The violence in Iraq between Shiites and Sunnis continues following the bombing of the Samarra Golden Mosque yesterday. We certainly appear to be at a tipping point in Iraq’s future: the country has a choice of allowing itself to be torn apart in sectarian violence or choosing strength and unity in the face of aggression by Al-Qaida insurgents trying to incite civil war there. Belmont Club and Bill Roggio (thanks, HH) are recommended essential reads as events continue to unfold there.

I woke up this morning, as I always do, to the classical music station here in Phoenix. They always have news from NPR at the top of every hour, so I get to hear the news from an obviously liberal biased perspective every day, which is fine – no problem there. Usually, I just sigh and move on, knowing the source, but today’s reporting on the Iraq situation I found both infuriating and irresponsible, even by NPR standards.

Now, there is no one (outside of those Iraqis whose political motivations are advanced by any Sunni-Shiite conflict), not even the most ardent anti-Iraq war or Bush-hater, who would argue that yesterday’s attack was anything but the work of Zarqawi and/or Al-Qaida operatives attempting to ignite civil war between the Sunnis and Shiites. But do we hear that from NPR? Not a peep! Instead, what the correspondent focused on (in fact, it was the bulk of the story) was Iran’s president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accusing the US and Israel of the attacks (!); there was no mention whatsoever of the possible involvement by Al-Qaida. Oversight? Deliberate? You be the judge.

I’m sorry, but when NPR replaces responsible journalism with being a shill and mouthpiece for a dangerous wacko like the president of Iran, they lose any and all credibility in my mind. Congratulations, NPR – you now officially occupy the same turf as Cindy Sheehan, the ACLU, and Air America. Welcome to the land of the tinfoil hat-wearing raving moonbats.