Mideast edition, Friday, June 1, 2007
Tuesday's joint mission of U.S. troops and the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division's Military Transition Team gave the group a clearer view of the situation in Baqouba. American officers have been pressuring Iraqi forces to dismantle vulnerable checkpoints like the one in As'Sadah and become more aggressive in their offensive operations against insurgents. "Really, all these guys are doing out here is waiting to get shot at," Capt. Todd Stephens said. "If you're in a defensive position, then you're in a defensive mind-set." So far, the U.S. efforts have been stymied.
