the najaf battle media-teat can be turned on or off by the shrub group whenever it wants distraction at home from unpleasant election news. the media is glad to oblige with lengthy, diverting articles about the how and why and who of going back and forth.
R
At 05:44 PM 8/14/2004, you wrote:
>(The US says the talks have broken down, and are again threatening an
>assault on the Imam Ali mosque. Why the assault has been repeatedly delayed
>is outlined below. The Sadrists have used the ceasefire during the past 24
>hours to encourage and welcome supporters to Najaf, strengthening their
>position and raising the stakes even higher for the US and its client Allawi