Yes, I stole the hed from TDS.

First, it appears that the Iraqi security forces are giving Fatah a run for their money as the worst military in the world, see here, here, and here.

Much of this is about the fact that many in the security forces are deserting and joining the Mahdi army. Truth be told, many were already members of the Mahdi army.

As a result, Maliki is extending his so-called ultimatum to disarm, because everyone is laughing so hard at him.

As a result, the US military is being sucked into the fighting.

UK forces are not deploying to Basra, and have made it clear that they will not be doing so.

I guess it’s a bonus for getting rid of the Poodle.