and money. All the successes to date will seem like a distant memory. Memories I think we cannot afford to lose.