| The Iraqi generals guarding Baghdad were paid off, and the defense collapsed. These guys are what we would call patriots, defending the nation, if the tables were turned and the US was occupied. Of course since they are Iraqis, they are "terrorists". They fight for principle, the principle of sovereignty. The US would have been better off getting out quickly, but that didn't fit in with having garrisons and airfields to control the area for the foreseeable future. What's gonna happen now? Lots more people are gonna die...
"Arms in the hands of the citizens may be used at individual discretion for the defense of the country, the overthrow of tyranny or private self-defense." -- John Adams |