[D9 (RIP)]

I hope our response is forceful. And, it should be directed against the citizens of Fallujah at large, given the mob, rather than looking for the handful of individuals that did the original shooting. Unfortunately, from the interviews I have seen by CPA bureaucrats today, it sounds like they are sticking to the premise that this is just a few proverbial bad apples. I don't see how you can draw that conclusion rationally given what we all saw happen yesterday, but that appears to be the character of our response anyway.

It appears that on the premise that this is only a handful of "anti-democracy" types, we are going to proceed with a "surgical" response. But while the attackers may be the worst of the bunch, it should be clear that the general population of Fallujah needs to be taught a lesson.

Surgery may the right response to repair a wound on a person's foot if the tissue around the injury is not malignant with infection. But if the lower leg is consumed with gangreen, then the problem has to be dealt with more comprehensively. I think this is the appropriate lens through which to view a solution to the incident in Fallujah. Clearly, the general sentiment in that area is poisoned against our goals.

It's time to amputate. I would have no problem with laying seige to the city and shutting down every utility (water, power, etc) until every individual who participated in that animal mob and the attacks was hanging from the same bridge that our men were hanging from - or at least turned over to the American forces laying seige. Make Fallujah and example of the stick that will meet those who refuse the carrot.