Iraqi Security Forces have taken over control of An Najaf, a one-time terrorist stronghold, according to U.S. Central Command:

FOB DUKE, Iraq �Approximately three months after decisive combat operations ended in Najaf, the 11th MEU commander declared today that Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) have formally assumed local control of An Najaf province.

Since fighting ended Aug. 28, no major incidents have occurred despite reduced MEU security operations in the city and the Ramadan holiday.

With little to no MEU oversight, Najaf's ISF have demonstrated their ability to respond and take control of threats to the province's stability, as well as plan, direct and conduct limited security operations. Iraqi police and national guardsmen have conducted several successful raids using intelligence compiled on their own, netting several insurgents and criminals. Iraqi border enforcement officials continue to effectively work the borders, stopping several illegal crossings and narcotics trafficking.

If it takes twice that time to hand Fallujah over to Iraqi security forces, the Sunni Triangle will be back in Iraqi hands by May.

Perhaps the less politically risky choice would have been to add 5,000 Marines to An Najaf for security patrols in August. By staying the course, committing to turn the province over to Iraqi control as quickly as possible, An Najaf now needs no U.S. forces to maintain order.

Here's the impression Dexter Wilkins of The New York Times left readers in a story he wrote for Aug. 29 (now available only via paid download):

''Can't you see?'' an Iraqi man in Najaf called to American reporter. The man stood over his dead animal and ice cart. ''Can't you see? My donkey was shot by a sniper.''

And with that, the Iraqi man began to tug and pull on his cart and his dead animal under the noonday sun.

About an hour later, when the reporter returned to the spot, a man -- possibly the same one, possibly not -- lay face down in the road, near the donkey, shot by a sniper.

And that was written after U.S. troops took the province back from al Sadr's killers. Since then, it appears that the U.S. has worked with the religious leader, Ayatollah Sistani, and the Iraqis to - once and for all - to give An Najaf back.

Meanwhile, today's Times has not a word about the transition of the province to complete Iraqi control. Perhaps when Times' readers turn to the paper tomorrow, they might be able to read about the victory at An Najaf.

Possibly. Possibly not.