* recommended reading
NY Times, In Iraq, Gates Says Progress Toward Peace Is Lagging.
The Fourth Rail, 1920 Revolution Brigades turns on al Qaeda in Diyala.
The Fourth Rail, Minarets of Samarra's al-Askaria mosque destroyed; al Qaeda prime suspect.
The Fourth Rail, Samarra Mosque bombing suspects identified; reports of violence.
The Fourth Rail, Iraq Report: The Day After Samarra.
The Fourth Rail, Iraq Report: Sadr's Small Samarra Protest.
* The Fourth Rail, Securing Eastern Anbar Province.
The Fourth Rail, Iraq Report: "Offensive Operations" now underway.
NY Times, G.I.’s in Iraq Open Big Offensive Against Al Qaeda.