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Protect or Prevent? Iraq Tanks Raise Heavy Issues

Posted Dec 27, 07 3:40 AM CST in US 

(Newser) – A new heavily armored vehicle will better protect US soldiers in Iraq from roadside bombs, but possibly at the risk of jeopardizing the overall counter-insurgency strategy, the Los Angeles Times reports. The new equipment has ignited debate over whether it is better to protect soldiers from attack, or stop the attacks from happening in the first place.

Some 1,500 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles have just been sent to Iraq and thousands more are on order. While soldiers are better protected inside the behemoths, the lumbering trucks lack the maneuverability often needed in Iraq battles. Even more importantly, argue counter-insurgency experts, soldiers inside the hulking vehicles will be unable to connect with local people, which is bound to have a negative impact on security.

Source Los Angeles Times

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A Category I mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle, is driven on a test course during a media demonstration, Friday, Aug. 24, 2007, at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. The Marine Corps commander...   (Associated Press)
Mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAP), produced by Force Protection, are loaded onto an airplane to be shipped to war zones, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, at the Charleston Air Force Base in North...   (Associated Press)
Mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAP), produced by Force Protection, are loaded onto an airplane to be shipped to war zones, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, at the Charleston Air Force Base in North...   (Associated Press)
International Military and Government displayed their MaxxProTM Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle in Washington, D.C. Thursday. The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded the company several contracts...   (Associated Press)
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Iraq • US military • Pentagon • roadside bomb • military strategy • MRAP



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