There are 500,000 people in that city. Short of nuking them, there's not much we can do.
There are 5 million in Baghdad.
There's a lot we can do.. But we have to be selective, and collective, in how the various retaliatory actions are carried out.
For instance, since those security contractors were apparently involved in convoy security (at some point), we might sharply reduce our shipments of fuel and food into the city.
We may even require people to have to leave city limits and travel to established and secure centers to obtain such goods. It's an inconvenience for them, but it not the same as completely shutting down their supply lines into the city and possibly starving them..
Likewise, when they have power or infrastructure problems, we can just say they will have to fix it themselves becausem, in light of recent events, we no longer feel secure, nor obligated, to risk our lives to go in there...
It will make a major difference if 500,000 people suddenly recognize that a militant few have spoiled it for the rest of them..
Hawk@pavlovmethod.gov |
