The Iraqi government says that more than 400 Shiite militiamen from the Mahdi Army have been arrested since October. While on its face, that seems like progress, it may not be as it appears. There is a distinct possibility, as is mentioned in this article in the New York Times, that the folks being arrested are from splinter groups that are no longer under the control of Moqtada al Sadr. I still expect the Mahdi Army to lay low as American troop strength increases in Baghdad.

Bob Novak writes that out in the GOP heartland there is much concern that Iraq is the albatross around their political necks which will cause even more damage in 2008 than it did in 2006. I think the concern is more than justified.

Robert Samuelson writes about seven choices we will not make that could lessen our dependence on foreign oil and improve the financial health of our government over the long term.

Scientists have brought the 1918 flu virus back to life, and it is one nasty bug. Lets hope it doesn't escape from their labs.