This is what Robert Alt sent me from Baghdad at 3:51 NY time: “In a surprise move, Ambassador Bremer handed over sovereignty to the Iraqi people this morning. I was in the press room when it occurred; the journalists present and the press desk itself were informed with a phone call. Here is a short Fox News blurb. Inevitably, this early transition was designed to short circuit any terrorist plans to disrupt the actual handover. It also steals much of the thunder for attacks in the next couple of days. (Remember that Zarqawi stated that the terrorist should use what he called the pretext of US occupation to justify the terror attacks, which should be increased prior to the handover.) All-in-all, a clever move by Bremer and the CPA.”

Stay tuned to NRO for more today and in coming days…