This in from GRU's site dated March 28, 2003, 1448hrs MSK (GMT +3),:
http://162.42.211.226/article2454.htm
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" According to verified information, during the past 48 hours of the Iraqi counterattacks the coalition forces sustained the following losses: up to 30 killed, over 110 wounded and 20 missing in action; up to 30 combat vehicles lost or disabled, including at least 8 tanks and 2 self-propelled artillery systems, 2 helicopters and 2 unmanned aerial vehicles were lost in combat. Iraqi losses are around 300 killed, up to 800 wounded, 200 captured and up to 100 combat vehicles 25 of which were tanks. Most of the [ Iraqi ] losses were sustained due to the artillery fire and aerial bombardment that resumed by the evening of March 27 "
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Although the Iraqi figures seem low, this is probably about right for the coalition (add 4 more Dead for recent suicide bomber). To re-cap, the GRU is like the U.S.'s DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency). This site is very interesting and supplies us with not only hard data on both sides' present war situation but a brief analysis of tactics, strategies, and weapon systems proficiency. The analysis is somewhat biased but combined with U.S. analysis might give us a clearer picture of the Iraq situation as is.
In studying the limited amount of info available and comments from those in the field and present military actions I have changed my mind as to the efficacy of what appears to have been the military's original strategy especially in the area of troop strength and specifically which Division should have been sent instead of or in combination with those in the initial advance.
Since I have always had a firm grasp of the obvious it is apparent to me that the failure to move the 4 ID in through Turkey is the root cause of what we see now for a number of reasons, one of which I have already stated the other being that it is probably our best suited Division for the task.
The outcome of this conflict is still not in doubt if the U.S. wants to win this conflict but due to Saddam troop's present strategy of hiding behind civilians or posing as such I see the distinct possibility of him hiding military weapon systems in amongst urban civilian populations. This raises the specter of many more civilian losses. If Saddam has not already done so we have hope to destroy these weapons, as timber has mentioned, either in place or especially if it is attempted to move them off the lines and back into Baghdad.
I see every body here is rejoicing that Richard Perle has been forced to resign the CHAIRMANSHIP of the Defense Policy Board. This is that civilian body that advises the Defense Dept about various things including which contractors to award defense contracts to. The flap, of course, is that Richard Perle, along with a bunch of other guys, are lobbyist for some of the very contractors that might be chosen by the Defense Dept for those contracts. Not only that but also this fact is not required by law to be publicly known. Is this a great country or what?
Well, we must put our party hats away. Mr. Perle may have resigned the chairmanship but he is still a member in good standing of the Defense Policy Board and still has Sec. Rumsfeld's ear. Pretty Slick! This from 28 Mar 2003 episode of "Now" with Bill Moyers on PBS, among other gems.
Respectfully,
JM
There usually is plenty of room for "See, that's what we really meant" no matter how the situation develops.
