So what are we to take away from the numbers and the controversy over them? Regardless of the accuracy of the Lancet report, the situation in Baghdad is indeed deteriorating and we can expect it to until after our elections in November. Few rational heads would fail to believe that the Iranians are doing everything possible to push the elections toward the Democrats who are likely to be softer on terrorism and the iranian's intentions to turn Washington into the western headquarters of an Islamic caliphate. If the Democrats succeed in capturing both the House and the Senate, Iran's dreams will be closer to becoming a reality. We can expect more of the same, for a while, and unless we become aggressively determined to do more than "stay the course" and instead, begin kicking real ass, including hitting Iran and Syria wherever and whenever we have to in order to stop their intervention in Iraq, it may continue to get worse after the elections.

We need to keep in mind that irregardless of what is now going on in Iraq, if we fail to stay, fight, and win, and win big and hard, Iran and the rest of the Islamists will end up right here in the streets, malls, hospitals and schools of America, and America could well become another Baghdad. This is one we have no choice but to win.

Related: (Via Hot Air) - the ammo dump fire yesterday in Baghdad was caused by a jihadi attack, and the jihadists are warning Iraqis to prepare for "the big battle of Baghdad."