Is Patrick Cockburn repeating US and Iraqi Government's propaganda?

Today’s question is: Is Patrick Cockburn repeating US and Iraqi Government's propaganda?

"The Iraqi government is increasingly confident that it has the upper-hand over its enemies in both the Shia and Sunni communities. It launched a further operation, called "the Roar of the Lion", against al-Qa'ida in the northern city of Mosul on Saturday, deploying 15,000 troops to seal off the city, and yesterday banned all vehicles from the streets." - Patrick Cockburn, The Independent, 13 May 2008

“Mosul looks like a city of the dead. American and Iraqi troops have launched an attack aimed at crushing the last bastion of al Qaida in Iraq and in doing so have turned the country's northern capital into a ghost town.” - Patrick Cockburn, CounterPunch, May 19, 2008

Cockburn takes for granted that the so-called Mosul operation is "against al-Qa'ida". No question there? No skepticism?

If you’re interested in the topic, you may read the following articles and make up your own mind.

Iraq: Mass detentions in Mosul as troops move into Sadr City
James Cogan,WSWS

Sunni resistance calls for closing ranks against the Mosul campaign
badger, Arablinks

Heavy fight started in Mosul
Roads to Iraq

Mosul operation enters fourth day
Aljazeera.net

Latest news (with an update)
Arablinks

Mosul curfew: Residents speak out their fears
Voices of Iraq

Mosul Offensive Catches Residents Off Guard; Turks Bomb N. Iraq; New Bloc in Parliament?
Juan Cole, Informed Comment