In fact, editors have grown increasingly resistant to embedding reporters with combat units, something they demanded be done before the invasion in March 2003. The purported reason: They think contact with U.S. service members hurts the reporters’ objectivity.

“They come to see the world through the eyes of the troops,” said the retired officer’s e-mail. Now, newspapers and magazine rely heavily on Iraqi stringers who telephone in reports from various combat scenes.

“We are clearly winning the fight against the insurgents, but we are losing the public relations battle, both in the war zone and in the States,” said the e-mail.