"Najaf Governor Asaad Abu Khalil originally implied..." Oh, I forgot to inform my readers that I have been working as a puppet governor of Najaf lately. Pay is good, and the hours are short. And let me tell you: since the surge was announced, and after the arrival of the 20,000 additional US troops, my job has gotten much easier. (thanks Kamal)
PS: This is the first time that I meet (or hear of) somebody with my name. The only other person I know with my name is my uncle: As`ad AbuKhalil, who died at an early age from alcoholism, and after whom I was named. My great grandfather was also called As`ad AbuKhalil.