Iraqi and U.S. military leaders sent 40,000 soldiers into the streets of Baghdad this weekend. Operation Lightning, they say, is an attempt to transform the stance of the new government from defensive to offensive.
Hundreds of suspects have been arrested, but dozens more have been killed in the ongoing attacks by suicide bombers. It’s too early to say anything about who has the upper hand — but it is messy. Earlier today the kidnapped governor of Iraq’s Anbar province was found dead, along with his suspected captors, after a clash with U.S. forces.
Some military experts say the insurgency is impossible to identify let alone defeat. They’re predicting that a long term U.S. presence will be needed in Iraq, even while others argue that the American presence is feeding the rebellion.
Guests:
Bradley Graham, Washington Post Staff Writer
John Burns, Baghdad Bureau Chief for the New York Times.