Shiites have begun their anticipated popular revolt in Basra. British troops are moving to support them but are apparently skittish about urban warfare.

Sorry, boys, but this whole party is about liberation. Get in there. Get in there.

UPDATE: My worst fears of an allied stumbling have been allayed; as facts have settled, it appears the Brits took on the challenge with some significant indirect fire, specifically at mortars operated by Fedeyeen thugs. They've also captured the Ba'ath party chief. The last I heard, they would intend to move into the city after light - not only to deliver food and water, hopefully, but to smash the Ba'athists and cement trust between the Shiites.

UPDATE II: My God, they're going to do it. This could be monumental in the West's gesture of goodwill to the Iraqi people and Near East at large.