Hey, is Al-Qaida in Iraq? Who knew?

According to the Department of Defence,

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2010 – The suspected Baghdad “sharia emir” for al-Qaida in Iraq was killed today during a combined security operation in the northern part of the Iraqi capital, military officials reported.

A sharia emir is responsible for enforcing radical religious rules imposed by groups such as al-Qaida and the Taliban.

Acting on a warrant issued by an Iraqi judge, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched for Sinan, also known as Mohannad Rahman Salim Muhaymid al-Ani, who is believed to be one of the primary approval authorities for al-Qaida in Iraq attacks and assassinations in the Baghdad region.

...

In other news from Iraq, Iraqi forces captured a suspected regional al-Qaida in Iraq leader during a combined operation today in Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad.

Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq leader, who is believed to have been involved in planning multiple coordinated vehicle-borne bombing attacks against the Iraqi government, several of which have taken place in Baghdad.

In case anyone still believes they aren't there.

Obama Baghdad

President Obama made a surprise visit to Baghdad today. He went in part to announce the draw down, and hopefully get the positive press on the pullout - cheering troops.



The purpose of the visit is pure politics. It shows liberals he means business about the pullout but that he's going to do it 'smartly'. And it will show conservatives the troops are relieved.

Democrats will see this as a win/win for them. Interestingly, MSNBC called Iraq somewhat of a success. I don't recall them saying that when President Bush was still in office.