Giving Al Queda a Real Pain

Most of the weapons available to U.S. troops are not only extremely lethal, but cause widespread destruction. In some cases, such as at the beginning of the Iraq war, they are absolutely necessary and the only weapons of choice.

However, in other circumstances, such as after the regime of Saddam Hussein was brought to an end and the Iraqi army defeated, the aim is simply to secure the peace and start rebuilding.

At such a point, as explained in a February 2004 report from the Council on Foreign Relations, progress can be.....