Exceprted from The Fourth Rail's most recent Baghdad Security Operation Order of Battle, summarizing succinctly the success thus far in Baghdad:
We have witnessed some positive signs during the first eight weeks of the
Baghdad security Plan. Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki's government has shown a willingness to move forward on reconciliation while appears committed to curbing the power of the Shia militias. Sadr's flight from Baghdad to Iran, and fragmenting of his Mahdi Army have been a pleasant surprises. The Iraqi Army has redeployed its battalions into Baghdad from the provinces, something it could not do just last fall. The reduction in sectarian attacks has provided a welcome respite to the Iraqi government and the people of Baghdad. The relaxation of the U.S. rules of engagement and the commitment to end the catch & release program, where insurgent prisoners are released from custody within months of capture, will pay dividends in the long run. The Coalition has regained the initiative and is taking the fight into the provinces, even though the full contingent of U.S. combat brigades has yet to reach the theater.
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