Bubbling in Iraq

(Reuters) "Tensions are simmering again in once bloody Anbar province, Washington's prize good news story for security in Iraq."

(WaPo) In Fallujah, Security Flows From Hussein-Era Tactics

(DPA) "US forces have killed 30 persons in the northern city of Baquba.... In one incident, US helicopters attacked four residential houses in the Dhalka area of the city, killing 15 people of a single family, Iraqi officials told Deutsche Presse-Agentur."

On the Shia front, from the AP,

But the cease-fire has come under severe strains in recent weeks. Al-Sadr's followers have accused the Shiite-dominated government of exploiting the cease-fire to target the cleric's supporters in advance of provincial elections expected this fall.

Al-Sadr recently told his followers that although the truce remains in effect, they were free to defend themselves against attacks. Al-Sadr followers have demanded the release of supporters rounded up in recent weeks.

U.S. officials have insisted they are not going after Sadrists who respect the cease-fire but are targeting renegade elements, known as special groups, that the Americans believe have ties to Iran.

But the pattern of the attacks against the Green Zone could be a signal to the Americans and their Iraqi partners to ease their pressure against mainstream Sadrists or the special groups.

And, of course, the tragic milestone of 4,000 US soldiers dead.