Ok, call me stupid, but let me ask a question here. Al-Qaeda are basically Sunni, correct? So a Sunni states that the Shiites and Iran are plotting genocide against the Sunnis, and we launch an attack on al-Qaeda, which for the most part, is Sunni. Right? And then try and tie it all together with Iran. Notice how they keep saying “ALLEGED” when speaking of Iranian backed militant groups. And don’t ya just love the latest lingo…..AQI. I think Snow or someone used that one a few weeks ago and they’ve been throwing it out there every chance they get since they came up with it. I wonder how many American lives this offensive will cost us.

US troops in Iraq launched a major assault against Al-Qaeda-linked militants and alleged Iranian-aided extremist groups on Monday as a Sunni leader accused Iran of plotting genocide against his people.

Operation Phantom Strike, the military announced, was being waged nationwide to disrupt Shiite extremist networks and insurgents affiliated to Al-Qaeda, which the Americans blame for most of the violence besieging the country.

“It consists of simultaneous operations throughout Iraq focused on pursuing remaining AQI (Al-Qaeda in Iraq) terrorists and Iranian’supported extremist elements,” the military said.

“My intent is to continue to pressure AQI and other extremist elements throughout Iraq to reduce their capabilities,” said Lieutenant General Ray Odierno, the number two commander of US forces in Iraq.