Iraqis Capture Al Qaeda In Iraq Leader in Fallujah

This is sounding like a pretty big catch in Fallujah - a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq leader who may have been ultimately in charge of over 200 al Qaeda in Iraq jihadists.

Here's the full report from MultiNational Forces:

ISOF detain suspected AQI leader

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in Fallujah July 15.
The suspect, detained on a Ministry of Justice warrant, is reportedly in charge of three AQI emirs overseeing approximately 200 terrorists. He is also accused of smuggling and storing chemicals and mortars used in attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces, and is said to order the emplacement of improvised explosive devices. “The detainment of this suspected terrorist continues to degrade AQI leadership in the area, and disrupt the cell’s ability to operate effectively and conduct attacks against the Iraqi and Coalition forces,” said Lt. Col. Neil Harper, a spokesperson for Multi-National Corps – Iraq. “This operation demonstrated the Iraqi Security Forces’ ability to work unilaterally to plan, prepare and execute this warrant.”

You'll notice how the MNF is playing up the fact that the Iraqis conducted this operation on their own - I'm not doubting that, but it does point out how U.S. commanders are continuing their lauding efforts of showcasing the progress of the Iraqi Army and special forces.

Which leads me to some of the criticism coming out of Washington Democrats about a year to a year and a half ago that the Iraqis were "never" going to get into a position of being trained and capable of handling their own military operations. I remember Senator Joe Biden spouting off daily about how far behind the Iraqi Army was while the Administration said they were indeed making progress. Well, after watching how the Iraqis handled operations in Basra, in Sadr City and then Mosul, is there any doubt that the Army of Iraq has come a LONG way?

I don't know, maybe I've missed it but I haven't seen Senator Biden spouting off lately about this. Have you?