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Editorial: Peril in Iraq The Greenville (S.C.) News May 31 More than a month removed from the major fighting in Iraq, the withdrawal and rebuilding efforts drag on, with American troops facing increased danger and hostility. Last week, five American soldiers were killed and 14 wounded in four separate attacks on U.S. troops near Baghdad. These deaths are, at the very least, reason to continually review what constitutes a viable postwar military presence in Iraq. Given the many variables that inevitably arise in formulating a plan to rebuild a nation from the ashes of war, the answer to the question of troop strength may vary from day to day. But this much is clear: Coalition forces must have sufficient numbers to rebuild infrastructure and guard Iraq's assets and those civilians who are undertaking massive rebuilding projects. This will take years, which makes hunting down those loyalists to Saddam Hussein still intent on fighting the top priority. Recent history teaches us that simply playing defense is not a viable strategy. There is, unquestionably, growing discontent among some Iraqis over the pace and design of rebuilding efforts. ... But Iraqis, sold on the promise of liberty and the emerging blueprint of democratic-style institutions, cling to signs that order is being restored in Iraq. ... So it appears, as assumed, the rebuilding phase in postwar Iraq will not be without peril. Adequate troop numbers are necessary to minimize future tragedies. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -