What's Really Happening In Najaf

Some good things are happening in Iraq:

As of this writing, Sadr’s militia has again been pounded into non-existence with continuing attacks from the ground and air. The holy shrines and the cemetery have been surrounded by US and Iraqi forces, while US patrols with loudspeakers move into the streets to demand that Sadr’s militia surrender and leave Najaf or face death. Also, all civilians have been urged to leave the area. It is clear that the MNF and Iraqi forces are applying the principle of overwhelming force against the enemy by employing no less than 4200 US and Iraqi ground combatants assisted by main battle tanks and helicopter gunships.
It’s only a matter of time before Sadr is captured or killed, but likely not from a full-scale assault by US forces. Keep in mind that there is still a valid arrest warrant for Sadr issued by an Iraqi court for the charge of murder. The area is cordoned off, and Sadr is going nowhere; it’s time the Iraqis take charge and accomplish the mission. I believe they will, in their own way. The transition of authority to the Iraqi government has been of tremendous benefit in many ways. One of the advantages is that it has allowed the Iraqis to officially reconstitute selected government agencies using former expatriate pro-democracy Iraqis. Under the watchful eye of the MNF, one of these agencies is the successor to the Iraqi Intelligence Service (IIS). They have been very successful in the past year assisting Coalition forces. And if there is one thing they don’t like, it’s Iranian meddling in their country using an upstart radical Shia cleric. Look for a relatively quick resolution.

The Iraqi forces are learning how to defend and attack. Good news indeed.