REORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE INSURGENCY: Herschel Smith has observations. And read this earlier post, too, which makes an important point: “The much-heralded tribal split with al Qaeda is a positive sign in the Anbar Province, but it must be remembered that even if AQI loses in this showdown, the insurgency is not defeated.” It’s an ongoing process, as grinding down insurgencies takes time. I also wonder how much long-term progress we can make so long as Iran (and Saudi elements that aren’t quite the government, not not quite not the government) remain free to fund and supply the insurgents with near-impunity.