Heroism and success in Iraq:

Joint Iraqi Police Service, Iraqi National Guard, and U.S. Special Forces operations in Al Kut, Aug. 11, against Mehdi Militiamen may have broken the back of anti-Iraqi forces in the city, according to the city's governor.

...The fighting culminated in one area when Iraqi guardsmen and police launched an assault across the Tigris River in a small boat under machinegun fire and retook a key bridge in the city. Iraqi forces continue to hold the bridge.

...One MNF serviceman was reported injured in the fight and evacuated after briefly returning to the action. Iraqi forces were fighting side-by-side with the MNF forces in the area.

The Iraqis are learning — they'll be able to protect the country by themselves soon enough.

UNPOPULAR UPRISING: Mohammed: "Everyone here is waiting for the final attack and the end of this crisis. Most people I met are waiting for the moment when they can see Muqtada and his deputies in handcuffs, those criminals have been given a chance they didn't deserve in the first place."