Wettin' the bed

Juan Cole:

In Khan Bani Saad, Diyala Province, a guerrilla force attacked a police unit. AP says, "Intense house-to-house fighting between insurgents and Iraqi police north of Baghdad killed 43 people, including 24 officers, the U.S. military said on Friday. U.S. troops later joined the fight, aiding in a counterattack that left 18 insurgents dead, the military said." A civilian was also killed, so 44 persons died in this intensive warfare. The US not only diverted men to the fight there, but they in turn called in close air support. This battle sounds major for Iraq, where engagements tend to be hit and run and more limited.

Eerie calm in Baghdad as Al Qaeda vows victory:

The US-led coalition has denied losing control of the situation, but Thursday military spokesman General William Caldwell said that the marines based in Ramadi were engaged in a tough operation to "take back" the city.

Coalition of the Willing.. love your work.