Hmmmm. What can you make of this Holmes?

This story bears watching.

Ignoring what Iran is saying about the "darkest day," it is more important what Iraq's leaders are saying. Did the U.S. jump the boat and order in a full scale attack without consulting them? Did those leaders hear from the Shiites that a full-scale insurgency would ensue if the U.S. troops moved in. Was this whole episode one of Rummy's over-the-top snap decisions? Can George Bush pick out which country is Iraq and which one is Belgium on a globe?

I think the new Iraqi leadership blinked. I suspect they gave tentative approval for U.S. to take tough action, but when push came to shove, they were not willing to risk their shakey support on the U.S. troops going in force to destroy the city and a goodly number of its inhabitants.

It bears watching. And the Washington neocon spin should be interesting. Watch FOX tonight try to apologise for the administration. Fox web has been touting the inclusion as if it was the beginning of D-Day. And they are still a little slow at this time to admit that the U.S. forces are drawing back.