Mudville Gazette has good coverage links, and here's a bit from the horse's mouth, as it were"

Weary of a cycle of violence and militia activities, as well as al-Qaeda attacks in the area, Mr. Raheem Al Darraji stressed again and again during the meeting that he welcomed the presence of Iraqi and U.S. forces, and the help they could provide his people.

“We want you here sooner, rather than later,” Al Darraji said. Initial reports indicate the overall Baghdad Security Plan – which has placed thousands of additional troops on the streets of the Iraqi capital – has achieved reduced levels of violence thus far.

Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem, commander of the 8th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division, a joint partner said there is no reason why the successes of the security plan in other parts of Baghdad can’t be replicated in Sadr City. “We will do the same as we did in Adhamiyah. It is one nation and no one is above the law,” Kareem said.

Farris also stressed that point. The Iraqi Government and its coalition partners have the authority to go after criminals, extremists, and insurgents wherever they are located.

“There are no sanctuaries, anywhere,” Farris said.

That last bit is the most important - no sanctuaries...of course, the biggest sanctuary is Iran, and that might require some forceful action, at least along the border, to dry up the sources of supply for the terrorists/insurgents/what have you which are plaguing the people of Iraq.

HAT TIP: Dean's World

Posted by Mark Noonan at March 5, 2007 05:30 AM

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Comments

We should try to stop the terrorists from coming back into Iraq from iran. If they want to stay there, good riddence. This also applie to al sadr, who if I remember has had a warrant for his arrest out there for many years for killing a rival cleric. If al sadr tries to come back into Iraq, he should be arrested on sight and tried for the murder.

Posted by: james allegro at March 5, 2007 02:37 PM

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what an incredible idea - prevent Iran from being a sanctuary. I think I've heard that idea for hmmmmmm.... since the beginning of the Iraq conflict.

Posted by: neologizer at March 5, 2007 09:39 PM

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neo. Clearly - we were not ruthless enough when we first went in. Yes, I agree with you.

We should break out the plans for flamethrowers and start making them again.

Posted by: Kahn at March 5, 2007 11:34 PM

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Do the job right or don't do it at all...

Posted by: neologizer at March 6, 2007 02:56 AM

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