Quickhits

(WaPo) Mahdi attempts to structure itself after Hezbullah carrying not only the fight, but also, emergency and social services. (This has been the key to Hezbullah's long term survival, not only gaining it support, but sustaining that support and the organization through the non-conflict times. Read this as an indication of Mahdi's long term goal to be Iraq'a Hezbullah.)

(Newsweek) A massive cover story look at Moqtada al Sadr.

The future shape of NATO: (Reuters) NATO eyes greater role in energy security. (AP) "President Bush's agenda at a NATO summit this week will include pressing alliance members to increase defense spending."

(AP) Another South American country, Ecuador, falls into the anti-American camp with the election of Rafael Correa.

(AP) The Somalian Islamists send troops to the Ethiopian border.

And, a very interesting history of the AK in the WaPo. It got me thinking that it's not only the lessons of Vietnam that are unlearned, but also those of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.