Who's got the swatter?

As you can probably tell based on the news I've been posting from CENTCOM, our fight in Iraq is taking a turn for the better. I have been wondering when we'll see another big sweep, another big offensive to take down a larger number of the bad guys at once. And, guess what wanders my way? Well, news on the next big offensive in Iraq, of course!

According to Erick Stakelbeck in a story at CBN News, look for the next big offensive in Iraq to be in Diyala province:

... "If you want to diminish the amount of car bombers and suicide bombers, you have to take the fight right to the source. And in this case, the source is Diyala," said CBN News consultant Daveed Gartenstein-Ross.

Gartenstein-Ross says the Diyala offensive will be even bigger than the major U.S. operation in Fallujah back in 2004-which cleared out a city that had been a major insurgent stronghold.

Military sources say the Fallujah operation directly led to the success of the 2005 Iraqi elections. ...

"Could Diyala be al-Qaeda's Waterloo?" Great question. The best answer is, of course, hell yes it could be! We know that the Iraqi front has drawn al-Qaeda fighters in like moths to a porch light. As we start shutting off their porch lights in Baghdad, thanks to the Iraqi security forces and the American troop surge, al-Qaeda and other insurgents are fleeing in search of a new light. Apparently, we know on which porch that light is lit. Gee, who's got the swatter?

(You all might recognize our old friend, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross who is cited in that story. He's now consulting for CBN News. This means we'll be getting the scoop faster and with more context, as is his hallmark. Congrats, Daveed!)

GlobalSecurity.org has a recent piece that seems to provide a little bit of detail to this major offensive in the making:

During Friday's news conference, General Mixon, the northern Iraq commander, said any insurgents that try to seek refuge in Diyala, or use it as a base for operations in Baghdad, will be disappointed.

He said, "It is a natural part of an insurgency that the insurgent will try to move [to] where he feels no pressure. But we're keeping the pressure on them. And I think by what they have seen us do over the last month and a half - I have sent reinforcements down in Diyala - they've seen a different picture."

This new offensive promises some tough fighting ahead. It also holds the promise of another victory for our troops and the Iraqi security forces. Just what we need when we need it most! Stay safe but kick some butt in Diyala, troops!!