I think they get debriefed on info like that ELF (regarding to why/how would he know). I am sure they hear the negative media and their commanders need to counter it with that sort of info so they realize that they are "making a difference" and I fully believe that they are.

You are correct. It has come at a cost. No, I do not like the loss of lives anymore than you... but freedom isn't free and many more Iraqi's died for those freedoms in this war than our own blood shed and at least these lives were for a good cause unlike the innocent slaughters and rapings that occurred under Saddam's reign.
I feel it will be a better country in 5-10 years. I just have a positive perspective on that.

In regards to the money spent.... Yes, war costs money. That is no secret, and I feel it was a just cause.
WolfSpawn