Why We Fight (the Wrong Enemy)

Let's take a look at the nature of the attacks in Iraq as of late.

Enemy fire felled an eighth US helicopter yesterday, and a ninth downing is being investigated. The Mujahedin Army took credit for yesterday's attack. The US military acknowledges that these have been pulled off by insurgent Sunnis.

In addition, Iraqi insurgents are now using chlorine gas bombs as chemical weapons, in addition to the explosives they use in truck bombs. This is also the work of Sunnis. An excerpt from the article:

The attacks offer a sweeping narrative on evolving tactics by Sunni insurgents who have proved remarkably adaptable.

Military officials worry extremists may have recently gained more access to firepower such as shoulder-fired anti-aircraft rockets and heavy machine guns — and more expertise to use them. The Black Hawk would be at least the eighth U.S. helicopter to crash or be taken down by hostile fire in the past month.

The gas cloud in Baghdad, meanwhile, suggests possible new and coordinated strategies by bombers trying to unleash toxic — and potentially deadly — materials. "Terrorists are using dirty means," said Brig. Gen. Qassim Moussawi, an Iraqi military spokesman.

Now, ask yourself: who is supplying the Sunni insurgents with the funding, weaponry, and technical know-how? Is it Shiite-dominated Iran? Or is it wealthy Sunnis in Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and Jordan?

And then, ask yourself how, once again, the United States could have the source of terrorist aggression exactly backwards.

And then you'll understand why acts of terrorism have increased seven-fold since the beginning of the war on terror. And even EXCLUDING Iraq and Afghanistan, terrorist acts have increased 35%. We have let old rivalries and older loyalties color our ability to confront actual threats. We are losing the war on terror.