Went to ktb-20.com, read several articles posted since 5-11-08. The overall tone is petulant. For instance, in one article about the guy shooting the Koran, the writer harangues the Arab people, telling them to wake up, saying the crime does not budge them. He says the Arab people will soon regret not responding to it as a major offense, and seems to warn them that Allah will abandon them for not defending their religion. He means it as a threat to Iraqis. That they will 'regret it, and very soon' might mean that he feels the occupation will prevail.

An article celebrating the 5th anniversary of their founding has a similar tone. After the usual stuff about how they have really socked it to the occupation, comes anger at the Iraqis who assist the occupation, and a threat that 'we will not forget you' once they win, a threat of revenge. The article reprimands Iraqis, saying the people should support and pray for the 1920 Rev. Brigade guys.

In a 3rd article about action in Mosul, the writer is frankly angry at Iraqis for betraying the Brigade guys, says the people are weak and grasping for dollars.

Repeatedly in all I read was the discussion of patience, of waiting for Allah to deliver them, of the years that had passed with little change. Of course they claimed many victories, but then would go on in what seemed a discouraged and frustrated attitude.

The post titles near the end of '07 were mostly denying that they had ever fought al Qaeda or cooperated with the occupation, lots of denial posts. The rumor, true or not, lost them a lot of face.

The tone, more than any detail, speaks of increasing isolation and less support. The defiant words are less convincing when written with bitter frustration. I would guess they also have lost many of their fighters, even that many are just quitting or moving to other arenas.

I'm desertsnow, forgot to log in.

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