For the optimists

Anyone who still thinks that the US led invasion of Iraq can achieve anything positive should read this. FWIW my interpretation of this is that, just like in Afghanistan, the local factions have learned how to use the Americans' utter cluelessness about local conditions to get them to do their dirty work for them.

Just to show that this isn't random Yank bashing I also urge you to check out this BBC report. The Brits may be better at low intensity operations but they aren't improving things in Basra. Incidentally, this is a clear violation of the Occupying Power's obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention which means that the British government and army are committing war crimes by not committing sufficient resources to meet their obligations.

Attn: kitten pic addicts

lemur_catta posted a couple of new kitten pics (plus one of herself) here.

For those who don't follow the news closely

The Fuc have captured Mongo but the government denies it.