I'm Sure Howard Dean Is Very Suspicious About The Timing

Once again, the Bush Administration has released news clearly timed to undermine the Kerry campaign. This time, it's about a huge victory of a fat rebel cleric in Iraq.

More than 1,200 militiamen loyal to radical Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr surrendered following fierce clashes with US and Iraqi forces in Najaf, the police general directorate said.

"Over 1,200 criminals have surrendered to Iraqi forces," it said in a statement, adding that the holy city of Najaf had been "secured."