Cynical Nation

This is a pleasant surprise. I'd been expecting cries of "quagmire!" and "Jenin-style massacre!" Those may yet surface, but for now, the tone is positive.

U.S. and Iraqi forces have faced less resistance than expected and suffered minimal casualties, a commander said Tuesday, as the troops continue their second day of assaults on militant-controlled Falluja.

Soldiers pushing through the outskirts of Falluja dodged sniper fire and destroyed booby traps, but not as many as anticipated.

There has been less organized resistance than expected so far, said Lt. Col. Pete Newell with Task Force 22 of the 1st Infantry Division.