Operation Lightning packs little thunder (Iraq)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8076997/

Haifa Street is an insurgent stronghold, notorious for its gun battles and kidnappings. But Thursday a platoon of Iraqi soldiers took charge as part of Operation Lightning — a litmus test for U.S.-trained Iraqis taking the fight to the insurgents.

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But from the ground, many Iraqis are asking, Where is Operation Lightning? They see only half the troops and roadblocks that were promised and a series of slow, staggered police raids, not hard military strikes.

And military sources tell NBC News that problems of coordination and timing between Iraqi security forces and U.S. troops have hindered the operation as well.

American and Iraqi commands have reportedly squabbled over who's in charge and there are questions about Iraqi troop readiness, too.

[bemildred]

1. Kick. nt