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Mariott Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary

Rearguard action

Cheney also argued that regime change inIraqwould have a domino effect on theMiddle East. Collin Powell fought a rearguard action onIraqwith some support from disaffected Republicans.

In this sentence, I'm not clear with fought a rearguard actcion. Does it mean fought a losing game?

Thanks in advance!
  

Top answer

There is not enough text (and I am not historian enough) to understand precisely what is meant here. However, a 'rear guard action' means fighting while running away.

— Mister Micawber

  • There is not enough text (and I am not historian enough) to understand precisely what is meant here.
  • However, a 'rear guard action' means fighting while running away.
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3 Answers
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There is not enough text (and I am not historian enough) to understand precisely what is meant here. However, a 'rear guard action' means fighting while running away.
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Thanks Mister Micawber! Let me give you more text:

Vice President Cheney played a key role in mobilizing support within the administration and public for the war on Iraq. Without any proof, he alleged that Saddam Hussein not only had links to Al Qaeda and was involved in the 9/11 attacks but also insisted that “he possessed WMD.” Cheney also argued that regime change in Iraq would have a
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I still don't know why the writer chose 'rearguard'. Perhaps because Powell tried to talk Bush out of attacking Iraq ('from behind' because Powell is a fellow Republican). A 'small victory' I suppose because he didn't stop the attack, but he slowed it down by getting Bush to go tp the UN first.
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