Reuters is reporting large-scale movement amongst Iraqi Republican Guards. Apparently a column 1,000-vehicle strong is moving out of Baghdad to confront US armored forces approaching the capital.

The Iraqis apparently feel emboldened by the massive sand storms buffeting Iraq. Good. They can be easily picked off in the open. It's true that helicopters are grounded because of the weather, but ground support aircraft can still operate freely.

And even without airpower US equipment far outclasses anything the Iraqis can muster against them.

The Iraqis have hailed the sandstorms as a sign from God. If it emboldens them to abandon their best recourse (defensive urban posturing) in favor of attacks in the open desert, then the storms may end up being a very early Christmas present for the US and its troops.