[dedeppm]

I've noticed that nobody has mentioned zarqawi as an effective insurgency leader on that particular thread. I'm well aware that he has not actually defeated any coalition forces on the field of battle, but does he really have to? It would seem that "our" media is portraying him as the victor and he is doing an excellent job of playing that image up in the media. In a modern battlefield, is the ability to successfully manipulate the media an essential combat skill? Not trying to bait anyone here or defend what zarqawi has done, but he seems to have been effective thus far. His approval rating in the arab world is probably higher than our CINC's approval rating in this country. Of course, that may simply be saying something about the Arab "street." Sorry for rambling, this post is kind of all over the board. Just interested in the opinions of those who have more real-world experience than myself.