Thursday - December 06, 2007

Petraeus on Violence in Iraq

You would think a rational Democrat would embrace the news that violence in Iraq has been reduced by 60%, wouldn't you?

Then again, when you, as part of your political philosophy, eschew physical force and view the U.S. as the source of evil in the world, this is nothing but bad news.

Citing a 60 percent decline in violence in Iraq over the last six months, Gen. David Petraeus said Thursday that maintaining security is easier than establishing it and gives him more flexibility in deploying forces.

Armed with charts showing that as of Wednesday, weekly attacks and Iraqi civilian deaths have plunged to levels not seen here since early 2006, Petraeus said the reduction lets him make force adjustments to address remaining problem areas, which would include northern Iraq.

Speaking to reporters at the U.S. military's Camp Victory, he said the improved security is due to a number of factors including a "a reduction in some of the signature attacks that are associated with weapons provided by Iran," as well as a cease-fire called by radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr that he said had a particularly noticeable impact what had been one of the most violent areas of Baghdad. read more....

Author: The Machiavellian
Technorati Tags: Iraq
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