Winning hearts and minds.

U.S. Raids Baghdad Slum; 26 Iraqis Die

By HAMID AHMED
Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD (AP) -- American soldiers rolled into Baghdad's Shiite Sadr City slum on Saturday in search of Iranian-linked militants and as many as 26 Iraqis were killed in what a U.S. officer described as "an intense firefight."

But residents, police and hospital officials said eight civilians were killed in their homes and angrily accused U.S. forces of firing blindly on the innocent. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki condemned the raids and demanded an explanation for the assault into a district where he has barred U.S. operations in the past.

and

30 Afghan Civilians Said Killed in Clash

By NOOR KHAN
Associated Press Writer

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- U.S.-led airstrikes targeting Taliban militants who had attacked NATO forces slammed into civilian homes in southern Afghanistan, killing or wounding at least 30 people including women and children, a local official said Saturday.

Villagers reported casualty tolls close to 100, but government officials could not confirm that number.

And this.

CBS Poll: 2 Out of 3 Want Troops Home from Iraq

By E&P Staff
Published: June 30, 2007 10:45 AM ET

NEW YORK A new CBS polls reveals that despite the "surge" in Iraq, more Americans than ever are calling for a U.S. pullout. Two out of three want troops withdrawn now, including 40% who want all troops removed -- a 7% increase since just April.

But wait!! One heart & mind has been won!!!

Bush Defends Military Buildup in Iraq

By DEB RIECHMANN
Associated Press Writer
Published June 30, 2007, 9:14 AM CDT

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine -- President Bush, who faces mounting congressional pressure to end the war, called Saturday for patience as U.S. forces conduct stepped-up operations in Iraq.

"We're still at the beginning of this offensive, but we're seeing some hopeful signs," Bush said in his weekly radio address, in which he likened U.S. troops deployed around the globe to the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Hopeful signs.