Two takes on the same story: success or failure? You decide!

US: Iraq operation meets less resistance
By BRADLEY BROOKS, Associated Press Writer
9 Jan 2008
BAGHDAD - The top U.S. commander in northern Iraq said Wednesday a nationwide operation launched against insurgents was meeting less resistance than expected, but that troops would pursue the militants until they were dead or pushed out of the country.

Hmmm... this sounds like GOOD NEWS!

But wait: here's the same basic story in NYT:

U.S. Attack in Iraq Is No Surprise to Many Insurgents
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By STEPHEN FARRELL, NYT
Published: January 9, 2008
ESAIWID, Iraq — With extraordinary secrecy, and even an information blackout aimed at most of their Iraqi Army comrades, American troops began a major offensive on Tuesday to drive Sunni insurgents from strongholds in Diyala Province. But many insurgents still managed to flee the first villages the Americans went into, showing just how difficult it is to trap the elusive militants.

Oh - we met no resistance because the bad guys knew we were coming!

Why are we still there?

Stop the madness!