[murdocj]

Although I don't really agree with the assessment that Iraq is on the verge of an all-out civil war, I do agree that the occupation is humiliating for most Iraqis.

I agree with what we're doing in Iraq, and I think we're doing a pretty good job of it. But the sooner that more Iraqi police and security forces can start playing, the better. Iraq might have been liberated by US and coalition forces, but it needs to be rebuilt with Iraqi hands.

I hear that there are large numbers of Iraqi personnel with the Marines at Fallujah. I hope they're helping in a meaningful way. When Iraqis begin to see Iraqis taking charge, keeping order, and dealing with outlaws, I think we'll start seeing a lot more believers.

[ApplegateRanch]

I hear that there are large numbers of Iraqi personnel with the Marines at Fallujah. I hope they're helping in a meaningful way.

Those Iraqis are with our Marines for the same reason British cruisers stayed as close as possible to US battleships in the Pacific Theatre: It was the safest place for a soft target.

A second, even less kind, reason the Marines have them along is that it is easier to keep an eye on them, and shoot them, if need be.

Remember how many 'bad guys' have turned out to be off-duty Iraqi police?
Also heard reports during the beginning of the latest fighting that Iraqi troops had turned and fired on our guys, rather than on Sadr's crowd.
I don't know if that was ever confirmed or repudiated.