Mahdi Army Went Thataway

Who said surging troops won't have any effect on sectarian violence?

Mahdi Army out of uniforms, hiding weapons, dismantling checkpoints. Whistling and trying to act normal. Large numbers of Shiite thugs suddenly remembered they need to rearrange the stamp collection now that US troops are enroute to kick Mahdi ass.

This is why they will have to be provoked. Their leaders need to be seized. Their homes need to be raided. So that this persistent criminal Iranian-backed threat to stability in Iraq can be destroyed.

Omar at Iraq the Model says terrorist cells are hightailing it for Diyala province.

Belmont Club notes sneaky acts of war by Iran vs. U.S. Of course, the Iranians like to have other people do their dirty work for them.

Speaking of which, Ace wants to know why the Dems want George Bush to do their dirty work for them.

The shining beacon of democracy in Iraq is burning dim at present, but Bush is accomplishing something else. Dividing and conquering in the Middle East. WSJ.