A surge of their own: Iraqis take back the streets

Citizen patrols and neighborhood watch groups are on the increase in Iraq. The groups are dominated by Sunnis, but more Shia are now joining.

Guardian Unlimited:

There are now an estimated 72,000 members in some 300 groups set up in 12 of Iraq's 18 provinces, and the numbers are growing. They are funded, but supposedly not armed, by the US military. "It is Iraq's own surge," said a western diplomat, "and it is certainly making a difference."

Iraq Pundit has more. Hat tip: Instapundit.