EARLY HAND CLAPPING BY A FLAG OFFICER

NOTE THE DATE OF THIS ARTICLE and the not-so-subtle dig at the media.


Iraqi insurgency is waning, general says
By Ron Jensen, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Sunday, November 9, 2003

AGHDAD, Iraq — The ongoing insurgency against the coalition is being diminished in Baghdad despite recent high-profile attacks that tend to leave the opposite impression, a general with the 1st Armored Division told reporters Friday afternoon.

“We think the insurgency is waning,” said Brig. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, the assistant division commander for support. “The ones who continue to fight are losing their support.”

Hertling said the impression left by the media in the minds of Americans is that the situation is worsening or, at least, not improving in the city.

Hertling said the vast majority of Iraqis living in Baghdad are turning against the enemy. ... “I absolutely think it backfired on them,” the general said of the attacks. “The Iraqi Baghdad population is tired of others disrupting their peace.”