Helmand: Let's hope it stays up

The Afghan government's banner:

Afghan government raises its flag in Marja
A new administration is installed in the southern Afghanistan town. But even as the ceremony is underway, Marines and militants do battle and troops continue searching for buried bombs.

Helmand's governor Gulab Mangal, right, raises the Afghan national flag with a military official in Marja, Helmand province south of Kabul. (Abdul Khaleq / Associated Press / February 25, 2010)...

More here from the Wall St. Journal. Plus:

Afghan army improving, not ready to go it alone

Earlier:

Operation Moshtarak, and ANA problems/ANP Update