On the one hand, on the other hand in Iraq

On the one hand, Muqtada al-Sadr did extend his cease-fire by six months. That will save American lives, so it comes as a great relief, for the near future.

On the other hand, a foreign country has invaded Iraq. Which is, you know, another hand.

Turkish soldiers crossed into northern Iraq in their first major incursion in 11 years, stepping up an assault against Kurdish militants after two months of air strikes.

The troops moved in late yesterday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters in Ankara without saying how many soldiers were involved. Istanbul-based NTV television said that 10,000 Turkish soldiers pushed 10 kilometers (6 miles) into Iraq. CNN-Turk later said the attack involved a Turkish force of 3,000.

The US was informed of this, and is claiming that the Turks will take great care to only target PKK separatist rebels. Of course, our military isn't all that good at limiting collateral damage, I hasten to think how the Turks are at it.

This could end very badly.