wither in the light

A US Army Colonel explains our role in Iraq:

"This fence is here for your protection," reads the sign posted in front of the barbed-wire fence. "Do not approach or try to cross, or you will be shot."

American forces have used the tactic in other cities, including Awja, the birthplace of Saddam Hussein. American forces also sealed off three towns in western Iraq for several days.

"With a heavy dose of fear and violence, and a lot of money for projects, I think we can convince these people that we are here to help them," Colonel Sassaman said.

Ummm... I think this guy just broke the dial clean off my irony meter. Isn't 'terrorism' the 'use of fear and violence to intimidate or coerce, often for political or ideological reasons'?