And Even More Bad News For Democrats

Iraq's most influential Shiite leader Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani (no, it's not that lardball Al Sadr) endorsed Iraq's new government, even though it's president is a Sunni.

"Still, it is hoped that the government will prove (its) efficiency and integrity, as well as ... its resolve to carry out the big tasks it has been assigned," Sistani said..

His endorsement gives a much-needed boost to the interim government, which takes over from the coalition on June 30.

The elderly, Iranian-born cleric, who holds huge sway over Iraq's 60 percent Shiite majority, urged the new government to get "a clear Security Council resolution enabling the Iraqis to restore full sovereignty" and work hard to end Iraq's occupation.