"Shock and Awe," Iraqi style
Guerrilla 'psychological operation' has U.S. military worried (18 Apr 04)
JIM KRANE
AP
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- With videos of kidnapped civilians and leaflets threatening violence, one top U.S. military officer said insurgents were operating a brilliant campaign of fear that experts said was meant to drain international workers from Iraq and isolate the U.S. military and its allies.
Guerrilla ``masters of intimidation'' are also successfully countering the U.S. military's own psychological campaign.
One of the most demoralizing weapons in the campaign has been the release and broadcast of four videotapes of hostages, one of whom was filmed during his execution.
Insurgents have also issued a burst of fliers and statements warning Iraqis against cooperating with the U.S.-led occupation. The U.S. military used similar fliers and warnings to intimidate the Iraqi army during the war.
``There are activities here, people here, insurgents and extremists who are masters of intimidation,'' a senior U.S. military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
