Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Preface
Contents
Figures
Summary
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Key Individuals
Background to the Study
Methodology
Monograph Organization
The Surge and the Baghdad Security Plan
Regaining Control of Baghdad and Isolating Sadr City
Summary and Conclusion
Political and Strategic Context
Physical and Human Terrain
Jaish al-Mahdi
Iraqi Security Forces
U.S. Forces
Pre-Deployment Training: Getting Ready for a Fight
The COIN Academy: Emphasizing Restraint
A Change in Context
Summary and Conclusions
JAM's Initial Onslaught
Stopping JAM
Seizing the Initiative: Operation Striker Denial
Neutralizing Enemy Rocket Attacks with Aerial ISR and Strike Assets
The First Attempt to Control Launch Sites Through Active Patrolling
Augmented U.S. Forces Seize Launch Sites South of Route Gold
The Iraqi Army Attacks to Secure Route Gold
Summary and Conclusions
The Decision to Build a Wall
Going After JAM Leaders: The MND-B "Deep Fight"
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter Six: Exploiting the Success of Battle
The Two Components of Exploitation
Maintaining the Pressure
Exploiting Success Through Reconstruction
Summary and Conclusions
Sadr City in the Aftermath of the 2008 Battle
Why Coalition Forces Prevailed
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter Eight: Reimagining Urban Combat
Persistent ISR, Technical Intelligence, and Precision-Strike Capabilities Enable the Attacker to Seize the Initiative
Technical Capabilities Must Enable Decentralized Decision Making and Small Unit Initiative
Heavy Armored Forces Have Enduring Utility in Counterinsurgency and Urban Operations
Enduring Success Depends on Capable Indigenous Security Forces
Reimagining Urban Operations as Wide-Area Security Missions
Final Thoughts
Appendix: Analysis of Contemporary Arabic Language Sources on the Battle of Sadr City
Bibliography
Index