I agree Dan, it's too early to tell. Whether this particular battle is a success or not, I believe the real question is whether the majority of Iraqi natives view the US as concurrers or liberators. If we are viewed as liberators, then the number of insurgents should diminish. Otherwise, they will constantly be re-constituting themselves and we will never win the peace, i.e. Viet Nam. We may win battles, but if the Iraqi people don't want us there, this will be a complete waste.