More troops would have allowed the US to reestablish the rule of law more quickly. Once the rule of law broke down and looting began, then the Iraqi people's trust in the US diminished as well. An effective rule of law would have also denied the insurgency time and resources and prevented them from becoming as effective as they have been. Bato001 at aol.com wrote:In a message dated 02/10/2005 11:21:07 AM Eastern Standard Time, howard at brazee.net writes: We didn't need the masses to conquer Iraq, and even if we had the masses, we couldn't stop the current fighting. I guess this is what I disagree with. More troops, better communication and a willing, helpful population would allow us to 'win' the peace in Iraq. Or maybe you are right because I am setting conditions. As it stands now, no, more troops won't help without the other two. John D. Barbato, OD