Yon Praises the Stryker

Michael Yon is on the frontlines reporting from Baqubah in Iraq on the ongoing Operation Arrowhead Ripper, and had good things to say about New Wars Mike's favorite armored vehicle:

I am with 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. I’ve run a few missions
with them in Baghdad, and they have fought all over Iraq...The professionalism
of 3-2 is particularly high, and they are very competent fighters who are
maximizing their assets, including the incredible Stryker vehicles.While the
name “Stryker” is on the table, apparently controversy is brewing back home
whether Strykers should be in our arsenal. The answer is YES: we need all we can
get. The Stryker might be the finest all-around combat vehicle in Iraq. But that
is a matter for another day, and for professional soldiers to answer...Al Qaeda
seems to have been effectively isolated...They have been beaten back mostly into
pockets and are surrounded and will be dealt with. Part of this is actually due
to the capability of Strykers.

And on the Surge itself:

Our guys are winning. Al Qaeda is about to be strangled and
pummeled to death in this town, but the local Iraqi leadership is severely
wanting.

That last comment is good reason why now is no time to discuss a pullout.

I know its not about the weapons, but the men who wield them. Still it is a comfort to know that American industry can produce such a valuable asset to our troops like the Stryker. The right weapon at the right time.