Sunday, October 14, 2007
You Know You're an Idiot
If you're a Democrat and the Washington Post says you were "simply--wrong." Which is just what the Post said about Hillary Clinton and the other legislators who called into question Gen. Petraeus's credibility and figures last month. As I've said, mere troop casualty numbers don't tell you whether the troops are having success or failing. But this bit is a good detail:
During the first 12 days of October the death rates of Iraqis and Americans fell still further. So far during the Muslim month of Ramadan, which began Sept. 13 and ends this weekend, 36 U.S. soldiers have been reported as killed in hostile actions. That is remarkable given that the surge has deployed more American troops in more dangerous places and that in the past al-Qaeda has staged major offensives during Ramadan. Last year, at least 97 American troops died in combat during Ramadan. Al-Qaeda tried to step up attacks this year, U.S. commanders say -- so far, with stunningly little success.
The evidence of a drop in violence in Iraq is becoming hard to dispute. Indeed. But who would want to?
During the first 12 days of October the death rates of Iraqis and Americans fell still further. So far during the Muslim month of Ramadan, which began Sept. 13 and ends this weekend, 36 U.S. soldiers have been reported as killed in hostile actions. That is remarkable given that the surge has deployed more American troops in more dangerous places and that in the past al-Qaeda has staged major offensives during Ramadan. Last year, at least 97 American troops died in combat during Ramadan. Al-Qaeda tried to step up attacks this year, U.S. commanders say -- so far, with stunningly little success.
The evidence of a drop in violence in Iraq is becoming hard to dispute. Indeed. But who would want to?
Labels: Iraq Successes
# posted by Roger Fraley @ 2:55 PM 
