US may reduce forces in Iraq by spring  —  WASHINGTON - The U.S. may be able to reduce combat forces in Iraq by next spring if Iraq's own security forces continue to grow and improve, a senior American commander said Friday.  He denied reports the U.S. is arming Sunni insurgent groups to help in the fight against al-Qaida.

Militants Said to Flee Before U.S. Offensive  —  The operational commander of troops battling to drive fighters with Al Qaeda from Baquba said Friday that 80 percent of the top Qaeda leaders in the city fled before the American-led offensive began earlier this week.

IRAQ: MILITARY GAINS, GOV'T MESS  —  SIX months ago, the U.S.- led Coalition force in Iraq appeared to be largely in self-defense mode, allowing terrorists and insurgents much latitude in parts of Baghdad and the troubled provinces of Anbar and Diyala.  At the same time, the government …

One Week of Operation Phantom Thunder  —  US forces in Baghdad and the Belts.  MNF-I map, click to view.  —  An update on the Battle of Iraq  —  Operation Phantom Thunder, the corps coordinated operation across three theaters in the Baghdad Belts, has completed it seventh day.

BREAKING: Fred Thompson to announce next week  —  WSMV-TV Nashville has just broken the news that former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) will formally toss his hat in the ring in the GOP presidential race at a press conference scheduled for next Tuesday. … Popularity: 1% [?]

Bush Pick for No. 3 at Justice Withdraws  —  WASHINGTON - President Bush's pick to be the No. 3 official in the Justice Department asked to have his nomination withdrawn Friday, four days before he was to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee.  —  Bill Mercer sent a letter …