THE AP JUMPS THE SHARK

In an article about the continuing presence of U.S. troops in Iraq, the AP writes in a greatly exaggerated fashion about what's at stake. This seems to play into the hands of the wingnuts and neo-cons who are always warning of dire consequences if we leave Iraq.

Battle shapes up over future of US role in Iraq
Jun 21, 3:25 PM (ET)
By ROBERT H. REID

BAGHDAD (AP) - The decisive battle of the Iraq war is shaping up - not in the streets of Baghdad but in the halls of government where the future of America's role across the region is on the line.

The stakes in the talks are enormous.

The outcome will shape not just Iraq for years to come - but, more important, America's strategic position all across the oil-rich Persian Gulf at a time when Iran's influence is growing.