Rice makes surprise visit to Iraq!

A cartoon from Ovi magazine

Iraqi cleric threatens war

Radical Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr has threatened to wage "open war" on the Baghdad government if it does not halt operations against his supporters.

Moqtada Sadr said he was giving the government a "last warning", and urged it to take "the path of peace". His statement came as Iraqi troops, with US and UK support, clashed with his forces in Baghdad and the south.

In August the cleric's militia declared a ceasefire, pledging not to attack government or foreign soldiers. "I'm giving the last warning and the last word to the Iraqi government," Moqtada Sadr said. "Either it comes to its senses and takes the path of peace... or it will be (seen as) the same as the previous government," he added, referring to former President Saddam Hussein's fallen regime.

"If it does not stop the militias that have infiltrated the government, then we will declare an open war until liberation," he added.

He threatens with open war, and what are they doing now? Playing war? Practicing war?

Iraq update

The top US military and political officials in Iraq are due to deliver a progress report to Congress as Shia unrest in Iraq continues.

Gen David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker are making their third report on President George W Bush's "surge" strategy, announced in January 2007. It is taking on added interest because the three top contenders for the US presidential election will be present. It also comes after two weeks of violent clashes in Shia Iraqi areas.

After releasing their report, Gen Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker are due to testify before numerous committees. Among those due to hear their testimony are Senator John McCain, the Republican choice for the November election, and Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, who are still battling for the Democratic nomination. The issue of Iraq has featured prominently in the Democratic campaign, with Mr Obama contrasting his opposition to the invasion to the support both Mrs Clinton and Mr McCain gave it.

And the report is …Sir we continue screwing up!!!