SOME CONFIRMATION for the “flypaper” theory:

He said there is evidence that terrorists and religious extremists from outside Iraq have entered the country to engage coalition forces, but no evidence indicates they are being sponsored by other governments.

“This is what I would call a terrorist magnet, where America, being present here in Iraq, creates a target of opportunity,” Sanchez said on CNN’s “Late Edition.”

“But this is exactly where we want to fight them. …This will prevent the American people from having to go through their attacks back in the United States.”

Does this mean it’s a good idea? No (though I think it is) but it’s evidence that it’s part of the strategy.