Iraq Horror

Yahoo: Lynch: US 'surge' tipped scales in Iraq

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch has spent years thinking about the war in Iraq .... he now believes U.S. commanders finally have a feel for the battlefield.

"We've always said that the only way we are going to win this counterinsurgency fight in Iraq is through the people of Iraq," he said.

At virtually the same time that the General made his positive statements -

BBC: Iraq market bombs toll nears 100

The death toll from two Baghdad market bombs allegedly carried by mentally disabled women and set off remotely has risen to nearly 100, say officials.

The blasts on Friday at two animal markets in Baghdad left 99 people dead and up to 200 wounded, officials said.

Followed by this article on the treatment of Iraqis by British troops -

UK troops accused of "off-the-scale" abuse in Iraq

A lawyer representing nine Iraqi civilians accused British troops on Friday of "off the scale" torture and abuse in Iraq, and Britain's Ministry of Defence said it was re-investigating the case.

Among the claims are that bodies had their eyes gouged out and that victims were asphyxiated, hanged or had their genitals beaten, according to the Guardian newspaper. Shiner confirmed to Reuters those abuses were among the allegations.

Recapping: A US General reports on the positive aspects of the surge and expresses his belief in the military at last knowing how to effectively fight in Iraq, 5 years after the initial elective invasion.

A horrible double suicide bombing in Baghdad kills nearly 100 people and wounds hundreds more.

British troops are alleged to have used torture that makes the type of abuse seen at Abu Ghraib pale in comparison.

With all due respect to the General, the hearts and minds battle does not appear to be won.