Articles 10.31.2004

Combat activity continues to be reported across Ramadi and Fallujah, with specific mention of the 2nd BCT. Two summary articles:
- Chicago Tribune (via Monterey Herald)
- NY Times (via the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus)

- in the NY Times article, there are quotes from 2nd BCT officers:

"Army commanders with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Camp Ramadi, responsible for controlling central Anbar province, reflected on the precarious situation. Col. Gary S. Patton, the brigade commander, said in an interview that to quell the insurgency, it was crucial to develop effective Iraqi security forces, a strong local government and improved municipal services. "But it's difficult to do any of that stuff when you're fighting 5-meter targets, terrorists at every street corner," he said. "And so our fight right now is to gain some freedom of action."

Maj. Steven Alexander, the brigade operations officer, said that Prime Minister Ayad Allawi needed to deal firmly with the mujahedeen in Fallujah, but that he risked alienating civilians with a heavy assault. "So I don't envy his decision," he said."