Gung-ho plans to attack Najaf come under fire from Poles on the ground

In their opinion, entering Najaff would be a catastrophe, as it would alienate the Shiite community. Instead, the Poles want to pursue negotiations with al Sadr. General Mieczysław Bieniek, head of the Multinational Division, emphasized that the division's aim is supposedly to stabilize the situation in Iraq and thus it should not take part in offensive operations that could lead to a further escalation of tensions and yet more bloodshed. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 1) A.F.