Hide the Chalabi

Actual commanders on the ground in Iraq want some way to bring former officials of Saddam's regime, civilian and military, into the fold. They say the blanket ban on high-level Ba'athists serving in the new government is a grave mistake.

But Rummy's man in Iraq, Ahmed Chalabi, is utterly opposed to bringing competent, non-criminals into the new Iraqi government. Imagine the precedent that would set.

Meanwhile, a member of the Chalabi clan will head up the prosecution of Saddam and other Ba'athist bad guys. Small world, huh?

I'm starting to think the nastiest fighting of the war will soon erupt and it will be between top U.S. ground commanders and the Pentagon's civilian circle-jerk.