Secretary of Donald Rumsfeld declared that there is no guerilla war or quagmire in Iraq, instead claiming that the attacks on US forces are coming from a "terrorist network" made of former members of Saddam Hussein's government. In doing this, Rumsfeld portrays the armed resistance to the occupation as being that of a terrorist fringe, which indeed it may be. However, such a characterization neglects the fact that in order for such armed resistance to be possible, the local populations must be, to a certain extent, sympathetic with the actions against US troops. What could make people willing to resort to such measures? A lack of food, lack of electricity, and resentment towards an occupation that does not fulfill its promises of self-government are among the reasons cited in today's articles.
Reuters: Rumsfeld Says Iraq No Quagmire or Guerrilla War
Z Net: This Is What A Guerilla War Looks Like
Common Dreams: Iraq - Everyone Now Needs Food Aid
