More evidence accumulates that the tide in Iraq is indeed turning. Citizens in Ramadi, where many of the hardcore fled from Fallujah, have turned in a high—ranking al Qaeda member. Fox News reports:

Iraqi citizens turned over a high—ranking Al Qaeda member known as "the Butcher" to U.S. forces in Ramadi Friday a military statement said.
Amir Khalaf Fanus was No. 3 on the 28th Infantry Division's High Value Individual list for Ramadi, wanted for murder and kidnapping in connection with his affiliation with Al Qaeda in Iraq.

"He is the highest ranking Al Qaeda in Iraq member to be turned into Iraqi and U.S. officials by local citizens," Capt. Jeffrey S. Pool said in a statement released from Camp Blue Diamond in Ramadi. "His capture is another indication that the local citizens tire of the insurgents' presence within their community."

According to Pool, Iraqi and U.S. Forces "have witnessed increasing signs of citizens fighting the terrorists within Ramadi as the Dec. 15 National Elections draw nearer."

As J.R. Dunn reminded us this week, the "insurgency" in Iraq is failing by the test laid down by the great theoretician of people's war. Mao held that guerillas had to be the "fish" and the peasantry or common folk the "water." When the "water" stops sustaining the "fish", they die.

Hat tip: Dennis Sevakis

Thomas Lifson  12 09 05