The Silver Medal in Irony Goes to...

Full Disclosure: As'ad Abu Khalil posted this story, with the note "No wonder British people think that there is no irony in US."

While the winning ironic statement still is, in my opinion, the Vietnam-Era "We had to destroy the city in order to save it," this one comes in with a strong, second place showing. Actual Headline:

After Leveling City, U.S. Tries to Build Trust

As he navigated his Humvee through rubble-strewn streets, Lance Cpl. Sunshine Yubeta articulated a question key to the Marines' mission here.

"I wonder," said the 23-year-old from Madras, Ore., nodding toward several sullen-looking men on a corner, "if they hate us or like us."...

And, moving right along, we get:

In addition, U.S. officials hope for at least a modicum of participation from Fallouja in the Jan. 30 national election, to help bolster the credibility of the fledgling Iraqi government.

At five heavily guarded entry points to the city, military interrogators are selectively asking returning residents whether they have heard of the upcoming election and, if so, which, if any, candidates they support.

The goal, officials say, is not to influence how Iraqis vote but to gauge how well residents of politically isolated Fallouja understand the changes that have occurred in their country since Saddam Hussein's regime was toppled.

"Hey, sorry we blasted your house--and everything you own--to smithereens. So...who you gonna vote for?" Yeah, that'll really fly with the people.

Posters offer rewards for the capture of insurgent leaders, although apparently there have been few takers.

To which I say--duh. Do you think anyone in their right mind would get involved in this?

Leveling a place isn't exactly the best way to begin "building trust." If you don't believe me, try taking a wrecking ball to your neighbor's house and see what happens.