Iraq

Take a minute to appreciate that when we talk about "corruption in Iraq," we're talking about at least $18 billion so far, and it's believed to be getting worse. ($100-150 to plant an IED. $100+ for an AK. $500,000 for 9/11....)

(Kuna) "The US army said Thursday its troops arrested one of the most major financiers of terrorism who is charged with delivering some USD 100 million to Al-Qaeda Organization in Iraq.... The detainee used to travel abroad to lobby and raise funds for Al-Qaeda, the statement said, noting that the man was charged of paying some USD 50,000 to Al-Qaeda members a month."

(NYTimes) "A police chief, a government official and a tribal leader who allied with American forces were killed in separate attacks across Iraq on Thursday."

(On the Iskandariyah mayor, (AP) "Suspicion for the killing fell on Shiite extremists jockeying for power ahead of expected provincial elections." (Don't hear about Shia roadside bombs very often.))

And, This is what battle looks like in Iraq

In Friday's pre-dawn raid on the Shiite militia members, U.S. aircraft repeatedly bombed the neighborhood in Khalis, a Shiite enclave about 50 miles north of Baghdad, according to an Iraqi army official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information. At least 24 were killed, 28 were injured, most of whom were in critical condition, and several others were missing, he said.

He said civilians were killed when they rushed out to help those hurt in the initial bombing.

But, frankly, there's really no other way to do it.

Later: On the same attack, (NYTimes) "Accounts Differ on U.S. Attack That Killed 25 Iraqis"