[mrnoodle]

We do not behave as their propoganda predicts. Our rules of engagement, rules for prisoner treatment, and rules for interacting with non-combatants are more stringent, more bend-over-backwards conciliatory than those of any armed force in history. Anywhere.

The only place enemy propoganda is having the desired effect is on our own soil. The "insurgents" (a misnomer, as they are not from Iraq, nor are they fighting on behalf of Iraq -- they target civilians) are failing. Iraqis are not joining insurgent forces -- in fact, they're working with us, fighting alongside us, and refusing to give in to terrorism.

Where enemy propoganda works is in the American media, who are on a constant mission to prove wrongdoing on the part of American forces and leadership. Soldier A shot someone without provocation. Soldier B didn't handle the Koran with latex gloves, thus offending the prisoners. Theinsurgencyiswinningtheinsurgencyiswinningtheinsurgencyiswinning. Day after day after day. Nary a single kind word about a soldier, unless they are thoughtful enough to die and provide more proof that theinsurgencyiswinningtheinsurgencyiswinningtheinsurgencyiswinning. Hell, the terrorists hardly even NEED al Jazeera. They have the New York Times.