Suffering the Little Children

As a tactic, using small children to hector an occupation army is contemptible. As a harbinger, it is a sign that the U.S. war in Iraq is a lost cause. This AP story tells of children as young as six and seven throwing rocks and firebombs at American troops patrolling Baghdad. The U.S. officials are correct that the tactic is designed to induce American soldiers into committing an atrocity. It is also a sign that a tipping point has been passed. When children begin doing this it is because it has become the common currency of the realm. Opposition to U.S. troops has become universal. We may continue to die, they may continue to die, but the war is lost.

More on the plight of Iraqi children is reported here.