Fascinating

If you've got a minute, take it to read this NYTimes article by Richard Oppel describing the balance between the new Sunni insurgents who have signed up with the US to provide security, and the Shia government forces who have been sent in by Maliki seemingly with the intent of disrupting the Sunni group working with the Americans.

This article captures alot about the complex environment. The Americans on the ground, "remain conflicted about the risks of joining forces with men who may have attacked them before," (Sunnis,) and yet their partnership with these Sunnis, has led to open hostilities with the Shia government forces.

What a freakin' mess.