Photo: AP/L.A. Times, Luis Sinco

Bringing democracy to Iraq...

A Marine reservist back from Iraq has been accused of the attempted murder of three teens on the 4th of July. Apparently, the Aurora, Ill, shooting may be gang-related.

So far, there's nothing particularly surprising in that story. Tragically, Americans should brace themselves for a crime wave-to-be upon the return of the Iraq War's emotionally battle-scarred veterans.

The shocker is the final graf of the story:

Graffiti referencing Chicago-area gangs is increasingly being found in Iraq, according to recent reports in the Chicago Sun-Times. The spray-painted gang art has shown up on everything from armored vehicles to concrete barriers and bathroom stalls, and some fear it may indicate an increase in gang activity in the military.

Wow. We’ve exported our gang wars to the Middle East. Is this what Bush meant when he said we have to fight them over there so we don't fight them over here? (Or something to that effect.)

Complete AP wire story here.