Najaf Battle Highlights American Military's Struggles in Post-Invasion Iraq

American commanders had hoped the Najaf battle would be a quick, decisive action against Moktada al-Sadr's fighters, but the combat ultimately bogged down into a grinding battle that may have strengthened the militiaman's hand. The failure to achieve strategic goals in Najaf and Falluja has raised questions about the no-holds-barred approach of the Marines and the slower, more cautious approach of the Army. The battle also highlights the complexities of winning the trust of the Iraqi government, as well as the difficulties of coordinating with and training Iraqi security forces.

Key Takeaways:

• The Najaf battle was sparked by a Marine patrol driving past one of Moktada al-Sadr's houses, despite an informal agreement to stay away from his strongholds.
• The American military's approach in Najaf was strikingly reminiscent of the battle of Falluja in April, where similarly, newly arrived Marine units confronted guerrillas in firefights that quickly escalated, but ultimately failed to achieve strategic goals.
• Marine commanders in Najaf acknowledged that they did little planning for the battle, instead gambling on a swift takeover.
• Fresh Army units arrived in Najaf two days after the fight began, six days later than initially anticipated, and found the Marines had managed to press forward to the west and south, reaching the southern edge of the cemetery.
• However, with the Army battalion unprepared to fight, the Marines decided to retreat, and the Army never attempted to reach the south wall of the Old City.
• The fight became a stalemate due to immense pressure not to damage the Imam Ali Mosque, with American forces facing restrictions on firing heavier weapons in the direction of the shrine.
• Despite the lack of a clear military resolution, Marine officers said they killed several hundred guerrillas, weakening Mr. Sadr's forces for future fighting, at a relatively low cost in American casualties.

Statistics:

• 1,800 Marines were deployed in Najaf.
• 8 marines and soldiers were killed, and about 30 were wounded in the battle.
• Moktada al-Sadr's spokesmen disputed the American figures for their dead, saying fewer than 30 were killed.
• The battle in Najaf was replicated in more than half a dozen cities and towns across southern Iraq, including the Baghdad slum of Sadr City, Diwaniya, Kut, Al Hayy, Nasiriya, Amara, and Basra.

Sources:

• The New York Times
• Senior military officials in Baghdad
• White House officials who discussed the battle in Washington
• Lt. Col. Myles Miyamasu
• Maj. David Holahan
• Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli
• Ambassador John D. Negroponte
• Governor Adnan al-Zurfi
• Moktada al-Sadr's spokesmen