Y'see, it's supposed to be mostly an Iraqi operation. The Iraqis are supposed to be becoming responsible for their own security. There are many, many more Iraqi soldiers in Baghdad than American. And the Iraqis speak the language, that sort of thing.

Oh, yes. It's their country, too.

Now if the US wants the cooperation of the militias, and the US seems to need their cooperation more than the militias need the US, it shouldn't lie to them.

And if the US wants the Iraqis, Sunnis and Shiites, to be responsible for their security, it should let them do that.

And shouldn't seek cooperation under false pretenses, and then wonder why things go to hell. A lesson Conservatives have had a lot of opportunity to learn, and haven't.

Arf