Iraqis may differ on whether U.S. troops should be in the country, but all agree that the Americans are formidable warriors. Increasingly, Iraqi troops are wearing similar combat uniforms and driving hummers. TheIraqi soldiers consciously copy their U.S. counterparts. This includes handling their weapons, and moving around, in a similar fashion. Butit isn’t all superficial imitation, the Iraqis stand and fight now. U.S.troops, back in Iraq after having been away for a year or so, are pleasantly surprised to find, when called to reinforce an Iraqi unit (likea checkpoint, or a police station) under fire, that the Iraqis are nowfighting harder and smarter. In the past, the U.S. troops would often show up to find the Iraqi troops or police had fled.
Which brings up two points. One, the Iraqi army is progressing into a fighting force.
And two, American troops are recognized as formidable warriors. Remember when our enemies thought a few casualties would send us running? Remember when the Taliban and al Qaeda cursed us in the early days of the Afghan campaign for not fighting them on the ground?
You don't hear too many jihadis eager for battle with our soldiers and Marines anymore.
