Tide Of War Turns After Rumsfeld's Inspiring Barracks Pep Talk

BAGHDAD—With his highly touted, top-ranked team on the brink of elimination, Secretary Of Defense Donald Rumsfeld delivered an emotional, off-the-cuff barracks pep-talk to his men Monday, inspiring them to mount an offensive surge that just may turn the tide of the contest going into the second half. “Come on, boys, we’re getting shelled out there, and I can’t believe the shots they’re getting through our defense,” said Rumsfeld, growing in confidence and passion as the speech went on. “Now, I know they’re playing rough, men, and you’re hurt, dazed, and demoralized, but there’s no way we’re gonna let this thing go into overtime, are we! It ain’t over yet—not even close! This is our war! Our war! Our war!” The chanting troops immediately charged out of the barracks and regained possession of 80 percent of Iraq.