There's still a lot of killing and violence in Iraq, but it may be useful to recognize successes when we have them. The number of attacks in Iraq (not just in Baghdad, but in the whole country) is now at approximately 1/3 of the peak rate experienced there (in the summer of this year). In addition to the number of attacks, the severity of the attacks has also diminished, and the number of deaths in these attacks (US forces, Iraqi forces, and civilians) is now approx 20% of what it was at the peak (again, in the summer of 2007).
There are other causes for optimism as the violence abates. Many Iraqis, once unsure of the US commitment to Iraq and unwilling to bet the lives of their families by picking sides, appear to be turning against extremists of various stripes in larger numbers. "Awakening Councils" are taking action against the radical militias. The Awakening Councils are firmly established in many former Sunni strongholds, and are now gaining ground in Shia areas.
Yep, there's lot of work to be done on the political and economic fronts in Iraq, but the improved security situation is a necessary precursor to progress there (and security progress likewise depends on continued political and economic forward movement).
The holidays are a tough time for troops stationed away from their families, especially in a combat zone. We all want them home at the earliest opportunity. Whether you believe they should never have gone, should come home next week, or should stay until a future objective is reached in Iraq, it's important to step back from the daily video clips from Baghdad to realize that the forces there have done some truly great work.
Link to the charts and numbers.
Iraq by the numbers: Graphing the decrease in violence - The Long War Journal
There are other causes for optimism as the violence abates. Many Iraqis, once unsure of the US commitment to Iraq and unwilling to bet the lives of their families by picking sides, appear to be turning against extremists of various stripes in larger numbers. "Awakening Councils" are taking action against the radical militias. The Awakening Councils are firmly established in many former Sunni strongholds, and are now gaining ground in Shia areas.
Yep, there's lot of work to be done on the political and economic fronts in Iraq, but the improved security situation is a necessary precursor to progress there (and security progress likewise depends on continued political and economic forward movement).
The holidays are a tough time for troops stationed away from their families, especially in a combat zone. We all want them home at the earliest opportunity. Whether you believe they should never have gone, should come home next week, or should stay until a future objective is reached in Iraq, it's important to step back from the daily video clips from Baghdad to realize that the forces there have done some truly great work.
Link to the charts and numbers.
Iraq by the numbers: Graphing the decrease in violence - The Long War Journal