Dead Allies

Iraqis are lining up to join the Iraqi National Guard. Lining up to join the fight against terrorism, establish a peaceful Iraq, and feed their families. Unfortunately, they are lining up next to the street where suicidal maniacs can drive up next to them in cars loaded with explosives.

This has happened several times.

I can understand this happening once. What I cannot understand is why it has happened day after day. We have stated several times that it is imperative that we establish an effective Iraqi force to stabilize Iraq. This requires massive recruiting.

These incidents cannot have a positive effect on recruiting. How many Iraqis stay away from the recruiting lines because of the threat of car bombing?

It seems to me that it would be fairly simple to construct a simple holding area out of concrete barriers. The area could have several entrances that are two narrow for an automobile to enter. Such an area would not prevent a suicide bomber, but it would certainly reduce the capability of a massive car bomb taking out 70 or so recruits in a line.

Similarly, I continue to see incidents where buses full of Iraqis who work for coalition forces are attacked with great loss of life. The Iraqis on these buses are unarmed and apparently not well protected. I can't imagine a better target than a thin metal bus with a bunch of unarmed US sympathizers packed into it. These vehicles should be escorted, or alternate means of transportation should be considered.

I don't claim to have all the answers. But it sure seems like we need to adjust our tactics in order to protect our friends a little better.