The LA Times report details a profound evolution in the Iraq insurgency, particularly among its more politically and nationalist-motivated Sunni ranks. As forecast in earlier WAR Reports (notably, December 14, 2005 WAR Report), Sunni insurgents seem to be coalescing into a more complex, savvy, and formidable communal militia, insurgent force, and armed wing of the Sunni community and political blocs. Further, the Sunni insurgency seems to be shifting to the more political goal-oriented approach of the sophisticated, classic dual strategy of insurgency: politics and political violence.

Sunni insurgents seem to be operating with greater harmony and synergy with Sunni politicians?possibly by mutual design?in pursuit of the core interests and goals of the Sunni community: the ouster of foreign occupying forces and Sunni empowerment. In doing so, Sunni insurgents seem to be demonstrating a more nuanced and shrewd appreciation for the most advantageous means and avenues of achieving their goals?the instrumental ratcheting of carefully calibrated and targeted political violence and political engagement in pursuit of strategic goals. In rough terms, this strategy features the pursuit of insurgent/rebel political goals ideally energized, given traction, and lent coercive gravitas with the backing of political violence while the insurgent violence is refined in scope, viciousness, and targeting to preserve and derive degrees of legitimacy from its political activities, goals, and popular constituency.