Najaf Puzzle

Over at The Fourth Rail, Bill Roggio has some interesting bits about the big battle near Najaf.

And, of course, The New York Times has now chimed in with an effort to belittle and denigrate the efforts of Iraqi Army and police personnel who led the attack on the bizarre cult and foreigners who had intended to attack Shiites:

January 30, 2007
Missteps by Iraqi Forces in Battle Raise Questions
By MARC SANTORA
BAGHDAD, Jan. 29 —Iraqi forces were surprised and nearly overwhelmed by the ferocity of an obscure renegade militia in a weekend battle near the holy city of Najaf and needed far more help from American forces than previously disclosed, American and Iraqi officials said Monday.

Not surprisingly, Bill Roggio the blogger takes a more cautious approach to gathering information about a confusing situation and expressing opinions than does the "reporter" for The New York Times. The Times cannot let a hint of success by the Iraqi Army against a surprisingly large and violent group take hold in the public consciousness.