US Papers Wednesday: `Ashura Casualties

The anti-Iran drumbeat continues to sound as US officials involved in Iraqi affairs ramped up their allegations of Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs. As one Times reporter put it, “The debate about Iraq is increasingly becoming a debate about Iran.” The major papers also report on violence marring the observance of `Ashura, and the two big dailies run articles on Republican efforts to counter the bipartisan anti-escalation challenge. A few more details have trickled out regarding Sunday’s fighting near Najaf.