Vigilant Resolve (More on Falluja - and yes equally important as gannon)

[clem_c_rock]

http://www.dahrjamailiraq.com/covering_iraq/archives//000197.php#more

<snippit>
A Human Rights Watch Report provides background.

Al-Falluja had generally benefited economically under the previous government. Local residents told Human Rights Watch that many of them had worked for the military, police or intelligence. However, Human Rights Watch did not find overwhelming sympathy for Saddam Hussein following the collapse of his government. Many al-Falluja residents told Human Rights Watch that they considered themselves victims and opponents of his repressive rule.1

Before US forces arrived on April 23, 2003, the report continues,

tribal and religious leaders in al-Falluja had already selected a Civil Management Council, including a city manager and mayor. The quickly-formed local government was having success in minimizing the looting and other crimes rampant in other parts of Iraq. Different tribes took responsibility for the city's assets, such as banks and government offices. In one noted case, the tribe responsible for al-Falluja's hospital quickly organized a gang of armed men to protect the grounds from an imminent attack. Local imams urged the public to respect law and order. The strategy worked, in part due to cohesive family ties among the population. Al-Falluja showed no signs of the looting and destruction visible, for example, in Baghdad.
</snippit>

[clem_c_rock]

1. I know Gannon's story is going to eclipse everything for the next month

And yes, it's important.

If everyone wants to ignore other issues like this one please don't post anything about how wonderful the Iraqi elections are.