Two reports of good signs in Najaf, evidence that the will to defeat Muqtada al-Sadr's gang is strong among those responsible for military direction and Iraqis themselves.

THE STORY: In the event newspaper registration isn't for you, an excerpt from the LA Times story, bearing the headline "Fed-Up Residents of Najaf Turn Against Rebel Cleric":

Haydar Hasan Abdullah wandered the twisting streets of this ancient city on Monday looking for a fight.

He was not seeking to battle American troops who have encircled one of Islam's holiest shrines for nearly three weeks. Instead, he wanted a shot at militants loyal to cleric Muqtada Sadr who are hiding beneath its gleaming gold dome.

"There are some fighters among the group of Muqtada who are actually saboteurs who have done such bad things to the city of Najaf," said Abdullah, who was searching for the police station on Monday to offer himself as a recruit. "We feel so sorry for what is happening to kids, women and innocent other people. We are quite prepared to do whatever the government wants us to do."

The Iraqi common good has been quick to coalesce, impressive to behold.