The ongoing operation against the insurgent and terrorist stronghold of Tal Afar shows the Iraqis walking:
More than 5,000 Iraqi army and paramilitary troops backed by U.S. soldiers swept into this insurgent stronghold near the Syrian border Saturday, conducting house-to-house searches and battering down stone walls in the narrow, winding streets of the old city.
The US soldiers are 3,500 troops of 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment:
U.S. forces stood back during the new sweep through Tal Far, allowing Iraqi forces to break down doors in the search for insurgents. The Americans followed behind, securing positions while the Iraqis advanced.
This is a far cry from Fallujah where US forces dominated and Iraqi forces were supporting in far smaller numbers. Of course, the resistance in Tal Afar is much less as well. But it is significant that Iraqis are in the lead.
The Iraqis promise more is to come:
With the Tal Afar offensive under way, the Iraqi defense minister signaled his U.S.-trained forces would not stop after this operation and vowed to move against insurgent bastions throughout the country.
"We say to our people ... we are coming," said Defense Minister Sadoun al-Dulaimi.
The Iraqis are coming. Right now, they are walking. Given some time, they will run at the enemy and knock them back across the border.
By then, the Iraqis may want to give chase into Syria where the enemy draws support:
"I regret to say that instead of sending medicines to us, our Arab brothers are sending terrorists," al-Dulaimi said.
Behind the newly expanded and capable Iraqi military--which is on the way to becoming the most effective Arab army--will be the support of American intelligence, communications, artillery, logistics, and air power. Damascus will find they have angered the wrong people.
