We're In Trouble  —  We're in big trouble.  —  Have a look at The Washington Note, whose latest begins like this: … If this is true, we're in very big trouble.  Or, if the rumor was sparked by an order 'only' authorizing clandestine operations (or, worse, bombardment) as a form of provocation, this is serious stuff.

Iranian officials detained in Iraq, U.S. official says … BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) — U.S. forces detained six Iranian officials for questioning in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, seat of the Kurdish regional government, an American official said Thursday.  —  But the official disputes accounts …

U.S. Forces Raid Iranian Consulate in Iraq, Detain 5 (Update2)  —  Jan. 11 (Bloomberg) — U.S. forces in Iraq raided Iran's consulate in the northern city of Arbil and detained five staff members, a state-run Iranian news service said.  —  The U.S. soldiers disarmed guards and broke open …

The Mess at State  —  Members of the Senate intelligence committee, Republicans and Democrats alike, were alarmed last week that John Negroponte was leaving as director of national intelligence after less than two years to become deputy secretary of state.  By way of explanation …

Poll: 70 percent oppose more troops in Iraq  —  Only 35 percent of respondents believe going to war was the right call  —  WASHINGTON - Americans overwhelmingly oppose sending more U.S. forces to Iraq, according to a new AP-Ipsos poll that serves as a strong repudiation of President Bush's plan to send another 21,500 troops.

Lawmakers Demand Answers on New Iraq Plan  —  Top Bush administration officials, pushing the president's case for sending more than 20,000 additional troops to Iraq, faced tough grilling on Capitol Hill today as both Republican and Democratic lawmakers demanded specific answers on how the new plan will lead to victory in Iraq.