We have passed a landmark in Iraq. Over 200 soldiers have died in the war since it began March 20. At least 63 American soldiers have died in Iraq since major combat was declared over May 1. Do not think that the war is over just because George Bush declared major combat over. U.S. forces kicked off operation Sidewinder Sunday, raiding more than 20 towns across a wide swath of Iraq and netting at least 60 suspects in a show of air and infantry power designed to crush resistance and stem a wave of deadly attacks on American troops. But I guess it wasn't 'major combat.'

Are the anti-American forces organized? Insurgents have stepped up their attacks against U.S. troops in recent days, but U.S. officials have said repeatedly that there is no centralized Iraqi resistance to American rule. Commanders on the ground suggest some organization. A substantial amount of the damage to Iraq's services is the result of organized elements out to undermine allied administration of Iraq. Much of the organization seems to be centered in the Sunni areas most loyal to the Baathists and Saddam Hussein. This brings up the question of whether Saddam is still alive and coordinating attacks on Americans.

Allied officials say they recently obtained a document prepared by the Iraqi Intelligence Service calling for a sabotage campaign in case of Saddam Hussein's defeat. The plan outlines 11 steps to spread chaos in Iraq to discredit the occupiers, including looting and burning government offices, sabotaging power plants, cutting communication lines and attacking water purification plants. More in this article in the New York Times.