[Alpha Kodiak]

Originally posted by Loser:
On the issue of law enforcement, I think the coalition is doing the right thing. If they came in strong right after they drove the other guys out, it might seem that one oppressive organization was replaced by another.

By letting the truly inevitable happen (see _any_ real revolution (the American one does not count, as local authority was, for the most part, maintained)), and then bringing in law enforcement afterward, the people will not feel restrained as they are able to see the need for the light level of oppression inherent to law enforcement.

A question: who is being looted?

Who had all the 'stuff'?

Are people associated with the Ba'ath party, or their property, suffering the most?

It would be nice if it were that simple.

Excellent point, I hadn't thought of it that way. I knew I would get into trouble second guessing the military plan. Every time I have so far I have been proved wrong. It has worked amazingly well, and I would not be surprised if this part works well also.

It is true that the Ba'ath party people had most of the stuff, so they are the primary targets. The big problem is when hospitals and other infrastructure facilities are looted, preventing people from receiving vital services.