[StJacques]

I think there's something to Abizaid's claims. Attacks from former Baath party functionaries and their allies have begun to decline since the election, though the Islamic fundamentalists, and especially Al Qaeda and its allies, appear to be as determined as ever.

It is the former Baathists and their allies who were always the greater threat. With some Sunnis now deserting their cause and opting to take a role in the process of constitution-making, it is only a matter of time until the lines of conflict are drawn between supporters of the new Iraq and outside agitators. That conflict will be won by the new Iraq.

[dennisw]

just one day after the biggest and deadliest car bombing in the two years of war and insurgency in Iraq -- a monster blast that killed 125 people in the south-central town of Hillah. Most of the victims were recruits for the Iraq military and security forces who were lined up at a clinic to take their physical exams.

What does Islam have in it's arsenal but weapons of assassination and terror? This is the sign of a cowardly and degenerate cult and culture. Hardly on a co-equal level with other great religions such as Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism.

As far as I'm concerned, Joe Galloway is out of his league when it comes to Jihadist terrorist Islam. (I respect his military record)

[Quixotical]

It will be a field test of the Army leadership's new strategy of building combat brigades that are largely self-sufficient - with all the logistics and fire support normally provided by a parent division now built into the brigade itself -- and using them in a "plug and play" or "mix and match" mode. Army leaders say this is the way of the future.

This is awesome. Best thing I have heard today. Rock On!!