Liberation makes for good PR

This was the picture of the day from yesterday. American media were quick to seize on the statue's fall as the indelible image of liberation. But, as Steve Johnson, television critic for the Chicago Tribune, emphasized, "Few of the American news outlets emphasized how small the crowd of Iraqis around the statue really was."

So, what do you see? Throngs of liberated Iraqis or just good PR?

Update: Atrios throws some cold water on the triumphant moment. Of particular note, the flag the Americans initially draped over the statue was the one that flew over the Pentagon on 9/11. Real subtle, guys.