Iraqi Jihad Update from [1] AP, with thanks to Arjun:

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Bombings and shootings killed more than 70 people in Iraq on Tuesday as U.S. forces geared up for a new attempt to wrest control of Baghdad from Shi'ite militia, Sunni insurgents, gangs, rogue police and other gunmen.

U.S. officials have described the campaign as a must-win for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose government has been unable to curb the violence.

For the effort, at least 3,700 U.S. soldiers are being moved from Mosul to Baghdad. Troops will work alongside Iraqi forces.

As part of the campaign, U.S. troops Tuesday arrested Sheikh Ahmed al-Ashmani, a representative of radical Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr -- whose Mahdi Army is among the most feared armed groups.