Strong Signs that Iraqi Government is Collapsing

3:51 A.M. my time: Fox News is reporting special ops forces have been in Command and Control buildings inside southern Baghdad and advance units of allied forces are now at the edge of Baghdad International Airport.

The opposition from the Republican Guard units on the southern approaches to Baghdad has also been much less than expected. CENTCOM had previously reported the advance units were six miles south of Baghdad.

While forces advancing on Baghdad from at least four fronts have been taking fire, the opposition is usually relatively light and scattered. With overwhelming air superiority significant pockets of strong opposition are quickly defeated.

If special operations and Rangers are operating inside Baghdad and the Republican Guards are collapsing the end of the "war" phase is very near. The "occupation" phase will still involve U.S. casualties.