Also, some of the buildings on top of the hill are projecting upwards into the smoke, would would indicate that the top half was not a cut and paste, but may be a legitimate picture. The pixilization of the top part of the landscape next to the smoke is consistent with the fading of sharpness and detail as it should be, compared with the sharper bottom part.
I think I'd give the photo a pass.
Thanks the analyses. I did find the same shot this morning, prior to some cropping.
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/nm/20060803/2006_08_02t130630_450x333_us_mideast.jpg
below was the image that was being discussed by JMS on JAWA http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/184206.php
http://i.today.reuters.com/Pictures/galleries/Stories/632901826701562500/Previews/NEWS03080603.jpg