Why The Violence Has Declined In Iraq
Bill Ardolino in The Long War Journal:
As violence in Iraq has decreased significantly over the last two months, analysts attempt to identify the forces behind the trend. Some attribute the reduction to a reinvigorated US strategy of counterinsurgency and the “surge” of combat troops which commenced in February, while critics of US strategy cite the exodus of Iraqi refugees and successful sectarian partition and cleansing as primary factors.
The drop began in September, as civilian deaths (884) fell 52 percent from August and 77 percent year-over-year, while military deaths (65) fell 23 percent and 10 percent over the same periods. October’s declines made it a trend: Civilian deaths (758) dropped an additional 12 percent from the previous month and 38 percent year-over-year, while US military deaths (38) dropped 42 percent and 64 percent during the same periods.
“Is it the surge, is it just dumb luck, or are there a series of factors that all contribute towards the lessening violence in Iraq?”
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One of the local news in DC, I can’t remember which one because I’m was surfing the news for the weather at that time and what I heard put me in the “deer in the headlights” mode.
They said that the surge might not be working because the number of deaths were up from 2/07 to 10/07 compared to the numbers of 2004. Before I could open my mouth I looked at my wife and she said “Yep, that’s what they said.” Keith Olbermann is not that stupid. Just about everybody knows how fucked up he is.
November 8th, 2007 at 10:31 pmI guess that’s why they’re the local news and that’s why I watch Fox News and read News Busters and Pat Dollard.
My understanding is that this was caused by the increase in lock ups of 16-40 year old males. No charges other than being of fighting age.
How many men are in Iraqi jails? I heard about 80,000. Can’t keep em locked up forever. Bush will change their status to POW’s that will be next. Anything to make George look good.
The surge added how many to the prison population?
November 9th, 2007 at 6:37 am