Let's look at it from another angle.

Maybe it will make more sense.

In the rebel centre of Tikrit...US forces let loose a barrage of mortar fire in an exercise designed to demonstrate their troops' capabilities.

The display of firepower by the US army's 4th Infantry Division lasted more than an hour, shaking the ground and rattling windows.

A spokesman said the midnight barrage was meant to show that US troops were bent on using all the weapons at their disposal. article

An hour? They couldn't get the message in less than an hour?

And, yes, I do understand that we need to use "all the weapons" at our disposal. How else can we justify the purchase of yet more from our war suppliers, who also happen to be making profits for the Bush cartel, and thus keep this country's economy afloat?

But as the US asserted its military dominance, the Coalition's ability to bring political stability to Iraq was again called into question.

Italian Marco Calamai on Monday resigned his position as special counselor of the Provisional Authority and publicly denounced the organisation.

Speaking in the Italian press he said: "The Provisional Authority simply doesn't work.

Screw those damned Italians. They're evil anyway. They fought with Hitler, didn't they? We sure don't need them. When did they ever win a war?

The US has announced it believes Saddam Hussein's deputy, Izzat Ibrahim, is behind some of the recent attacks on the Coalition.

US Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt said attempts to capture or kill Ibrahim had been intensified.

"We are getting closer every day," he said.

Okay. You got me on that one, General. You're stretching my military good will just a little thin there.

How can you tell you're getting closer?

I could use a little evidence.

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.