VietVet, EJ, Yo'Daddy - if your views are indeed typical of US service personnel, then it's hardly surprising that America has nearly always failed in the battle for 'hearts and minds' in any non-European theatre of war.
And I'll bet that the battle will be lost again in Iraq - particularly now that suicide bombs have upped the ante.
The gung-ho arrogance and ignorance shown here in some postings is certainly enough to shock and awe! Take a look at Malaya to see how 'hearts and minds' can work.
I can't help but feel sorry from my own compatriots fighting alongside the Yanks around Basra. They may be booties and crap-hats, but they don't deserve neighbours like that!