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thedrifter
05-18-07, 08:24 AM
ANBAR'S WAR
Marines Roll Out New Secret Weapon
"Mad Dog" Mattis Unleashes "Wave Tactics" on Unsuspecting Iraqis in al Anbar
IraqSlogger

Tony Perry of the LA Times writes up a story that may bring a smile to the reader and maybe even to Iraqis used to the U.S. Marine Corps tactics in the western province. Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis aka "Mad Dog" Mattis revealed his new strategy to defeat the Sunni insurgents in volatile al Anbar.

Perry describes the new tactic and the new weapon;
"show respect to ordinary Iraqis and exercise restraint in the use of deadly force to prevent civilian deaths and injury." The weapoon? A wave, but not just any wave. The Marine Corps has even asked a consultant about the best way to wave. "Make eye contact, don't just wave mechanically like a beauty queen on a float."

The "hearts and minds" or "soft knock" strategy is in line with General Petraeus' revised approach to winning in Iraq. He recently penned a letter to the troops advising them "not to let their frustration or anger override their training and judgment."

General Mattis echoed Petraeus' strategy on a tour of Marine bases in Iraq;

"Whenever you show anger or disgust toward civilians, it's a victory for Al Qaeda and other insurgents, Mattis told Marines in a makeshift chow hall at Camp Gannon. Mattis also called for an"ethical and moral balance" even amid a confusing battleground in which insurgents hide behind women and children."

Ellie