Iraqi government is surprised by the strength of the al-Sadr militia.  So, surprised that today they called on the U.S. forces for air strikes and the U.K troops to help by firing rounds in Basara.  Well, yeah.  They have it under control… it’s just that the “they” is the Shi’ite militia, now occupying and controlling about 70% of Basara.

And, of course, as a show of strength, al-Maliki’s ultimatum of laying down of weapons for the Sadr-ites has been moved back by about 10 days.  Baghdad is under curfew.  It was supposed to last for the weekend, but now it is “indefinite”.

So, let’s see.  “Victory”, “success”, and all those other words Bush and McCain have been using are all looking more likely each and every day…. for the militia.

President Bush said this is the “real test” of the Iraqi troops.  I suppose it is.  But, if they are calling in U.S. air strikes and calling on British troops to fire rounds into the crowds of militia in Basara, ah… how real is that test?  So far it is appearing that the Iraqi government backed troops aren’t doing that well on the test. 

And, who among us would think for a New York minute that the U.S. is going to let the Iraqi’s fail the test? 

At this rate, Baghdad is beginning to look more and more Kabul… isolated, with no control over the rest of the country.  That is, if Baghdad doesn’t fall.

And, John McCain still believes the surge is working…. Now, apologize, Hillary!