A lot of what the military is doing there may be controversial. I expect that many - conservatives in particular - will find the idea of paying blood money for the deaths and injuries of even non-combatants too much of a concession, and letting the Iraqis police themselves too great of a risk. But on the whole, things do seem to be settling down a bit in the Fallujah area (though that can always change with one stupid move or misunderstanding on either side). I think it's great that these commanders decided that, rather than ratcheting up the violence and aggressiveness further, maybe backing off a bit would help win some cooperation. I also hope it continues to go well. If it does, maybe some of these tactics could be tried elsewhere in the country - and maybe our troops can be home sooner, and in greater numbers.