Via the BBC: Iraq violent death rates ‘plunge’
In September, 884 civilians were killed by violence, less than half the figure for August, the government said.
[…]
There were 62 US military fatalities - the fewest in a single month since July 2024.
The troop surge and accompanying security crackdown is designed to give Iraq’s politicians breathing space to achieve reconciliation between the country’s rival factions.
Good news, yes, but still hardly stellar. It is a testament to the situation that only 884 civilians were killed by violence this past month is considered good news.
In regards to political progress:
However, our correspondent says, the political situation remains deadlocked and there are fears that when the extra troops are withdrawn the violence will escalate again.Sphere: Related Content
“It is a testament to the situation that only 884 civilians were killed by violence this past month is considered good news.”
Well put. It’s so nice to hear some good news (even if it’s only good in a relative sense), but sadness isn’t eliminated.
Comment by Micah Tillman — Monday, October 1, 2024 @ 9:14 am
It should also be pointed out Dr. Taylor, that the holy month of Ramadan has just ended.
Remember how ‘large’ the Al Qaeda threat is supposed to be in Iraq, and therefore we must stay to fight them?
And how U.S. ’sources’ earlier reported that Al-Qaeda planned on increasing the violence during Ramadan?
But, instead, the violence decreased - by a whopping 40%.
Doesn’t appear as if the US report was accurate- at all.
And that the ‘Al-Qaeda plan’ of violence worked about as great as ‘Bush’s plan’ for success.
Hmmm.
Oh, and about that shining beacon of hope Bush and Petreus call ‘Anbar’?
5 more of our solders just died -all in Anbar.
Comment by hazmaq — Monday, October 1, 2024 @ 12:21 pm